Fukuoka’s vegetarian-friendly fare for every type of diner
Enjoy this foodie destination to the full whatever your dietary requirements
As Kyushu’s most populous city, Fukuoka is home to a world-class art scene, a wide array of sustainably conscious enterprises, and a vibrant yatai dining culture. Travelers with dietary restrictions can rest assured that this urban center caters to their needs, with numerous restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan-friendly cuisine.
Below are just a few establishments that showcase the diverse gastronomy and delectable dining options around town. Integrate these into your itinerary and enjoy your time in Fukuoka to the fullest.
*Please download below map for more information of vegan, vegetarian, Halal and Muslim Friendly Restaurants.
Break your fast at an east side bakery
Real Jam in Fukuoka’s Higashi Ward is a charming bakery with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Located near Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, the bakery opens its doors at 8 a.m. to sell bread made with homemade natural yeast, including some that feature seasonal organic vegetables and locally gr own fruits.
Try their vegan, additive-free rice flour bread made with salt, cane sugar, olive oil, dry yeast, pure water, and Mizuhochikara rice from Kumamoto. Or sample a specialty called ikupan , made by fermenting raw fruits and vegetables along with their pureed skins.
Real Jam also has products with cream made from the climbing vine called kudzu, along with milk, condensed milk, and granulated sugar. Don’t miss their rice flour sandwich with soy meat and cheese, a healthy and hearty option to power your excursion through the city.
Vegan okonomiyaki and other Japanese flourishes
The Japanese dish of okonomiyaki, a type of savory pancake that usually includes a generous helping of meat or seafood, might not seem accessible to those with dietary restrictions. In Chuo Ward, just a short distance from Ohori Park, the restaurant Mimi serves vegan okonomiyaki and yakisoba noodles, which feature cabbage, scallions, and bean sprouts, among other delicious ingredients.
Farther east near the Naka River, Hokusai is a classic Japanese diner that offers a full range of vegetarian options. You can order avocado, eggplant, pumpkin, garlic, and other fresh veggies steamed, grilled, or fried, or opt for healthy salads and dishes with fermented soybeans called natto.
The same neighborhood is home to Isogiyokarazu Hakata, an izakaya traditionally specializing in seafood that has a total of three outposts in Fukuoka. At the main store in the Kiyokawa area of Chuo Ward, a nine-course vegan set menu is available. You can enjoy konjac sashimi, seasonal vegetable tempura, soy meat rice, and other delicious items in this experience.
Sushi lovers can also find vegan options at the newly opened Sushi Shima on the northern side of town, close to Nishi Park and the beautiful Hakata Bay waterfront. Note that reservations are required for this meal, but the English-speaking staff will be happy to make arrangements on your behalf and introduce you to the potential of Japanese vegan cuisine.
International flavors to spice up your trip
Fukuoka’s wide-ranging gastronomic offerings can let you have a taste of other countries and regions without leaving the city. Sancho Panza, a Spanish and Latin American restaurant in the Daimyo neighborhood, serves up a vegan version of paella made from soy meat, vegetable broth, and fresh vegetables.
You can sample Sancho Panza’s specialty salads, vegetarian empanadas, quiche , and other menu items either inside the restaurant or out on the terrace. Live music and dance performances held on the weekend also create a unique ambience and contribute to the international flair of the city. Head chef Jaime, who hails from Chile, is passionate in sharing his food and culture with Japan, one dish at a time.
Not far from Sancho Panza is Chakra, a restaurant that specializes in south Indian cuisine. Dishes in south Indian cooking are generally vegetarian-friendly, so there are plenty of options at this establishment. Apart from delicious vegetarian and vegan fare, Chakra also hosts cooking workshops and sells Indian spices, meal kits, and other goods. This establishment is living proof that restaurants can be far more than just a place to grab a bite; they are bridges between people and cultures.
The lively riverside area of Tenjin also has an Indian restaurant called Suraj, where you can enjoy vegan dishes such as daal, a light curry made with lentils, onions, and tomatoes, and healthy roti made from whole grain dough, among other menu items.
Just south of here is the upscale Ristorante Fontana, serving up Italian fare made with local vegetables and fermented seasonings in an elegant environment. The restaurant prides itself on its innovative culinary creations, as well as the high quality of all the vegetables served within its four walls.
Suraj
1-15-3, Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
Ristorante Fontana
F.T. Building B1F, 4-8-28 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi
