Vegan and Vegetarian food in Okinawa
20:04During our time in Okinawa we've had quite a few vegan friends visit, and of course H is a vegetarian, so it has been our mission to search out the tastiest vegan and vegetarian food options in Okinawa!
Before we leave Okinawa for good, I thought I would share with you our favourites.
DECHIBICA
Dechibica is probably my favourite and first place I will usually take any vegans visiting us. Not only is the food delicious, but it's presented so beautifully, it's hard not to be impressed.
They offer a variety of vegan meals (as well as a couple of non-vegan options) and everything we've ever tried there has been great! Another bonus if you're with kids, is the fact that they have a bunch of kids toys there to entertain them if you forgot to bring anything from home.
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| Pictured: Tofu set, kids curry and curry udon |
Dechibica is located in Furugen, Yomitan and you can follow their Facebook page for directions, opening hours and daily specials
GUBGUB'S VEGAN KITCHEN
Update - I've heard GubGubs is now closed but the owner can still be found selling burgers at the Koza Vegan Night market and the vegan food fest.
GubGub's is the ultimate vegan junk/comfort food experience. We have been here with vegan friends numerous times and they are always blown away by the food! Their Cheeseburger and BBQ burgers are my ultimate favourites. They also offer an option to pay a little more and support animal welfare, and you can bring your dogs and sit outside if the weather is nice.
UKISHIMA GARDEN
Ukishima Garden is a lovely vegan restaurant in Naha, perfect for a fancy date night with organic wines. We have been here every time we have been to Naha and it's always lovely. Their tofu caprese salad tastes just like real mozzarella, and the creamy pasta was also amazing. Their lunch menu is more casual with burgers, soups and curry.
Ukishima Garden is on Ukishima-dori, just off Kokusai Dori, so easily accessible when exploring Naha. They also have another restaurant in Kyoto.
BOLLYWOOD DREAMS
Bollywood Dreams is the most delicious Indian resaturant we have found in Okinawa (and we've tried lots!). They also have a select number of vegan curries, which are amazing! The dinner menu is more extensive and lunch is mostly just set meals. This place gets BUSY, so it's worth coming early for lunch or dinner.
Bollywood Dreams is located in American Village in Chatan, and they have also recently opened a second restaurant, Bollywood Jewel a short walk from the original.
ESPARZA'S TACOS AND COFFEE
Esparza's is relatively new offering vegan and non-vegan options, but has an aim to be completely vegan in the next year or 2. They have delicious tacos and even open early for breakfast burritos.
Esparza's Tacos and Coffee is located on Route 58 in Chatan
SAKAE RYORITEN
Ok, so Sakae Ryoriten is the place we keep going back to, and pretty much take all guests to. It's "okinawan style" food, so a great way to get a taste of the local cuisine, but they will also adjust the menu for any allergies or dietary requirements where they can, which means making food vegan and vegetarian friendly. It's also very kid friendly.
The go-to dishes they will adjust for vegetarians is the Umibudo (sea grape) and tomato salad, the jimami dofu (peanut tofu), the seasonal stir fry vegetables and the eggplant and red pepper with miso stir fry. They might likely adjust other dishes, but these are our go to every time we're there.
Sakae is located in Ishikawa and they have ample parking space in a lot across the road. The entrance is quite unassuming (pictured above).
COCO'S CURRY
What would a post about vegan food be without mentioning the vegan menu at Coco Ichibanya? Coco's, over the past year or so have been rolling out a vegetarian menu at select stores. It says vegetarian but is actually vegan. In Okinawa only 2 stores that I know of have the vegetarian menu, Ishikawa and Haebaru. Please feel free to comment if there are any more additions to this. Cocos, although i'm sure is full of MSG, is super delicious!
Feel free to comment with your favourite Vegan and vegetarian friendly places in Okinawa!
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4 comments
Love CoCos :) big fan, tried them the first week while in Japan!
ReplyDeleteIt's so delicious! I miss it already!
Deleteany of them are near Kokusai douri?
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late reply! Yes, Ukishima Garden is on Ukishima dori, just off Kokusai Dori
Delete