5 Must-Try Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes in Kyoto

Kyoto’s rich food culture offers a surprising variety of plant-based dishes. The city’s Buddhist heritage means many local foods are naturally vegetarian or vegan. Today, Kyoto also has a growing number of vegetarian restaurants. You can easily find a cozy vegan cafe Kyoto visitors love. Shio Veg Cafe is one popular example. Whether you try a meal at a peaceful temple or at a modern vegan restaurant Kyoto locals frequent, you’ll have plenty of choices. Just make sure to sample these five dishes for a true taste of Kyoto.

1. Shojin Ryori (Zen Buddhist Temple Cuisine)

Shojin ryori is the traditional vegetarian cuisine developed in Kyoto’s Buddhist temples. It consists of many small dishes featuring tofu, seasonal vegetables, and yuba (tofu skin). This “temple food” is entirely plant-based and prepared with great care, following Buddhist rules that avoid meat or fish.

A typical Shojin ryori meal might include vegetable stews, grilled tofu with miso, clear soup, and pickled local veggies. Everything is artfully arranged on lacquered trays. For an authentic experience, try Shojin ryori at Tenryu-ji Temple’s Shigetsu restaurant in Arashiyama. You’ll sit on tatami mats overlooking a Zen garden as you eat. Shigetsu is often cited as one of the best places in Kyoto for this cuisine. The food is completely vegan and served right inside the temple. Tasting this monk’s cuisine offers a moment of calm and a glimpse into Kyoto’s spiritual food traditions.

2. Yudofu (Hot Tofu Hotpot)

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality tofu, thanks to the city’s pristine water. Yudofu (hot tofu hotpot) is one of Kyoto’s signature dishes and a must-try on a cold day. This simple dish features blocks of silky tofu simmered in hot water or light broth at your table. Once warm, you lift out the tofu. Dip it into a flavorful sauce – usually soy sauce with a dash of citrus or ginger. The result is mild, delicate, and warming – a perfect example of Kyoto’s subtle flavors.

Yudofu has been enjoyed by monks and locals for centuries. In fact, the city’s oldest tofu restaurant, Okutan, has been serving yudofu since it was established in 1635supertastermel.com. You can still visit Okutan near Kiyomizu-dera and Nanzen-ji temples. There you can enjoy a traditional yudofu set meal in a serene tatami room. Yudofu may seem humble, but its soft texture and gentle taste really show off the quality of Kyoto’s tofu. This wholesome dish leaves you feeling warm and satisfied.

3. Yuba (Tofu Skin Delicacy)

Another famous Kyoto specialty is yuba, or tofu skin. Chefs simmer soy milk and lift off the delicate film that forms on top. That film is dried into thin sheets called yuba. These tofu skins have a soft, slightly chewy texture and a mild soy flavor. Yuba is considered a healthy Kyoto delicacy – it’s high in protein and naturally gluten-free.

You can enjoy yuba fresh, often chilled and served with a dab of wasabi and soy sauce. You can also try it dried in soups and stews. Yuba appears in many temple dishes and even in creative snacks like yuba gyoza dumplings. Even high-end kaiseki restaurants include yuba in their seasonal courses. Because yuba is so iconic in Kyoto, be sure to try it along with tofu. In fact, no trip to Kyoto is complete without tasting the twin delicacies of yudofu and yuba. Many traditional tofu restaurants offer set meals that include yuba. For example, you might get a bowl of creamy yuba in broth or rolled yuba sheets stuffed with vegetables. However it’s prepared, yuba has a unique texture you won’t find anywhere else.

4. Wagashi & Yatsuhashi (Traditional Sweets)

Not all of Kyoto’s treats are savory – the city is also famous for its wagashi, which are traditional Japanese sweets. Wagashi were created to enjoy with matcha green tea, and they follow Buddhist dietary customs. Traditional wagashi contain no eggs, dairy, or gelatin. These confections are usually made from plant ingredients like sweet bean paste, rice flour, chestnuts, and sugar. Wagashi artisans shape them into delicate seasonal motifs (flowers, leaves, etc.). Trying wagashi in Kyoto is a must to experience the city’s sweet side. Enjoy these treats with a bowl of matcha tea for the full effect.

One of Kyoto’s most famous sweets is yatsuhashi. This local specialty is made from rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Yatsuhashi comes in two forms: baked and raw. The baked type is a crunchy cinnamon cookie. The raw version (nama yatsuhashi) is a soft, mochi-like triangle filled with sweet red bean paste or other flavors. All the usual fillings are vegan, with the only exception of an optional chocolate flavor. You’ll find yatsuhashi sold in many souvenir shops. It’s a perfect snack to take home or enjoy while strolling through town. Kyoto offers everything from artfully crafted seasonal wagashi at old sweet shops to simple cinnamon yatsuhashi for visitors. Each of these traditional desserts provides a gentle sweetness that complements the local cuisine.

5. Inari Sushi (Tofu Pocket Sushi)

Sushi in Japan isn’t only about fish. A popular vegan-friendly choice is inari sushi, and it’s a favorite in Kyoto. Inari sushi is made with vinegared rice packed inside a pouch of sweet fried tofu (abura-age). The tofu pouch is tender and juicy from simmering in a sweet soy sauce broth. This gives the rice a subtly sweet-and-salty flavor.

This simple sushi is named after the Shinto god Inari. In folklore, fried tofu is said to be the favorite food of Inari’s sacred fox messengers. That’s why inari sushi is often offered at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

Inari sushi pieces are usually plump rectangles or triangles. (Some say the triangular shape represents a fox’s ear!) You can find these tasty tofu pockets at sushi shops, bento stands, or even convenience stores. In Kyoto, they make a satisfying snack or light lunch on the go. The mix of tangy rice and sweet, savory tofu makes inari sushi easy to love. They’re filling, inexpensive, and delicious. It’s easy to see why this humble dish is a beloved classic.

Embracing Kyoto’s Plant-Based Cuisine

Kyoto shows that vegetarian and vegan travelers can enjoy amazing local food without worry. The city’s meat-free options range from centuries-old temple fare to modern street snacks. They are all rooted in tradition and made with care. At Shio Veg Cafe, we're proud to share Kyoto’s plant-based food culture and introduce visitors to these classics. Explore Kyoto with an open mind and a hearty appetite. Try these five vegetarian dishes to taste some delicious meals and connect with Kyoto’s rich heritage.