Given that the city is home to the magnificent Matsumoto Castle and is located close to Takayama, Matsumoto receives more international tourists than the rest of Nagano Prefecture. To accommodate different dietary requirements, vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants are not uncommon in the city. We have compiled a list for you to review and pick for your visit!
Where to Find Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Matsumoto
- noodle stand THREE P’S
- Can adjust the noodles to be allium-free/suitable for oriental vegetarian
- Burger Chop (バーガーチョップ)
- Kobayashi Soba (信州松本こばやし本店)
- Storyhouse Cafe & Bar
- Matsumoto Asian Station (松本アジアンステーション)
- Can cater to halal diet
- Doon Shokudo Indoyama (DOON食堂 印度山)
- Can cater to gluten-free diet
noodle stand THREE P’S
Just a 5-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, you will see noodle stand THREE P, a restaurant located on the first floor of Hotel Welcome Matsumoto (ホテルウェルカム) in 2024. The noodle place is the first branch of Men Impossible from Amsterdam. Although the restaurant originated in Europe, its Tantanmen recipe has been adapted to the flavors of Shinshu (信州), the region where Matsumoto is located. In fact, it is a place for you to try something new and be blown away by the brothless tantan noodles!
noodle stand THREE P’S is 100% plant-based. The rich sauce made from vegetables and mushrooms combines really well with the extra-thick, chewy noodles.
The restaurant’s setting is typical of a Japanese ramen establishment, featuring a few narrow tables attached to the wall and stools. However, due to its contemporary decor, noodle stand THREE P’s has an energetic yet cozy vibe.
Wanting to know what customers thought about their noodles, the staff would check in with us regarding the taste and whether we were satisfied. They even greeted us in our mother tongue on our way out!
The Menu at noodle stand THREE P’S
The menu at noodle stand THREE P’S is simple, with only two choices. Each is topped with a generous amount of vegetables that pair exceptionally well with the sauce and thick noodles. Regardless of the flavor you choose, the noodles come with two different sauces. The best way to enjoy the noodles is to have a couple of mouthfuls without mixing them. Mix them once you know how each sauce tastes to change the flavor.
If you prefer your noodles to be allium-free, let the staff know. They have accommodated this request for us.
Additionally, your order includes three different toppings. Thus, remember to use them to enjoy the noodles in a variety of flavors. In fact, consider upgrading to a larger size so that you have enough noodles to try each flavor properly.
- Red Spicy Umami (うま辛)
- The restaurant’s unique blended spice sauce is combined with chilli oil, elevating its deliciousness to the next level.
- Black Roasty Sesame (黒ゴマ)
- This is a bowl of noodles with the pleasant aroma of black sesame.
Besides the mains, locally brewed alcohol is also available on the menu.
noodle stand THREE P’S Business Hours and Access Information
- noodle stand THREE P’S is open from:
- 5 pm to 11 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays
- 5 pm to 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays
- The last order is taken 30 minutes before closing.
- The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.
Burger Chop (バーガーチョップ)
If you are looking for a quick bite in Matsumoto, consider grabbing a burger from Burger Chop. The burgers there have amazed most of its customers and can easily outrank other burger restaurants you have tried. Whether it is the burger or the drink, the portion is generous. You will definitely be satisfied with the meal at the end. Being particular about using locally produced ingredients, it is a spot where you can enjoy fast food made with fresh produce at a reasonable price. The best thing about Burger Chop is that they can replace the meat patty with a plant-based patty!
Burger Chop, located on the second floor of the building, has an energetic atmosphere. With its welcoming and friendly staff, your dining experience there will definitely be pleasant. The background music perfectly matches the place’s vibe, making the spot a relaxing and cozy place to dine. As the food is served relatively quickly, you will most likely not need your phone to keep you entertained. You would be too busy admiring the place and munching on the food!
About Burger Chop’s Menu
The fluffy buns are made with wheat from Nagano Prefecture, which contains a richer aroma than the average burger bun. While Burger Chop is very proud of its juicy meat patty, it also has a vegan burger on the menu. You can even request that your burger be cooked using utensils dedicated to vegetables only to avoid any cross-contamination.
The burger specialist has 14 types of burgers on the menu. Each of them comes with homemade fried chips, which are amazing! The oil content is lower than that of typical fast food chains, making it a healthier option to consume. But don’t worry. The chips still have a crispy skin and moist texture. The spices sprinkled on top make the fries taste even more incredible. However, since the burger comes with only a few chips on the side, you can order more if you like the taste.
Burger Chop’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Burger Chop is open from Tuesday to Sunday from:
- 11:30 am to 2 pm (L.O 1:30pm)
- 5:30 pm to 10 pm (L.O 9pm)
- If Monday is a public holiday, Burger Chop will open.
- The restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.
Kobayashi Soba (信州松本こばやし本店)
Soba noodles are a must-try dish in Japan. But because most restaurants use sauce and broth made from bonito, vegans and vegetarians won’t be able to enjoy the noodles by going into those restaurants. When you are in Matsumoto, be sure to stop by Kobayashi Soba. The restaurant that offers top-notch service and phenomenal food can replace the fish broth/sauce with vegan broth made from mushrooms!
For more information, refer to our article on Kobayashi Soba!
Storyhouse Cafe & Bar
If you crave American-style food in Matsumoto, stop by Storyhouse Café & Bar. The hummus and avocado bagel sandwich is vegan. There is also vegan curry available. Furthermore, it is one of the few places in the Nagano Prefecture where you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee made to the Westerner’s standards (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
The restaurant was opened by Chris from Seattle and his Japanese wife in 2016. Walking into the spacious American-style café is like visiting a friend in the States. Not only is the interior American-style, but the sweet couple who run the place always make an effort to make their customers feel at home and relaxed.
With a kid’s space at the back and a bar counter near the front, the place is great for families and those who want to enjoy a casual drink. Throughout the year, events are held to celebrate various festivals.
When the restaurant isn’t so busy, the owner will be more than happy to strike up a conversation with you and make some recommendations on attractions to visit in Matsumoto!
Alternative milk options are also available, including almond milk.
Tip: Ensure that you order their apple pie! The apples from the other side of Matsumoto Castle are used to make incredible homemade pies!
Storyhouse Cafe & Bar’s Business Hours and Access Information
- The shop is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm from Thursday to Tuesday.
- The business hours are extended to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- From JR Matsumoto Station (松本駅), it is a 13-minute walk.
Check out their English calendar HERE by clicking the “Event” button towards the end of the webpage.
Matsumoto Asian Station (松本アジアンステーション)
If you love naan bread, the best restaurant in Matsumoto to visit is Asian Station. Using a tandoor, the naan bread served in the restaurant will easily top the most delicious naan spots you have ever been to. The place, run by Nepalese owners, also offers vegan and halal options, making it suitable for people with various dietary requirements.
For more information, refer to our article on Matsumoto Asian Station!
Doon Shokudo Indoyama (DOON食堂 印度山)
If you are in Matsumoto and crave Indian food, visit Doon Shokudo Indoyama. It is where you can find delicious home-style Indian food with a light twist on Japanese taste. Many dishes are cooked using the recipes from the owner/chef’s grandmother in India. Like Kobayashi Soba, the couple who run the restaurant provide impeccable hospitality and can speak English.
Refer to our Doon Shokudo Indoyama article for more information!
Explore the Fascinating Attractions in Matsumoto City
Wonder what attractions in Matsumoto are worth your time? Check out our list of selected attractions in Matsumoto that you won’t want to miss out on. There are a couple of places where you can source delicious natural water from inside the city center, visit an art museum filled with Kusama Yayoi’s eye-opening contemporary artworks, places perfect for cherry blossom and fall foliage hunting, and a lot more!
For more information, please refer to our article on Matsumoto!
