6 traditional Japanese foods that vegans will love in Osaka

Kuidaore, which means to eat until you ruin yourself with food, is a concept that has long been associated with Osaka. Vegans can now experience that, too.

Japan’s third-largest city has long been considered a food haven. Thanks to its location near waterways and arable land, the city is a key junction for local and imported ingredients, another reason it is often referred to as “Japan’s kitchen”.

It may be challenging for vegans to find delectable eats in a city that loves fresh seafood, but it is possible to indulge in plant-based foods. In the third part of this series, we look at vegan dishes that everyone can enjoy in Osaka without sacrificing local flavour or quality.

Okonomiyaki

This celebrated wheat flour-based dish is said to have originated in Osaka. It’s a savoury pancake that can be covered with any toppings “how you like”, which is the meaning of okonomiyaki.

The batter usually contains eggs or dashi (fish stock), so it’s not suitable for vegans. Many restaurants cook the pancake with pork belly or shrimp and cover it with cheese or a non-vegan okonomiyaki sauce.

However, vegans should try the okonomiyaki from Aju, which is completely plant-based. With soy ham, cabbage and a tasty vegan sauce, they can end up with a truly delicious okonomiyaki. This hidden gem is lauded by the plant-based community, and now we know why.

Aju, 1 Chome-10-14 Nakazaki, Kita Ward

Seasonal vegetables