Sendai

1. Overview of Vegetarian and Vegan Dining in Sendai

• Cultural Context: Japanese cuisine traditionally includes a lot of fish-based ingredients, even in dishes that may appear vegetarian (e.g., dashi, a soup stock made from bonito flakes, is commonly used in soups, sauces, and dressings). It’s important to clarify your dietary needs when ordering.
• Language Tip: Learn a few key phrases to communicate your dietary restrictions. For example:
  • Vegetarian: "Watashi wa bejitarian desu" (私はベジタリアンです).
  • Vegan: "Watashi wa bīgan desu" (私はヴィーガンです).
  • No meat, fish, or animal products: "Niku, sakana, dōnyū seihin wa taberaremasen" (肉、魚、動乳製品は食べられません).
• Dietary Symbols: Some restaurants may use symbols or English menus to indicate vegetarian or vegan options, but this is not widespread in Sendai.

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2. Recommended Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Sendai

a. Veggie-friendly Cafes and Restaurants

1. Abe no Honten (阿部の本店)

   • Type: Japanese-style vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant.
   • Location: Near Sendai Station.
   • Menu Highlights: Offers a variety of plant-based dishes, including vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, and miso soup made without fish-based dashi.
   • Cost: ¥1,000–¥2,000 per meal.
   • Dietary Notes: While not fully vegan, they are accommodating if you specify your needs.

2. Café Jujiya (カフェ十字屋)

   • Type: Vegan-friendly café.
   • Location: A short walk from Kotodai-Koen Station.
   • Menu Highlights: Vegan curry, salads, and desserts like soy-based ice cream.
   • Cost: ¥800–¥1,500 per meal.
   • Atmosphere: Cozy and welcoming, with a focus on healthy eating.

3. Kibou (希望)

   • Type: Vegan restaurant.
   • Location: Near Sendai Mediatheque.
   • Menu Highlights: Vegan ramen, rice bowls, and seasonal vegetable dishes.
   • Cost: ¥1,200–¥2,000 per meal.
   • Dietary Notes: Fully vegan, so you don’t need to worry about hidden animal products.

b. International Cuisine with Vegan Options

1. T’s Tantan (T’sたんたん)

   • Type: Vegan ramen chain.
   • Location: Inside Sendai Station (Ekiben area).
   • Menu Highlights: Spicy vegan ramen, miso ramen, and soy-based "meat" dishes.
   • Cost: ¥900–¥1,200 per bowl.
   • Dietary Notes: Fully vegan and very popular among locals and travelers.

2. Zuihoden Café

   • Type: Café with vegetarian and vegan options.
   • Location: Near Zuihoden Mausoleum.
   • Menu Highlights: Vegan sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.
   • Cost: ¥1,000–¥1,500 per meal.
   • Atmosphere: A peaceful spot to relax after sightseeing.

c. Specialty Vegan Bakeries

1. Hananoki Café (花の木カフェ)
   • Type: Vegan bakery and café.
   • Location: A short bus ride from Sendai Station.
   • Menu Highlights: Vegan bread, pastries, and light meals like sandwiches and soups.
   • Cost: ¥500–¥1,000 for baked goods.
   • Dietary Notes: Fully vegan, with gluten-free options available.

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3. Typical Costs for Vegetarian/Vegan Dining

• Casual Cafes: ¥800–¥1,500 per meal.
• Mid-range Restaurants: ¥1,200–¥2,500 per meal.
• Specialty Vegan Restaurants: ¥1,000–¥2,000 per meal.
• Snacks and Desserts: ¥300–¥800.

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4. Grocery Stores and Markets for Vegetarians/Vegans

If you prefer to prepare your own meals or need snacks, here are some options:

• Aeon Supermarkets: Large chain stores with a selection of fresh produce, tofu, soy milk, and imported vegan products.
• Kaldi Coffee Farm: A specialty store with international vegan-friendly items like plant-based milks, pasta, and sauces.
• Sendai Asaichi Morning Market: A local market near Sendai Station where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and local specialties.

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5. Cultural Considerations for Vegetarians and Vegans

• Hidden Ingredients: Be cautious of fish-based dashi, which is commonly used in soups, sauces, and even rice dishes. Always ask if the dish contains "dashi" or "katsuobushi" (bonito flakes).
• Shojin Ryori: This is traditional Buddhist temple cuisine, which is entirely plant-based. While not common in Sendai, some temples or specialty restaurants may offer this style of dining.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonal ingredients. In Sendai, you may find dishes featuring local vegetables like edamame, mushrooms, and root vegetables in autumn, or fresh greens in spring.

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6. Tips for Dining Out as a Vegetarian/Vegan in Sendai

• Plan Ahead: Research restaurants in advance, as vegetarian and vegan options are not as widespread as in larger cities.
• Use Apps: Apps like HappyCow and Google Maps can help you locate vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Sendai.
• Be Polite: Japanese culture values politeness, so be patient and kind when explaining your dietary needs. Staff may not always understand immediately, but they will often try to accommodate you.
• Carry Snacks: It’s a good idea to carry snacks like nuts, dried fruits, or energy bars, especially if you’re traveling to rural areas around Sendai where options may be even more limited.

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7. Day Trips and Regional Specialties

If you’re exploring the Tohoku region beyond Sendai, consider visiting nearby areas like Matsushima or Yamadera. While vegetarian and vegan options may be scarce, you can often find simple plant-based dishes like soba noodles (ask for no dashi) or onigiri (rice balls with umeboshi or seaweed filling).

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the vegetarian and vegan dining scene in Sendai while respecting local customs and traditions. Bon appétit—or as they say in Japan, "Itadakimasu!" (いただきます).