Harajuku, known as a birthplace of new culture, is also at the forefront of culinary innovation. Right in the heart of this vibrant district, just a short walk from the bustling Takeshita Street and the tranquil Meiji Shrine, lies “Vegan Bistro Jangara,” a restaurant dedicated to vegan cuisine.
“グリルバーガー,” Grilled Burger 1,350 JPY (tax included)
Originating from the Kyushu Jangara ramen shop in Akihabara, Tokyo, this new venture opened in 2021.
Enjoy the Kyushu Jangara ramen shop’s signature menu in vegan form
With vegan food becoming increasingly popular not only in Japan but worldwide, about 70% of the clientele at Vegan Bistro Jangara are international tourists. The restaurant offers a wide variety of vegan dishes, including ramen.
“ヴィーガンからぼん,” Vegan Karabon 1,280 JPY (tax included)
The “Vegan Karabon” is a vegan rendition of the spicy tonkotsu ramen “Karabon” originally served at Kyushu Jangara. It achieves its rich flavor by simmering vegetables to create a broth as flavorful as traditional pork bone soup.
The noodles are the same thin type essential to tonkotsu ramen, specially made without eggs to replicate the texture of Kyushu Jangara’s noodles. The specific ingredients and methods used are a closely guarded secret.
Additionally, diners at Vegan Bistro Jangara have the option to swap to gluten-free noodles for an extra charge.
Toppings include cabbage, wood ear mushrooms, green onions, soy meat-based chāshū (Japan’s version of char siu), and Early Red onions, adding a slight heat and sweetness that enhances the spicy flavor of the Karabon.
The “Grilled Burger” stands out with the distinctive flavor of its soy meat
The soy meat, also used in the Vegan Karabon, is a key ingredient at the restaurant, with special attention paid to its preparation to achieve a satisfying texture and taste.
Soy meat chashu used in the Vegan Karabon
At Vegan Bistro Jangara, the process of hydrating the soy meat and seasoning it is kept secret. The soy meat has a texture similar to chicken thigh meat and is surprisingly juicy. Diners who have tasted meat before will have a hard time believing it’s not chicken.
Soy meat in the Grilled Burger
The “Grilled Burger” featuring soy meat comes with four types of sauces and condiments on the side: guacamole, salsa, tartar sauce, and cheese sauce. Diners can customize their burger by adding these according to their preference, enjoying the changing flavors as they go.
(Left to right) guacamole, salsa, tartar sauce, cheese sauce
The assistant manager of Vegan Bistro Jangara especially recommends the cheese sauce, noting its subtle sweetness and rich cheese flavor as a must-try.
Crafting dishes so tasty, you’ll love them whether you’re vegan or not
“Vegan Bistro Jangara” explores a world of delicious dishes made with plant-based products. We hope people can come to enjoy a casual and relaxing time here as well!”
As this message displayed inside the restaurant indicates, Vegan Bistro Jangara ensures that everyone finds something to their taste with a menu that appeals to vegans and non-vegans alike.
Interior of Vegan Bistro Jangara
Reflecting the restaurant’s philosophy, the menu includes ramen, hamburgers, teppanyaki (commonly known as “hibachi” in the U.S.), curry, Mexican dishes, and more, benefiting from the years of menu development experience at the Kyushu Jangara ramen shop. Taste tests are also conducted by non-vegan staff members.
The interior of Vegan Bistro Jangara
As of 2024, vegan cuisine is still gaining ground in Japan, but Vegan Bistro Jangara holds the promise of a future where it becomes an everyday choice for many.
Information
| Store name | ヴィーガンビストロ じゃんがら Vegan Bistro Jangara |
|---|---|
| Address | Shanzeru Harajuku Bldg. 2 2F, 1-13-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station Short walk from Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station Exit 3
Harajuku Station 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station East Exit
|
| Phone number | 03-3404-5572 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:00-22:00（last order 21:00） |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 26 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://kyushujangara.co.jp/shops/veganbistro/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of April 2024.
