Vegetarian Indian Restaurants in Tokyo
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Summary
For the best Indian meal in Tokyo, including mouth-watering South Indian dishes such as dosas and idli, head to Vege Herb Saga. While the restaurant has expanded in recent years and hired a few more staff members, food is cooked individually from fresh ingredients, so you may have a wait for your food (but it will be well worth it!). For a new alternative South Indian option, with a slightly nicer venue, not as good food, which serves alcohol and allows smoking at the table, head to the newer Veg Kitchen around the corner. For a small, pleasant restaurant serving fairly authentic Indian food with an interesting Japanese twist, head to Gopinathas. For prasadam (blessed Hare Krishna food) head to Govindas Edogawa, but expect difficulty finding what's vegan. They have the only evening vegetarian buffet in the weekend in Tokyo. And for insipid, overpriced "Indian" food in a setting as pleasant as an underground basement can possibly be, which is good for introducing "Indian" food to someone who has never eaten spicy food before (and doesn't want to try it) head to one of the many Nataraj stores.Why Indian in Japan?
Vege Herb Saga
Go here because:
You want the best Indian food in Tokyo.
You want South Indian food.
You want the best Indian food in Tokyo.
You want South Indian food.
Name in Japanese: ヴェジハーブサーガ 11:15 - 15:00 (Last Order: 14:30); 17:15 - 23:00 (Last Order: 22:30) Address: 東京都台東区上野5-22-1 東鈴ビルB Address in Google Maps Directions from your location in Google Maps Two minutes walk from the South Exit of JR Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote and Keihin Tohoku Lines. It is also near several subway stations. I recommend having an explore around this very old Tokyo suburb. It would make a good stop before (or after) visiting Ueno Park. Please note that the restaurant moved to this nicer venue in 2015. Website, Happycow Phone: (03) 5818-4154 |
Vege Herb Saga is my favourite Indian restaurant in Tokyo, and I think I share this with most resident vegetarian Indians and in the city.
 |
| Mysore Masala Dosa |
Vege Herb Saga is a little piece of India, right here in Tokyo, down to the beaming chef in a white jacket and, most importantly, steaming hot delicious South Indian foods, such as Dosas and Idli. The owner regularly imports fresh spices from India (I've seen them be roasted on the same grill that will cook your Masala Dosa) and the effect on the flavour is certainly noticeable compared with all other Indian restaurants I've visited outside India. Vege Herb Saga is the place to come for the best Indian food in Tokyo.
 |
| Masala Vada |
I recently met the owner, who explained that there are several hundred Jains (strict vegetarians who live their lives in such a way to minimise all harm to living creatures) including himself living in the surrounding community - including himself - mostly in the diamond trade. He started the restaurant several years ago because, while his business was going fine, he and his visiting businesspeople needed somewhere to eat (Jains have an even more difficult time than vegans finding food as they don't eat root vegetables). During its first few years Veggie Herb Saga was housed in a rather unappealing basement, and customers would be expected to share tables with strangers (where I had many of the most interesting conversations I've had anywhere, with residents and travellers who had also sought out Jain food in Tokyo) however it also attracted a following among resident vegetarians and vegans, Japanese interested in Indian food (on a television show it won fifth place among all Indian restaurants in Tokyo) and a surprising number of Japanese interested in Jain food. The restaurant has since moved into a larger, more pleasant restaurant, which appears to be a converted Karaoke bar, and on one of my visits the owner whipped out the Karaoke equipment and began singing.
Jain Principles: No Smoking or Alcohol
Jains don't eat onion, garlic or other root vegetables, as harvesting them kills the plant and disturbs more insect life than fruits and vegetables which can be picked without uprooting the plant. The restaurant does, however, offer foods which contain these for non-Jains, however in fitting with Jain principles the restaurant does not serve alcohol or allow smoking. Whatever ones opinion of Jainism and spirituality in general, like the Tokyo Loving Hut, this demonstrates a strong commitment to principles, as the standard restaurant business model in Japan is to 'give away' food and make a profit on drinks. Please bear this in mind if the restaurant appears expensive (though actually prices are hardly higher than other non-vegetarian restaurants).As an interesting aside, while Jains do consume dairy products, an increasing number of Jains (especially younger ones) are turning vegan, especially in the UK.
Menu & Prices
The menu is perhaps the largest of any Indian restaurant in Tokyo. It includes all popular North and South Indian favourites, and a few completely new dishes invented by the chef. A drink, starter and main meal should come to 2000 - 3000 Yen. Vegan items are clearly labelled, but it's best to remind the waiter that you are vegan so can't eat any milk, butter, cream, ghee etc.Veg Kitchen
Go here because:You want to drink or smoke with your meal.
Veggie Herb Saga is closed between lunch and dinner.
You don't want to dine in a basement.
11:00 - 23:00 Address:3-44-8, Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan Address in Google Maps Directions from your location in Google Maps It's walkable from JR Okachimachi Station and the two subway stations Naka Okachimachi and Shin Okachimachi Stations. I recommend having an explore around this very old Tokyo suburb. It would make a good stop before (or after) visiting Ueno Park. Please note that the restaurant moved to this nicer venue in 2015. Facebook, Happycow, Email Phone: (03) 5817-8165 |
Yet another vegetarian Indian restaurant has joined the Tokyo scene, this one another South Indian establishment run by a former chef from Veggie Herb Saga. When I heard he was leaving to run his own restaurant I hoped it would be an upmarket dining establishment, in a different locality, giving the option of a simple ‘Indian Kitchen’ at Veggie Herb Saga or fine dining elsewhere, as these would have complemented each other nicely. Unfortunately it’s a few minutes walk away, serving similar food at similar prices, thus competing for the same Jain or other Indian vegetarian clientele.
 |
| A Masala Dosa is the healthy, quintessential South Indian vegan meal. |
Prices at the Veg Kitchen are similar to Veggie Herb Saga, and staff are very friendly and welcoming at both. Both are open similar hours, but the Veg Kitchen stays open between lunch and dinner. The Veg Kitchen originally offered an alternative in a much nicer venue than Veggie Herb Saga, but now that Veggie Herb Saga has moved there is little difference in venue, but the Veg Kitchen is still more pleasant, being a first- and second-floor restaurant, while Veggie Herb Saga is underground.
 |
| You can't go wrong wit South Indian snacks. |
Smoking and Drinking
Unlike the Veggie Herb Saga, where Jain principles strictly forbid drugs, the Veg Kitchen serves alcohol and allows customers to smoke at their tables. This may be a good or bad thing depending on the customer. |
| 2nd-floor dining |
The Veg Kitchen has a wider menu, including some “Indian Chinese” dishes, one of which I liked and one I didn't. The owner is very happy to accommodate vegans, however it’s necessary to ask, and when he ran through the menu he missed some items which were clearly not vegan. He also said that nan were vegan, which is possible but seems unlikely, as the menu traditionally calls for milk (and without it it’s not really nan). Vegan items are labelled on the menu at Veggie Herb Saga and I’ve never had any problems.
 |
| This Indian-Chinese dish was much too oily and salty for my taste. |
The Veg Cafe serve alcohol, which may appeal to some, however they also allow smoking during dinner, which can be quite unpleasant (if you don't smoke). They also provide Hookah's which further add to the smoke in the air.
 |
| The Veg Kitchen are quite accommodating to vegans, but at Veggie Herb Saga vegan items are labelled on the menu. |
 |
| Chana Masala |
Food Quality
During my first visit to the Veg Kitchen the Chinese dish was much too salty and greasy for my liking, the masala dosa and lacha paratha were both a little too well done, and I think they use typical curry powders and mixes. In subsequent visits I've found dishes somewhat hit and miss, with some comparable to Veggie Herb Saga and some not. Their food is at least as good as most other Indian restaurants in Japan, and serving South Indian they are among the most vegan-friendly too, but in all fairness Veggie Herb Saga is a cut above for freshness and quality of food.In summary, these two restaurants offer a different South Indian experience, and I hope business continues to go well for both.
Vege Herb Saga and Veg Kitchen Map
Gopinatha
Go here because:You want to try Indian food with an interesting, Japanese twist.
| Name in Japanese: ゴピナータ Wed - Fri: 12:00 - 14:30, 18:00 - 20:30 Sat: 12:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 20:30 Sun: 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 20:30 Closed on Monday & Tuesday. Address: 5-17-10 Nakano, Nakano-ku Tokyo Address in Japanese: 〒164-0001, 中野5丁目17−10 (03) 3387-8998 8 minutes walk from Nakano Station on the JR Chuo Line. Address in Google Maps Directions from your location in Google Maps Facebook, Website, Happycow, Phone: (03) 5817-8165 |
Gopinatha's is essentially the old Govinda's Restaurant (not to be confused for Govinda's Edogawa-ku, below, a separate establishment) which has been reopened by its former (and current) chef.
 |
| Pakoras and Curry at Gopinathas. The tomato sauce on the Pakoras is amazing. |
Gopinatha's food is perhaps slightly more 'Japanisiced' Indian than that at Vege Herb Saga or the Veg Kitchen, but its Japanese twist adds to the flavour rather than diluting it, as is the case at Nataraj (where chilli and garam masala are optional, paid extras). Gopinatha's food certainly fresh and flavourful, and the owner/chef is very happy to make a set vegan, and they are excellent value. Gopinathas is well worth a visit, especially if you are in the area or you would like an Indian meal but don't have an hour or two to wait or want your own table. The owner is clearly passionate about vegetarianism, and has recently enjoyed vegetarian food in Taiwan.
Govindas Edogawa-ku
Go here because: You follow ISKCON and want Prasadam (blessed food) or a large, buffet meal.| Name in Japanese: ゴヴィンダス Mon - Fri (a la carte): 11:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 21:00 Sat - Sun (Buffet): 10:30 - 14:30, 17:30 - 21:30 Address in Japanese: 東京都江戸川区船堀2-23-4 Address in English: 2-23-4 Funabori, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo Japan: 〒164-0001, 中野5丁目17−10 A few minutes' walk from Funabori Station, half an hour from Shinjuku Station on the Shinjuku Line. Address in Google Maps Directions from your location in Google Maps Website, Happycow, Phone: (03)68072157 |
 |
| This Dosa was good, but didn't compare in flavour to those at Veggie Herb Saga or the Veg Kitchen |
ISKCON, Cows and Veganism
Govinda's Edogawa-ku is a vegetarian Indian restaurant associated with Tokyo's ISKCON temple, to which it is attached. ISKCON is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, commonly known as "Hare Krishnas" (from their chant) in the west. ISKCON followers believe that the cow is sacred (as do Hindus) and the consumption of dairy products is an integral part of ISKCON life. Temples often have their own farms, at which the cows are treated very well so far as their welfare is concerned, and they are even cremated when they die - of course always at the end of their natural life. Unfortunately, humane as this may be (animal rights aside) it is needless to say very inefficient, and most of these farms can no longer provide enough dairy products to sustain the society's temples and restaurants, let alone all their members. So most ISKCON restaurants use dairy products from conventionally-farmed cows, which I guess in Japan probably means factory farms. |
| Govindas is Located inside the ISKCON temple, a few minutes' walk from Funabori Station. |
During discussions with ISKCON followers, including in New Zealand and in India, I've often met strong opposition to veganism, and while their restaurants tend to cater to vegans (perhaps due to their food's popularity among vegans) I've never found them to be very supportive of the vegan philosophy. There are, however, a small but increasing number of (usually younger) devotees (members) who are turning vegan.
On my most recent visit two of the four main dishes were vegan, but I needed to ask the helpful waiter, as vegan items are never labelled. Moments later, the same waiter appeared with the standard basket of nan and dosas, and after I (again) explained about the milk, he confirmed it had milk (seemingly unaware still that I wouldn't want to eat it, despite asking about dairy in the curries) and later re-appeared with rotis, which, as he helpfully explained didn't contain any milk. They were, however, smeared with butter or ghee. He gave up after that. Vegans will certainly need to be careful to ensure that their meal is vegan.
Menu & Prices
Govindas have a weekend buffet (1800 Yen) which is now the only vegetarian Indian buffet in Tokyo. They also offer a la carte menu at all times (including weekends), with set meals (Thalis) starting from around 1000 Yen.
 |
| dinner buffet meal at Govindas Edogawa: sambar, curry, rice, dosa and salad (1800 Yen) |
ISKCON food is made without onion, garlic or Hing / asafoetda (a popular Indian spice) - a similar diet to the Buddhist Shojin Ryori, and Chinese Buddhist food, and similar to but less restrictive than Jain food. As such it is less flavoursome than other Indian food, but this is believed to be healthier.
Should you Visit?
If you are an ISKCON follower, or would like to visit the temple to learn about ISKCON, and / or sample their food, then this is the obvious place to come, and if you would like a hearty meal from an all-you-can-eat buffet then this is a good option, especially since Nataraj (see below) have discontinued their lunch buffet. However, for non-ISKCON followers, a more flavourome meal could be had without the half-hour commute to Funabori from any of the vegetarian Indian restaurants above.Nataraj
| Name in Japanese: ナタラジ This restaurant has five branches across Tokyo, including Shibuya and Ginza. Address in Japanese: 東京都江戸川区船堀2-23-4 Website |
Nataraj are Tokyo's oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant, and are somewhat of an institution among vegetarians in Japan. However I think they're cashing in on their reputation, and are now well-overpriced. They used to offer a good value lunch buffet, which was good for hungry vegetarians and vegans, but these appear to have been discontinued at all branches.
Indian Food Without the Flavour
Nataraj restaurants are like the antithesis of Vege Herb Saga, and in that sense they complement each other nicely. To any connoisseur of Indian food, Nataraj will have a chain-restaurant feel, and the food will taste very insipid, as if the chef forgot the spice and then watered down the curry to save money. At Veggie Herb Saga food comes spicy and flavoursome by default (so please ask if you don't want it too spicy) while at Nataraj chilli powder and garam masala (two essential Japanese spices used in virtually every dish) are optional, paid extras.Menu and Prices
 |
| A good vegan naan imitation and a typical, watery, overpriced "Chana Masala". |
Besides being watered down, in my opinion food tastes bland, mass-produced, with poor-quality spices. Portion sizes are very small, and a barely satisfying meal for two (including a drink each, poppadoms, a shared entree, two curries and two naans) comes to about 7,000 Yen. I'd pay this for a feast of authentic Indian food cooked to perfection from fresh ingredients at Veggie Herb Saga, but this is just too overpriced for what it is.
Should You Go?
In my opinion the Nataraj chain have just one purpose: to introduce "Indian" food to those who have not eaten it before (as is the case for many Japanese, who are not accustomed to spicy food). However I would strongly recommend Gopinathas (see above) in preference, as the talented chef adds a Japanese twist with herbs and spices, while food at Nataraj just tastes like the chef left out everything intended to give the dish flavour.While most are underground or on a high floor, all Nataraj restaurants have a pleasant interior, and your order will be delivered very quickly. However the food quality is too low, and prices too high, for me to be able to recommend these restaurants.
Non-Vegetarian Indian Restaurants in Japan?
 |
| In much of Japan, a chana masala from the local Indian restaurant is the best vegan option. |
Most Indian restaurants in Japan serve North Indian food, and most will have a chef who speaks some English and can do a vegan dish, however there are several risks involved, in particular many may use a pre-made non-vegetarian curry sauce for all their curries, adding chicken to a chicken curry or chick peas to a chana masala . I generally ask to speak to a chef and try to get a feeling of how honest he (it's always he) is being, and then usually proceed with an order if I trust he's making enough effort to ensure that my meal will be. My worst experience was at a restaurant in Nagasaki (which, not surprisingly, seems to have gone) where the English-speaking waitress clearly understood my order, but still the roti were smeared with ghee, the salad with a mayonnaise dressing and the curry with curd in it. They just couldn't be bothered, so I paid for the samosas (frozen on the inside and burned to a crisp on the outside) and the one roti I'd eaten, and left. This experience is, unfortunately, very common at non-vegetarian restaurants.
The Nan Test
The best way to test if a restaurant will cater to vegans is to ask about breads. Nan bread us always made with milk (and usually egg) and must be prepared the night before and fermented. If they staff quickly point out that nan bread aren't vegan, I trust them. If they don't think of it, it's a bad sign as they haven't really understood. If they promise to make a vegan one (as many do) I walk out, as it means they either have no idea or (in most cases) just don't care, and are telling me what they think I want to hear in order to get my meal through as fast as possible. This of course does not apply to vegetarian restaurants like Nataraj which prepare vegan nan daily.
Tips for Eating at Non-Vegetarian Indian Restaurants
1. Small restaurants run by one or two Indians (including the chef) are a much safer bet than large chain restaurants (such as those found in shopping malls) where staff tend to come and go, food is prepared in advance (usually with meat-based stocks) and chefs are told to follow strict recipes.2. Try to identify restaurants which are run by Hindus instead of Muslims. This seems discriminatory, but Hindus are familiar with the concept of vegetarianism, and they grow up being taught that they should be vegetarian themselves, so most hold it in high regard. Muslims, by comparison, are taught that killing animals for food is morally acceptable, so long as they are killed in an especially cruel manner (Halal slaughter). The difference on consciousness to vegetarianism is significant, at least from my experience. Hindu restaurants can usually be identified by gods on the walls, and Muslim establishments by references to halal meat.
3. Never order a set meal, as the curries are pre-made, and are likely to have animal-based stocks to appeal to local tastes.
4. Order a dry curry, such as chana masala (chickpea curry) or (sometimes) an aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower), even if they're not on the menu. This means they're more likely to make it up on the spot (which a skilled Indian chef can do in minutes) and is thus a safer bet for a vegan meal. These two dishes traditionally don't use dairy products.
Common Traps
1. In Japan many restaurants (especially chain restaurants in shopping malls) add an egg to the pakora batter, to make it more like Japanese tempura.Likewise samosa pastry occasionally contains milk and/or egg, so it's good to ask whether or not they make it themselves. Many wait staff will have no idea, however, and may be reluctant to find out.
2. Rotis are often smeared with ghee (clarified butter).
3. Many staff don't think of mayonnaise (used for salad dressings) as containing milk or egg.
2. Rotis are often smeared with ghee (clarified butter).
3. Many staff don't think of mayonnaise (used for salad dressings) as containing milk or egg.