Because one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan is located in Okayama City, the city might be on your itinerary if you fly into or out of the Kansai International Airport. While there are not as many as in Kyoto and Osaka, the good news is there are a couple of places where you can enjoy delicious vegan or vegetarian food in Okayama. Some are also open at night, so you won’t starve if you want to base near Okayama Station for a few days!
Table of Contents
- CBD green (シービーディーグリーン)
- Gluten-free and allium-free options available
- Milenga (ミレンガ)
- Espresso Bar – The MARKET (ザ マーケット 天然酵母ベーカリー＆カフェ)
- Hajimarini Hōkanchō Store (ハジマリニ 奉還町店)
- Plant-Based Cafe PEACH (プラントベースカフェ ピーチ)
- All food served is allium-free.
- Quiet Village (クワイエットビレッジ カレーショップ)
- Other Vegetarian/Vegan-Friendly Spots in Okayama City
CBD green (シービーディーグリーン)
The vegan cafe closest to Okayama Station is CBD Green, which offers gluten-free and allium-free options. The CBD in the cafe’s name doesn’t mean central business district but cannabidiol. The owner is passionate about beauty products made from the compound found in cannabis, so various CBD products are lined on the cafe’s shelves.
Don’t let the CBD branding put you off. The service is good, and the food offered in this little cozy place is amazing. The rice used is pesticide-free brown rice. The colorful side dishes on the lunch plate are prepared from seven kinds of vegetables and homemade seasoning, ensuring that the best flavors of the fresh ingredients are brought out. So, even though everything on the plate is plant-based, the meat eaters are still satisfied.
Besides the lunch plates, the cafe also offers a couple of veganized Japanese and Western dishes, such as ramen noodles, rice bowls, and pizzas. The plant-based eggs on the Katsudon and Oyakodon are a highlight.
CBD Green also offers vegan reduced-sugar desserts and a wide range of herb tea, making it a good place to rest after exploring Okayama Castle and Kōrakuen Garden.
CBD green’s Business Hours and Access Information
- CBD green is open from daily
- 11:30 am to 3 pm
- 5 pm to 8 pm
- The cafe is a 4-minute walk from Okayama Station (岡山駅).
Milenga (ミレンガ)
Milenga is a South Indian restaurant a few blocks away from CBD Green. Compared to the North Indian cuisine offered by many Indian restaurants, South Indian cuisine is lighter. Thus, many Indians would have South Indian dishes in the morning and North Indian dishes for dinner.
What Milenga offers is authentic South Indian home cooking. Before you enter the restaurant, you can already feel the exotic atmosphere. The menu, filled with pictures, is in English, making it very easy for international tourists to order.
The place is run by a Japanese guy passionate about Indian cuisine. This is why he opened Milenga in 2015, so he could bring his favorite food to the locals. Although it doesn’t matter to vegans and vegetarians, all Milenga’s dishes are halal. In addition to not using pork, alcohol and chemical seasonings are also excluded from the ingredients of all dishes.
The restaurant has a wide selection of South Indian food, including biryani, chapatis, and dosas. If you want to taste different curries, order a thali plate. The vegetable curry plate, for example, has a good portion of indica rice surrounding eight different vegetable curries. After trying the curries individually, you can mix them together to create more curry flavors.
Indian spices, ingredients, and cooking utensils are on the shelf and available for purchase.
Milenga’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Milenga is open from 11:30 am to 9 pm from Monday to Saturday.
- On Sundays, Milenga closes early at 6 pm.
- The last order is taken 20 minutes before closing.
- The restaurant is a 4-minute walk from Okayama Station (岡山駅).
Espresso Bar – The MARKET (ザ マーケット 天然酵母ベーカリー＆カフェ)
If you are a big supporter of organic products, The Market is a good spot to have light meals and take away some baked goods. The bakery cafe is opened by a well-known organic farm in Okayama, Wacca Farm. The company also runs the natural foods store Cotan (コタン), opposite The Market. Because of its focus on bread-making using organic ingredients, it is popular among the locals who want to eat as healthily as possible.
While The Market isn’t a vegan cafe, it offers several vegan baked goods and light meals. If something is vegan or vegetarian, it is clearly marked with a green V icon. They even have vegan butter to go with their bread! Admittedly, you won’t be super impressed by The Market’s light meals, but you won’t be disappointed.
For something unique to drink, how about a glass of Amazake Soy Milk Lassi (甘酒豆乳ラッシー)? This fermented Indian drink is replicated using Japan’s traditional non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rice and soy milk. The flavor is well-balanced and tasty!
Note that the food here is on the pricier end. But considering the natural and organic ingredients used, the price tag is justified. Also, the dine-in space is limited, so it can be full when you get there.
Tips:
☛ If there are any fig scones, order them!
☛ Check out the “Day Old” corner for the breads made the day before that are sold at a cheaper price.
The MARKET’s Business Hours and Access Information
- The Market is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm except for the first Tuesday of the month.
- The last order is taken at 6:15 pm.
- The bakery is a 5-minute walk from Okayama Station (岡山駅).
Hajimarini Hōkanchō Store (ハジマリニ 奉還町店)
Many of us like baked goods. Fortunately, there is a vegan bakery that is an 8-minute walk west of Okayama Station. The store, which opened in 2022, is Hajimarini’s second bakery in Okayama. Because its products are so good, in addition to the three physical stores, Hajimarini’s products can also be found in a couple of natural food stores across Japan.
Hajimarini’s signatory baked good is the tofu muffins. Thanks to amazake (Japanese fermented rice drink) and tofu, the texture of their muffins is soft, tender and moist. No matter which flavor you choose, it won’t overly sweet.
Plant-based donuts made from natural yeast are also popular among customers. The frying oil used is white rapeseed oil that has been carefully pressed using a traditional method without any chemical extraction. Thus, Hajimarini’s donuts are healthier and have a lighter aftertaste. In addition to the standard flavors, the seasonal flavours change each month.
Remember to check Hajimarini’s Instagram Account for the donut calendar. Donuts are available on the days that are marked with a donut icon.
Hajimarini Hōkanchō Store’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Hajimarini Hōkanchō Store is open from 11 am to 6 pm from Wednesday to Sunday except for the 4th Sunday of the month.
- The bakery is an 8-minute walk from Okayama Station (岡山駅).
Plant-Based Cafe PEACH (プラントベースカフェ ピーチ)
Although you probably need to take a bus from Okayama Station, Plant-Based Cafe PEACH is a great spot for lunch or dinner. The owner is a big supporter of minimum food loss and puts much effort into preparing each dish served in his restaurant. Thus, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the customer satisfaction rate is very high.
With only five counter seats in the cafe, if you are fortunate enough to secure a reservation, an incredible dining experience awaits! The food on the plate is all plant-based and allium-free. Moreover, even the seasonings are made from natural ingredients carefully selected by the owner. He is also a big supporter of the local businesses. Thus, most tableware and ingredients are produced in Okayama. As the ingredients in season differ throughout the year, Plant-Based Cafe PEACH’s menu varies accordingly.
Plant-Based Cafe PEACH has a lovely and cozy atmosphere. The owner has a strong artistic sense, so you will enjoy checking out the crockery used to serve the food. Each dish is carefully seasoned and presented, so when non-vegan customers visit, they will also feel satisfied.
The owner is a very nice guy. While the cafe is small, it is where you can feel Japan’s top-notch hospitality. If you understand Japanese, you will also find him humorous!
Important: Check Plant-Based Cafe PEACH’s Instagram Account for the days it is open and make a reservation through the messaging function. A reservation is essential.
Plant-Based Cafe PEACH’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Refer to Plant-Based Cafe PEACH’s Instagram Account for the days and hours it opens. The numbers on the calendar represent the time slot’s availability.
- A reservation is essential to dine at the cafe.
- From Okayama Station, take the tram and get off at Daiunji-mae Station (大雲寺前駅).
Quiet Village (クワイエットビレッジ カレーショップ)
After a visit to the city’s top tourist destinations, Okayama Castle and Kōrakuen Garden, stop by the Quiet Village for lunch! The small place specialises in Indian-style curry with a Japanese twist, giving you the best of both cuisines. Quiet Village has a warm and relaxing atmosphere, along with great food. You will understand why it has many local regulars once you give it a try.
The English menu is available, and the few vegan/vegetarian options are clearly marked. The staff is very friendly and has a good understanding of veganism. Thus, talk to them if you have any special dietary requirements. If you need your curry spicy, use the chilli powder on the table to spice it up. The turmeric rice comes with various pickles and coriander that complement the curry plate nicely. A cup of chai tea will be served at the end of the meal, giving it a perfect end to a meal filled with spices.
The restaurant has only around ten seats, so there might be a queue when you arrive. However, as staff take orders from those in the queue, you shouldn’t need to wait long after being seated.
Quiet Village’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Quiet Village is open from 11:30 am to 3 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
- As the restaurant closes irregularly in addition to Mondays, check Quiet Village’s Instagram Account for their business calendar.
- The restaurant is a 12 to 15-minute walk from Okayama Castle and Kōrakuen Garden.
Other Vegetarian/Vegan-Friendly Spots in Okayama City
- Yamadamura (山田村)
- Yamadamura is a great spot to stop by if you are after some quick bites. The rice ball specialist has a couple of branches in Okayama Prefecture, including one inside the Food Terrace.
- Among all the flavors, there are a couple of vegan options, including salt, pickled plum, and potentially kelp. Please check with the staff to see what is available. To confirm, you can use the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article.
- The shop opens from 7 am, so you can also come for breakfast to go.
- Note the vegan options can be sold out by lunchtime.
- Ao Baba Okayama (アオババ岡山店)
- A Vietnamese restaurant near Okayama Station that has a vegan/vegetarian menu.
- Refer to HERE and scroll down for the English menu.
- The restaurant has a fantastic Vietnamese setting that can make you think you have just walked into Vietnam.
- Because the restaurant is busy, the quality of service can sometimes drop. If the staff brings you the wrong order, let them know straight away.
- A Vietnamese restaurant near Okayama Station that has a vegan/vegetarian menu.
- Ali Baba
- A 10-minute walk south of Okayama Station, Ali Baba serves authentic vegetarian Turkish food. The restaurant can also veganize some dishes upon request.
- When ordering, confirm if an extra charge is applicable to customize any dishes.
- The owner-chef Ali speaks English, so communication shouldn’t be a problem.
- The tasty food here including bread is made using fresh ingredients and mostly made to order.
- Ali and his staff are friendly and accommodating. We are sure you will enjoy both the food and the service.
- The restaurant is on the second floor, overlooking a quaint street. The interior decoration combines Japanese and Turkish elements. The gorgeous Turkish-patterned cushions perfectly complement the restaurant’s cozy vibe.
- Note, while rare, there are instances when the restaurant is smoky.
- A 10-minute walk south of Okayama Station, Ali Baba serves authentic vegetarian Turkish food. The restaurant can also veganize some dishes upon request.
- Lounge Kado (ラウンジ カド)
- A small cafe with a unique vibe formed by several book shelves filled with books. Its menu has a few vegan/vegetarian dishes.
- It is the sister store of the Guesthouse & Lounge Torii-kuguru (Guesthouse & Lounge とりいくぐる), which is just 50 meters away.
- Refer to Lounge Kado’s Instagram Account for its business calendar.
- Curry House Ganesha (カレーハウス ガネーシャ)
- A family-run, authentic Indian and Nepalese restaurant serving different curries, naan bread, and side dishes. All food is homemade.
- A couple of the menu items are vegan/vegetarian. Those that are not might be able to be made vegan upon request.
- The cheese naan is a must-order if you can eat dairy.
- The customer service here is great.
- Refer to HERE for Curry House Ganesha’s menu. English notation is under the Japanese except for the lunch and set menu.
The Vegan-Friendly Shops in Okayama City
- Organic COTAN (自然食コタン 奉還町店)
- Natural Food Nazuna (自然食品なづ菜)
- A natural food store that is a 10-minute walk from Okayama Station. It focuses on organic products and sells fresh produce, baked goods from other bakeries, snacks, seasonings, and grains.
- As products from various providers are delivered at different frequencies, what you find on the shelf will be different each day.
- Natural Food Store Ranran-tei (らんらん亭)
Discover the Attractions in Okayama City
Now that you know where to find vegan or vegetarian food in Okayama City, it’s time to discover the attractions there that are worth your time, including the famous Okayama Castle and Kōrakuen Garden!
Refer to our Okayama City article for what the city can offer!
