What do you do if you're a vegan in Tokyo who needs to grab something to eat on the go? Sure, some convenience stores have vegan-friendly meals and snacks, but it can involve some searching to find them — and it's definitely not going to be the case that everything in regular convenience stores is vegan approved.

Enter Tenzo, a small vegan restaurant located in the Toranomon area. The store offers a variety of delicious plant-based dishes and desserts, with most of them available in bento boxes for takeout. The inside of the store itself isn't huge, but it maximizes the space it does have available. There is simple, counter-style seating available if you'd like to dine in, and menus are available in English if you don't read Japanese.

The food options here are varied, with plenty of hearty choices to pick from. They include the likes of soy protein rice bowls, veggie-filled curry rice, fresh udon noodle salads, and protein-packed quinoa bowls.

The prices aren't exorbitant, either — basically everything is under the JPY1000 mark, which is cheaper than what you'll find at most other Tokyo-based vegan restaurants. The fact that you can get these items to-go is so convenient, too. I have vegan friends and family who have subsisted on bananas and plain Pringles at times during their travels, all because they've been unable to source other plant-based options at convenience stores. Tenzo eliminates this stress and ensures you're getting a balanced meal.

If you're after a little sweet treat to finish off your meal with, Tenzo have a range of cookies which are a popular choice with patrons. They come in flavors like kinako (roasted soybean flour), matcha, and sesame, and some options are also gluten-free. The gluten-free options are clearly labeled in English, so even if you don't read Japanese they're easy to distinguish.
 

Getting there

Tenzo is located just four minutes on foot from Toranomon Station, which is served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, or just under 10 minutes on foot from Toranomon Hills Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

 
By Kim