At Shibuya PARCO, located in the Udagawa-chō area of Shibuya in Tokyo, a wide variety of dining options are available, appealing to all kinds of culinary interests.
Situated on the underground level of the shopping complex, Vegan Izakaya Masaka (hereafter referred to as “Masaka”) specializes in vegan cuisine. And no, we’re not just talking about leafy greens; their menu is free of all animal products, including eggs and dairy.
The star of Masaka: What’s this kara-age made of soy meat all about?
Masaka doesn’t just attract local Japanese clientele; its reputation has crossed borders, drawing in tourists from around the world. The patrons range from committed vegans to curious foodies of all kinds.
At Masaka, they’re not just catering to a vegan palate, but to anyone looking for a delicious meal. And the dish that enjoys overwhelming popularity? It’s their kara-age. For the uninitiated, kara-age is a type of Japanese fried chicken. Except here, it’s not chicken at all but soy meat.
“唐揚げ定食（南蛮タルタル）,” Kara-age (Tartare sauce) set meal 1,100 JPY (tax included)
Their kara-age, skillfully crafted from soy meat, delivers a juicy, satisfying bite that’s almost indistinguishable from real chicken. It’s so authentic in flavor and texture that you’ll be amazed you’re not enjoying actual poultry.
Using soy meat to replicate the texture of chicken
You can choose from five different sauce options to accompany your kara-age, such as “Terimayo,” a blend of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with vegan mayonnaise, or “Sichuan mala,” a spicy concoction of chili oil and soy sauce. Among this diverse array of sauces, the most popular is their Tartare sauce (“Nanban tartar” in Japanese). A delicious sauce made exclusively with plant-based ingredients featuring tangy vinegar and sugar, it pairs perfectly with rice.
Limited-time sauces are also available, so there’s always something new to try!
Maybe you’ll find your favorite!
“唐揚げ,” Kara-age 750 JPY (tax included)
The other Masaka sensation: amazingly juicy gyoza dumplings!
Another menu item at Masaka that rivals the popularity of kara-age is their gyoza. The crispy texture of the wrappers paired with the juicy fillings of these delicious dumplings are too good to resist.
“餃子定食,” Dumplings set meal 1,100 (tax included)
Filled with cabbage, garlic chives, Chinese cabbage, and soy meat, they’re so close to traditional meat gyoza, you won’t believe they’re plant-based!
“餃子（６個）,” Dumplings 6 pcs 700 JPY (tax included)
Both the Kara-age and Dumplings set meals are available only from 12 pm to 3 pm. After 3 pm, they can be ordered à la carte, perfect to pair with bottled beer or a refreshing lemon sour.
For big eaters: Don’t miss the “Minced pork rice”
Lo bah png (or lǔròufàn in Chinese) is a Taiwanese dish featuring braised and minced pork belly in a sweet and savory sauce served over rice. As of 2023, it has captured the hearts of young people in Japan. With specialty shops appearing in various locations, it’s becoming increasingly accessible for those looking to try it.
At Masaka, you can try their vegan take on this popular dish, served over white rice in a sizzling hot stone pot.
“石焼ルーロー飯,” “Minced pork rice,” 850 JPY (tax included)
Masaka reimagines the dish using the meat alternative OmniMeat. Created from peas and shiitake mushrooms, it delivers an authentic meaty umami-rich taste. The irresistible crunch of the golden layer formed in the hot stone pot—known in Japanese as okoge—pairs perfectly with the fragrant notes of Szechuan peppercorns, making it impossible to put your spoon down.
The “Minced pork rice” is available only during dinner time.
In addition to this dish, the dinner menu offers a variety of options that pair wonderfully with drinks. Visiting with a group and sharing a range of dishes could make for a delightful evening!
Information
| Store name | ヴィーガン居酒屋 真さか Vegan Izakaya Masaka |
|---|---|
| Address | Shibuya PARCO B1F, 15-1 Udagawa-chō, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Shibuya Station（SBY）7-minute walk from Shibuya Station A8 Exit
|
| Phone number | 03-5422-3020 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 12:00-22:00（last order 21:00） lunch time 12:00-15:00（last order 15:00） |
| Closed | No holidays excluding Shibuya PARCO holidays |
| Seating | 27 seats 3 counter seats, 24 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/vegan_izakaya_masaka |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of October 2023.
