※In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, some stores might only offer takeout and delivery or have changed business hours,  please check before you go and cooperate by wearing a mask and following cough etiquette, disinfecting and washing your hands during your visit to the restaurant.

In light of the increasing worldwide popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets, the Fukuoka prefecture has also seen a gradual rise in the number of restaurants that offer fresh, friendly options for vegetarian travelers.

These vegetarian and vegan restaurants pride themselves on an especially high standard of ingredients and preparation methods. The broad range of culinary genres available throughout Fukuoka’s natural food restaurants include dishes like salads, set meals, smoothies, raw desserts (no-bake desserts made without dairy or white flour), ramen, and even hamburgers.

Key Points to Know About Vegetarianism

Vegetarian is a term that collectively refers to people who abstain from consuming meat or fish. Vegetarians can be further categorized into more specific groups depending on their diet. Those who only eat plant-based products are referred to as “vegans”, while those who also eat dairy in addition to plant-based products are called “lacto-vegetarians”. Some will also add eggs and fish to the aforementioned diets, while yet others will prescribe to different categories. How strictly a person adheres to a specific diet also differs from person to person. When visiting a restaurant, please be sure to confirm the ingredients and condiments used prior to ordering just in case.

◎Vegesarah Shokudo　

Try Japanese rice dishes made with plenty of seasonal vegetables & raw desserts!

A signboard found on Hanamizukidori Street marks the entrance to the alley where you can find the fancy storefront of Vegesarah Shokudo. At this cityside café, each set includes one soup dish and four vegetables, and the menu includes a colorful repertoire of [Japanese Rice Dishes with Veggies] and raw sweets (non-baked sweets characterized by a flavor accented with natural sweeteners and nuts, and made without flour, dairy products, or white sugar).

The store’s specialty is a Japanese rice dish made with a main entrée (meat or vegetable) that changes every week. Ingredients are highlighted by organic produce, and the non-GMO dishes are made without ingredients like refined sugar and trans fatty acids which are detrimental to your health. The thoroughly refined cooking methods draw out the best, savory flavors of the natural ingredients.

The owner, Ms. Naoko Sakanashi graduated from a culinary institute and studied Japanese cuisine working at a kaiseki ryori (banquet dishes) restaurant before setting foot into the world the raw foods (raw or no-bake foods). Upon reaffirming that “you are what you eat” through various culinary experiences, she says she ultimately settled upon her roots in Japanese cuisine.

“At one point, I opened a raw food cooking class, but my health ended up taking a turn for the worse. When I was just starting out in the industry, tunnel vision prevented me from being able to see things from a broader perspective. Thinking back, I feel now that my diet at the time was probably also lacking in certain nutrients. Considering the sheer diversity of perspectives and preferences among people, I came to realize that a diet of only raw foods wasn’t for me.”

Upon returning to my origins in Japanese cuisine, and dishes I could eat every day without getting tired of them, I started the predecessor of my current café. Since 2015, I’ve been serving dishes based on a theme of Japanese, handmade cuisine under the name Vegesarah Shokudo.

Today’s menu is a fried spring roll made with a new onion and spring carrot from the seasonal harvest served alongside sides dishes that include a salad, kiriboshi daikon (dried radish strips), and aemono (dressed vegetables). Vegetables are delivered from the organic food supplier “Sea’s Village” three times a week, ensuring a premium freshness of ingredients.

Various arrangements of tangy, sweet, and faintly bitter flavors keep your palette fully immersed in combinations the owner thoughtfully arranged to provide a balanced and nutritious meal. The dashi (broth) of the miso soup is taken from konsai (root vegetables) and mushrooms, producing a rich and soothing flavor.

Savor an incredible depth of flavor in each and every dish, including a main rice dish that’s not only immersed in a variety of vegetables, but also filling and delicious in a way that seems to straighten your posture and nourish your body. These light, stomach-friendly dishes will leave you comfortably sated without feeling bloated.

After finishing your meal, satisfy your sugar craving with the weekly raw tart and a drink of your choice. From a classic chocolate, to Japanese flavors like kinako (soybean flour) and matcha (powdered green tea), to combinations of fruits and tea leaves, the raw tarts are made with the owner’s exquisite aesthetic feel, so be sure to give them a try. 

There are certain days where desserts are made with eggs and dairy, so please be sure to ask about vegan options before ordering.

Takeout for daily dishes is also available, and vegetarian options such as the daily lunch (880 yen) are also popular.

べじさら食堂　

Address: 1F, Daito Bldg. II, 3-1-2, Chuo-ku, Akasaka, Fukuoka
Phone: 050-3637-8314
Business Hours: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm (O.S.: 6:30 pm)
Closed: Mondays
http://vegesarah.jp
https://www.instagram.com/vegesarah_syokudo/

★Takeout available
★Dishes can be sold by weight (50 grams or more)

◎Deep Green Fukuoka (Maizuru)

A Way to Get Your Daily Nutrients and Provide Cleansing Options/ Organic Cold Pressed Juice & Smoothie

Perhaps you’re familiar with the term ‘cleansing’, which has been trending lately? Colon cleansing refers to resting the stomach and intestines—which exhaust energy to digest food every day—and detoxify unwanted waste products accumulated in the body. Overseas, the method is implemented routinely by vegetarians and other diet-conscious individuals, and it has just recently started to take root in Japan as well.

In the hope of being one of the first places to offer the benefits of cleansing in Fukuoka, owner Miyawaki Shiho opened [Deep Green Fukuoka] in August of 2019. Her store specializes in cold-pressed juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables grown without artificial fertilizers. Ms. Miyawaki is also yoga instructor and soundtrack musician. Through various experiences of meeting people from different walks of life in her 20s, she came to feel a poignant sense of the significance of the environment in relation to the planet, politics, and the vital role of food in people’s lives.

The cold-pressed juices are made with colorful combinations of fruits and vegetables. Ingredients are put in a cold-press juicer to compress and extract the natural fruit and vegetable juices. Ms. Miyawaki shares that “70% of the human body is made up of water, right? That’s why I feel it’s especially important for people to use quality water and oil to optimize the body’s circulation. In that sense, the ingredients in cold-pressed juices aren’t heated, so you get all of the live nutrients and enzymes. These natural energy drinks deliver nutrients directly into your body”.

To list an example, [DEEPGREEN] is made with komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), celery, parsley, lime, and Chlorella. It’s not sweet since it’s made without fruit, and it’s characterized by a faintly bitter, fresh flavor of vegetables that provide a boost of energy. The [YELLOW] is made with apple, lemon, ginger, and turmeric, producing a pronounced sweet flavor and relaxing effect that warms you from the inside out. Not only do the drinks offer a rich source of nutrients and enzymes, but the selection of flavors and their varying benefits can offer the opportunity to develop a feel for your best physical condition.

On the other hand, the smoothie is made by crushing, then mixing frozen ingredients into a fine mixture, leaving the fibers of the ingredients intact. The drink is especially filling. It’s recommended as a breakfast alternative or as a nutritious boost to fit into your daily routine.

Every drink is made using an original recipe of seasonal ingredients along with spices, almond milk, and superfoods for a balanced combination of essential nutrients. All flavors other than [DEEPGREEN] are made with raw honey and agave syrup as sweeteners consolidated in a concept of creating a flavor “you’ll never get tired of”.

Drinks are typically sold in recyclable glass bottles, and you can get a 50 yen refund for each bottle returned. If you order drinks for takeout, they’ll come in plant-based plastic cups and straws as an environmentally friendly measure.

Cleanse sets are available for those interested in fasting or ordering a regular supply of drinks, and options like half-day sets are also available to try it out as well, so please feel free to ask about options to discuss what’ll work best for you.

DEEP GREEN FUKUOKA（舞鶴）
Address: 1F, Akasaka Park Bldg., 3-2-21, Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-231-8372
Business Hours: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm (10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday, Sunday, and National Holidays)
Closed: Tuesday
http://deepgreenfukuoka.jp

◎Pietro
A huge selection of healthy menu options including [Spaghetti Salad] A famous pasta restaurant started in Fukuoka

Pietro was founded in 1980 in Fukuoka under the name Western Noodle Restaurant Pietro. Speaking of spaghetti, in a time when the Napolitan (a Japanese pasta dish made with spaghetti, tomato sauce, onion, mushrooms, peppers, sausage, bacon, and Tabasco) was mainstream, their original concoctions of mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and takasai (leaf mustard) with Western pastas became an instant hit, quickly spreading through the nation’s major cities before even spreading overseas. In addition to the classic menu of Italian and Japanese hybrid dishes, the city’s local pasta restaurant is endeared for its seasonal menu.

Today, Pietro also has a “Vegan Menu” to accommodate those with vegetarian diets.

The unyielding favorite is the classic “Salad Spaghetti”, made with lettuce, tomato, broccoli, and corn. The Vegan Menu dishes are arranged with a Japanese dressing made using a vegetable oil as a base.

The [Green Pasta with a Plentiful Assortment of 5 Different Vegetables] (880 yen/plus tax) is a healthy pasta dish made with an abundance of green-colored greens including okra, broccoli, zucchini, green peas, and asparagus. The nuts round out the dish as a perfect topping for vegetarians.

The [Eggplant and Tomato Sicilian Style] (880 yen/plus tax) is highly recommended for vegetarians who are tomato-lovers. The dish is chock-full of tomatoes, served with minced onions, tomato puree, diced tomatoes, miniature tomatoes, and accented with cube cuts of fried eggplant. While simple as a whole, the dish offers a chance to try a fresh, wide-spanning range of ingredients.

As for other options, carrots and radishes are cut into noodle strips with a peeler, then topped with avocado, potatoes, pineapple, and mushrooms in the amply filling [15- Ingredient Salad] (750 yen/plus tax). You’ll also get to choose your dressing. Additionally, you won’t want to miss the slew of side dishes that pair perfectly with pasta like the [Whole Wheat Flour Mini Pizza], an Italian à‐la‐carte dish of tortilla dough and tomato base arranged with zucchini, paprika, and basil(560 yen/plus tax), and the [Focaccia] (350 yen/plus tax), a tasty palate-pleaser that offers a combination of fluffy and chewy textures.

Pietro Canal City Hakata Branch
Address: B1F, Canal City Hakata, 1-2-1, Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-263-2208
Business Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Conforms to the schedule of Canal City Hakata
https://www.pietro.co.jp

▲PREMIO Pietro Kitte Hakata Branch
10F, Kitte Hakata, 9-1, Hakataekichuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-477-5811
Business Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Conforms to the schedule of Canal City Hakata

◎Panic Burger

A texture like meat, but plant-based! A satiating vegan burger

Although the hamburger may be the poster child of fast food, vegetarian burgers have become increasingly common overseas. Fukuoka is now home to the kind of vegan hamburger that can overturn conventional expectations.

Since opening in October of 2019, Panic Burger has been serving customers as a vegan-themed hamburger shop that caters to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The restaurant is run as a husband-wife team by Matsuura Konomi, a vegan herself, and her French partner, Cyril.

The store’s specialty is the [Classic Hamburger]. Developed over a period of 3 months in pursuit of the ideal ingredients and texture, soy meat is the main ingredient used to make the non-additive patty which is then arranged with freshly grilled onions before covering it in a generously array of spices. The buns are specially ordered from the Machi no Panyasan Onji, a bakery in Ms. Matsuura’s hometown of Nagasaki. The buns are prepared with soy cream cheese during the kneading process, and come out with a hint of decadent sweetness. Cooked root vegetables are slowly simmered with tomatoes and red wine in a “soy meat sauce”, while pickles and a mayo sauce made with Italian herbs add depth to the overall flavor.

Just one bite and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by a meaty texture that tastes little different from actual ground beef! Ms. Matsuura had a smile on her face when sharing that “it’s definitely something I really want people who typically prefer meat to try since it’s put together with an emphasis being accessible in terms of flavor. A generous helping of spices are used to curb the stronger flavor of the soybean meat. I feel quite confident about the creation as a healthy option that’ll leave people really surprised by the fact that it’s not meat”.

Choices for the sauce include a “soy bean meat sauce” in addition to a “spicy salsa sauce”. You can also add a side order of potato wedges coated in garlic and herbs in a pairing that’s sure to sate your appetite. It even comes at a discount if ordered as a set with fries and a drink (burger & medium fries 1,000 yen/large fries 1,100 yen, etc.)

The [Beef Katsu Burger] is a recent addition to the menu. The thinly sliced pieces soybean meat used to make the tender burger patty create a texture that’s strongly resembles ground, and is paired with a vegan mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce that complement the burger. The variation in texture offers a delicious option entirely different from the classic burger.

As a nutritious burger option, we see even non-vegan fans dropping by two to three times a week. Panic Burger is the kind of place that will change the perspective of people who feel they “don’t want it if it’s not meat” while also being “healthy and tasty”. It’s also a great and guilt-free lunch or snack option that you can keep coming back for with regularity.

In addition to takeout, it’s also available to order through Ubereats and always LUNCH.

Address: 10-4, Susakimachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-292-4334
Business Hours: 10:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Closed: Sunday
http://www.panicfoods.com

★Available for takeout and through Ubereats

◎Hakata Ratanmen Marutan　

A vegetarian ramen/ Characterized by a plant-based soup made without meat

※Restaurant hours have been changed. Please confirm store hours on the homepage prior to visiting.

While Hakata ramen is one of the foremost specialties of the Fukuoka prefecture you should definitely to try If in the area, [Hakata Ratanmen Marutan] offers a variation on the staple ramen with a vegetable soup base that’s entirely free of meat, including pork and chicken bones. Their original ramen presents a Hakata-style twist on tantanmen (a spicy, Sichuan noodle dish). The soup is made by gradually simmering scallions, ginger, garlic, and onions before topping it off with a sauce made with sesame paste and several varieties of soy sauce. In typical Hakata ramen fashion, the ramen is served with hosomen (thin noodles). You can also choose how firm you want your noodles to be.

Since tantanmen is typically served with a topping of niku miso (miso mixed with meat) that’s simmered in a specialty miso, please let the staff know that you would like your order “without the niku miso” after purchasing your meal ticket.

Although you might feel skeptical at first about soup base made from vegetables, trying one spoon of the fragrantly rich, sesame flavor should overturn any doubts. For vegetarians that do eat eggs, be sure to try the boiled egg topping.

Tenjin Store
Address: 5-24-37, Watanabedori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-715-5157
Business Hours: Monday – Saturday/Days Before a National Holiday 10:00 am – 2:00 am (L.O. 1:45 am)
Closed: Sunday/ National Holidays/ Last Day of Consecutive Holidays: open until 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:45 pm)
https://www.marutan.info/

*Store locations in Fukuoka also include the Nanokawa Main Branch/Meinohama Branch/JR Kashii Station Branch

 

The recent emergence of organic foods has given rise to a diverse range of options, and a broad array of original culinary creations. From compensating for a lack of vegetable intake to maintaining a nutrient-rich diet, the widespread accessibility of these options present an easier way to try foods with varying health benefits to your taste. Natural restaurants and shops will replenish and boost both your mind and body, and you can many other exciting options in addition to the ones mentioned here. Please be sure to try them out.

<List of Organic/Natural Food Restaurants in the City Area of Fukuoka>

• Evah Dining Riverain Main Branch
  Macrobiotic lunches/Desserts/Deli

Address: 1F, Riverain Mall, 3-1, Shimokawabatamachi, Hakata-ku
Phone: 092-273-2262
Business Hours: 10:30 am – 7:30 pm (L.O. 7:00 pm)
Closed: Conforms to the schedule of Riverain

• Salad Restaurant Mr. & Mrs. Green
  Luxury salads/Cold-washed (50℃) salads

Address: 7F, Solaria Plaza, 2-2-43, Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 
Phone: 050-5456-1291
Business Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Conforms to the schedule of Solaria Stage
http://www.solariaplaza.com/floor/shop340.html

• DANNY CHURROS
  Gluten-free, rice flour churros

Address: B1F, Solaria Stage, Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-717-1180
Business Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Closed: Conforms to the schedule of Solaria Stage
http://dannychurros.com

• chandan café
  Vegan green curry soybean meat & chili sandwiches, raw desserts

Address: 1F, Saison Fujisaki, 1-1-5, Fujisaki, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-287-4971
Business Hours: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm (closed during night hours on Wednesdays)
Closed: Sunday
https://www.instagram.com/chandan_cafe/

• VEGEBAL KYUSHU
  Chopped Salads and more

Address: 2F, JR Hakata City Amu Plaza Hakata, 1-1, Hakataekichuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-432-1711
Business Hours: 11:00 am – 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Conforms to the schedule of Amu Plaza Hakata

https://www.jrhakatacity.com/gourmet/vegebal_kyushu/

• Re:Cell Kitchen
  Re:Cell Gozen (meal)/Bicho (intestinal cleansing) Millet Porridge/Vegan curries/Cold-pressed Juices

Address: 1F, Ishimatsu Bldg., 1-1-4, Imaizumi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-732-6608
Business Hours: 9:00 am – L.O. 9:00 pm
Closed: Irregular schedule
https://www.instagram.com/recellkitchen/

• Lily Valley
  Vegan desserts/Salad lunches

Address: 1F, Prima Akasaka, 1-8-25, Akasaka, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-791-1619
Business Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (open until 6:00 pm on Saturday) *Lunch from 11:30 am – O.S. 2:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
https://lilyvalley.jp/

• Rota Café
  Skincare Enhancing Plates/Vegetable Hayashi Rice/Vegan Desserts

Address: 1/2F, Ky Daimyo, 1-12-2, Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Phone: 092-738-1414
Business Hours: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Closed: Wednesday
https://rota-cafe.com