Eating in Japan: Vegetarian dishes

The basis of Japanese is long vegetarian tradition. Most traditional food is presented with numerous vegetarian dishes and vegetable sushi. The history of Japanese vegetarianism is traced to common east Buddhism philosophy.

Despite being the home of macrobiotic cooking, vegetarianism isn't a widely practised or fully understood concept in Japan. You might ask for a vegetarian (saishoku) dish in a restaurant and still be served something with meat or fish in it. That said, Japan has bequeathed some marvellous vegetarian foods to the world.

Vegetarian dishes

Yudofu
Yudofu are tofu pieces boiled in a clear, mild soup and dipped into a soya based sauce before being eaten.

Vegetarian dishes

Agedashi Tofu
Agedashi Tofu are deep fried tofu pieces that are dipped into a soya based sauce before being eaten.

Vegetarian dishes

Miso Soup
Miso soup is often served as a side dish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is made by dissolving miso paste in hot water and adding additional ingredients such as wakame seaweed and small pieces of tofu.

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