While there are many vegan-friendly restaurants in Kyoto’s city center, once you travel beyond the busy area, the number of plant-based spots decreases sharply. Fortunately, VeganLife SoiSoi (ヴィーガンライフソイソイ) opened in Kyotamba in 2023. The spot in the quaint town between Kyoto City and Amanohashidate is a great restaurant to stop by for lunch. So, if you ever want to explore the beautiful scenery in regional Kyoto Prefecture, at least there is a spot where you can enjoy food!
About VeganLife SoiSoi
The restaurant is opened by a Japanese couple who are both vegan named Chida (千田さん). The husband became a vegetarian when he was 15 and then a vegan a couple of years later. The wife who thought she would become a vegan one day while she was overseas backpacking. It turned out that she became a vegan after she met her husband. While she didn’t become a vegan for her health, various health issues that had been bothering her disappeared after she changed her diet.
The couple spent a lot of time overseas backpacking. As foodies, they have been making new and delicious vegan dishes with locally available ingredients and spices. The more they try to cook things differently, the more different ways they discover to maximize the taste and texture of ingredients.
What VeganLife SoiSoi Offers
VeganLife SoiSoi is surrounded by the beautiful nature of Kyoto. It is where you can enjoy your meal in a cozy space with pleasant music in the background. The forest and nature are in front of you through the restaurant’s large windows. You can also relax in the garden. Depending on the season, you might also be able to enjoy fruit-picking!
Because the owner-couple loves to try new things, the cuisine on the menu at VeganLife SoiSoi changes every two months. This gives a solid reason for their loyal customers to re-visit regularly and they don’t need to make the same dishes over and over again year after year.
There are two lunch sets on the menu filled with different side dishes from the month’s cuisine. Depending on what is on offer, you might be able to try the dishes that are hardly served vegan in their original region.
Their vegan sweets are also amazing. While they aren’t the kind of sweets that are eye-catching or the kinds that make you want to eat more, you will surely be satisfied and nourished. Moreover, gluten-free vegan sweets are also available!
Tip: It is highly recommended that you make a booking by messaging their Instagram Account. You won’t want to travel all the way there only to find out they are fully booked. Remember to let them know if you need your food to be gluten-free.
VeganLife SoiSoi’s Business Hours and Access Information
- VeganLife SoiSoi is usually open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 am to 3 pm.
- The last order is taken at 2:30 pm.
- Refer to their Instagram Account for the exact dates the restaurant will open.
- VeganLife SoiSoi is a 15-minute drive from JR Sonobe Station (園部駅). You can also take a bus and get off at Shin Mito (新水戸).
- You can use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Tip: VeganLife SoiSoi offers pick-up and drop-off service from JR Sonobe Station. Reserve early to ensure your spot.
Discover Other Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto
Obviously, your visit to Kyoto wouldn’t just be around Kawaramachi, and the good news is the city has many other vegan-friendly restaurants. With various options available, no matter which cuisine you crave, you can find a restaurant serving delicious vegan or vegetarian dishes that satisfy your craving!
Refer to our Guide to Kyoto’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants for more information!
