Hiroshima

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Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Sections

Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Options in Hiroshima

1. Dedicated Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

These establishments cater specifically to vegetarian and vegan diets, ensuring no animal products are used.

a. Nagataya (Vegan-Friendly Okonomiyaki)

  • Cuisine: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake).
  • Details: Nagataya is famous for its customizable okonomiyaki. They offer a vegan version made without eggs, meat, or fish-based dashi. Be sure to specify your dietary needs when ordering.
  • Cost: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ1,500 per person.
  • Location: Near the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
  • Nearby Attractions: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome.

b. Shanti Vegan Cafรฉ

  • Cuisine: 100% vegan menu with a mix of Japanese and international dishes.
  • Details: This cozy cafรฉ offers vegan curries, burgers, and desserts. They also use organic ingredients whenever possible.
  • Cost: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ1,500 per person.
  • Location: Near Hondori Shopping Street.
  • Nearby Attractions: Hondori Street, Hiroshima Castle.

c. Otis! (Vegetarian-Friendly Cafรฉ)

  • Cuisine: Western-style vegetarian and vegan dishes.
  • Details: A quirky cafรฉ with a relaxed vibe, Otis! serves vegetarian burritos, salads, and vegan desserts. They also host live music events.
  • Cost: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000 per person.
  • Location: Near Peace Boulevard.
  • Nearby Attractions: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Motoyasu River.

2. Restaurants with Vegetarian/Vegan Options

These are not exclusively vegetarian or vegan but offer suitable menu items.

a. Okonomimura

  • Cuisine: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
  • Details: A multi-floor food complex with several okonomiyaki stalls. Some stalls offer vegetarian and vegan options. Confirm with the chef to avoid fish-based dashi or bonito flakes.
  • Cost: ยฅ800โ€“ยฅ1,500 per person.
  • Location: Downtown Hiroshima.
  • Nearby Attractions: Hondori Shopping Street, Hiroshima Museum of Art.

b. Roopali Indian Restaurant

  • Cuisine: Indian.
  • Details: Roopali offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan curries, naan, and rice dishes. Indian cuisine is a great option for plant-based eaters in Japan.
  • Cost: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000 per person.
  • Location: Near Hiroshima Station.
  • Nearby Attractions: Hiroshima Station area, Shukkeien Garden.

c. Hiroshima Station Food Court

  • Cuisine: Various.
  • Details: The food court at Hiroshima Station has several stalls offering vegetarian-friendly options, such as vegetable tempura, udon, and rice bowls. Look for dishes labeled "yasai" (vegetable) and confirm ingredients.
  • Cost: ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,200 per person.
  • Location: Hiroshima Station.
  • Nearby Attractions: Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima Castle.

3. Cafรฉs and Bakeries

For lighter meals, snacks, or desserts, Hiroshima has several cafรฉs and bakeries with vegetarian and vegan options.

a. Cafรฉ Slow

  • Cuisine: Vegan and organic.
  • Details: A peaceful cafรฉ offering vegan lunch sets, smoothies, and desserts. They focus on sustainability and local ingredients.
  • Cost: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ1,500 per person.
  • Location: Near Yokogawa Station.
  • Nearby Attractions: Yokogawa area, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (short tram ride).

b. Andersen Hiroshima

  • Cuisine: Bakery and cafรฉ.
  • Details: A European-style bakery with vegetarian-friendly bread and pastries. Vegan options are limited but available (e.g., bread without butter or milk).
  • Cost: ยฅ300โ€“ยฅ1,000 per person.
  • Location: Hondori Shopping Street.
  • Nearby Attractions: Hondori Street, Hiroshima Castle.

Cultural and Practical Considerations

  1. Common Ingredients to Watch For:

    • Dashi: A fish-based stock commonly used in soups, sauces, and dressings.
    • Bonito Flakes (Katsuobushi): Often sprinkled on dishes like okonomiyaki or takoyaki.
    • Mayonnaise: Frequently used as a topping in Japanese cuisine, often containing egg.
    • Eggs and Dairy: Found in many baked goods, desserts, and sauces.

    When dining, itโ€™s helpful to learn a few key Japanese phrases to communicate your dietary needs:

    • "Watashi wa bejitarian desu" (็งใฏใƒ™ใ‚ธใ‚ฟใƒชใ‚ขใƒณใงใ™) โ€“ I am a vegetarian.
    • "Watashi wa bฤซgan desu" (็งใฏใƒดใ‚ฃใƒผใ‚ฌใƒณใงใ™) โ€“ I am a vegan.
    • "Niku, sakana, tamago, nyลซseihin wa taberaremasen" (่‚‰ใ€้ญšใ€ๅตใ€ไนณ่ฃฝๅ“ใฏ้ฃŸในใ‚‰ใ‚Œใพใ›ใ‚“) โ€“ I cannot eat meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products.

  2. Cost Considerations:

    • Vegetarian and vegan meals in Hiroshima are generally affordable, with most dishes ranging from ยฅ800 to ยฅ2,000.
    • Budget travelers can find plant-based options at convenience stores (e.g., onigiri with umeboshi or kombu filling, salads, or soy milk).

  3. Accessibility:

    • Hiroshimaโ€™s public transportation system (trams, buses, and trains) makes it easy to reach most dining spots.
    • Many restaurants and cafรฉs are located near major attractions, making it convenient to plan meals around sightseeing.

Nearby Attractions and Dining Pairings

  1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park:

    • Dining: Nagataya or Shanti Vegan Cafรฉ.
    • Attractions: Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum, Childrenโ€™s Peace Monument.

  2. Hondori Shopping Street:

    • Dining: Shanti Vegan Cafรฉ, Andersen Hiroshima.
    • Attractions: Shopping, Hiroshima Museum of Art, Hiroshima Castle.

  3. Miyajima Island (Day Trip):

    • Dining: Miyajima has limited vegan options, but you can find grilled corn, vegan-friendly rice crackers, and momiji manju (maple-leaf-shaped sweet cakes with red bean filling).
    • Attractions: Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen.

Hiroshima is a welcoming city for vegetarian and vegan travelers, with a growing number of options to suit plant-based diets. By planning ahead and using the tips above, you can enjoy the cityโ€™s culinary offerings while exploring its historical and cultural landmarks.