HOW TO ASK FOR PLANT-BASED OPTIONS IN JAPAN
Travelling to Japan and want to stick to your plant-based lifestyle? Sometimes it can be tricky to find vegan or plant-based options in Japanese restaurants, but don’t worry! With a few simple phrases, you’ll be able to communicate clearly, politely, and enjoy your meals with confidence.
Below are some useful sentences you can use when dining out, shopping or ordering food during your trip.
1. Do you have any plant-based dishes?
植物の料理はありますか？
Shokubutsu no ryōri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any plant-based dishes?
This phrase is polite and straightforward. It’s perfect for asking at cafés, izakayas, or even convenience stores. The word shokubutsu (植物) means “plant,” and ryōri (料理) means “cooking” or “dish.”
2. I don’t eat meat or fish
肉と魚は食べません
Niku to sakana wa tabemasen
I don’t eat meat or fish
If you want to be more specific, here are some other useful phrases:
卵は食べません
Tamago wa tabemasen
I don’t eat eggs
牛乳は飲みません
Gyūnyū wa nomimasen
I don’t drink milk
These help clarify exactly what you avoid eating or drinking.
3. I’m vegan
ヴィーガンです
Bīgan desu
I’m vegan
This borrowed word is increasingly recognised in Japan, but not everyone may understand it fully.
It’s a good idea to use it along with the phrases above to make your dietary needs clearer.
4. Does this contain meat or fish?
これは肉や魚が入っていますか？
Kore wa niku ya sakana ga haitteimasu ka?
Does this contain meat or fish?
This question is super handy when ordering dishes that may seem vegetarian but sometimes include hidden animal ingredients. You can also ask:
だしは使っていますか？
Dashi wa tsukatteimasu ka?
Does it have fish broth?
Dashi, a common Japanese stock, often contains fish, so it’s good to check.
5. Polite way to say what you want
植物のものだけを食べたいです
Shokubutsu no mono dake o tabetai desu
I’d like to eat only plant-based things
Use this phrase to clearly state your preference when ordering or asking for assistance.
Everything here at Izakaya Midori is already 100% plant-based. So if you’ve been practising these phrases, feel free to relax and simply say:
おすすめはなんですか？
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
What do you recommend?
We’ll take care of the rest with genuine warmth and care, serving authentic plant-based Japanese flavours made just for you.
Save this guide!
Planning a trip to Japan? Bookmark this page or share it with someone whose flights are booked.
It’ll come in handy when dining out abroad!
Final note:
Japan’s food culture is incredible but can be a little complex when it comes to plant-based dining.
Using these phrases shows respect and makes your experience smoother, while helping local staff assist you better.
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