🍱 Guide for Indian Travellers in Japan (Non-Veg & Veg Options) – What To Eat?

November 06, 2025 Japanned Singh

Japan is like a dreamland for most Indian tourists — from the busy streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto. But there’s one question everyone still has: “What can I eat in Japan?” Don’t worry! Japan is renowned for its sophisticated cuisine, though many Indian tourists – particularly vegetarians – are concerned about the availability of food options. The good news is that once you know where to go and what to eat, Japan has a wealth of tasty, healthy, and Indian-compatible dishes to offer. Whether you are a veg, non-veg or looking for Indian-friendly Japanese food dishes, Japan has a lot once you know what to look for.

Let’s find out what Indian travellers can eat in Japan, be it a vegetarians or a non-vegetarian.

🥦 Vegetarian Food in Japan: Yes, It Exists!

Although Japan is not traditionally a vegetarian country, the increasing number of Indian tourists and health-conscious global patrons has motivated restaurants to serve veg-friendly options. You just have to know which dishes to watch out for — and which ingredients to stay away from.

🥦 For Vegetarians: How to Eat Well in Japan

Locating vegetarian dishes in Japan is challenging, as many of the dishes are cooked in fish broth (dashi), even if they don’t contain any meat. But with some know-how and the right phrases, you can enjoy mouth-watering meals without compromising your diet.

✅ Vegetarian-Friendly Japanese Dishes:

Vegetable Tempura ( 野菜天ぷら Yasai Tempura) – Vegetables fried with a very thin layer of batter, just make sure there’s no seafood in there.
Onigiri ( おにぎり) – Rice balls that are wrapped in seaweed. Check for them in umeboshi (pickled plum) or just salted rice.
Kappa Maki (かっぱ巻き) – Basic cucumber sushi rolls; it is a safe bet when it comes to vegetarian sushi.
Zaru Soba (ざるそば) – Buckwheat noodles served chilled with soy-based dipping sauce, make sure it doesn’t have fish broth in it.
Vegetable Curry Rice (野菜カレー) – It is a mild Japanese curry which is made with vegetables; the rou may or may not be vegetarian.

Tofu Dishes (豆腐料理) – Tofu is a protein-packed, vegetarian staple in Japan, found from agedashi tofu to hiyayakko and much more.

🚫 Common Non-Veg Ingredients to Watch Out For:

Dashi (stock from fish) – Used in soups, sauces and also in miso soup
Katsuobushi (bonito flakes) – Dried shavings of fish usually used as a garnish
Oyster sauce, shrimp paste – Stir-fries and sauces
Gelatin – Present in certain desserts

🌿 Pro Tip: nihunnyasai asks for food “niku, sakana, dashi nashi”(no meat, fish, or fish broth), and it makes it easier for them to understand.

🍗 For Non-Vegetarians: A Japanese Feast Awaits

Japan is a wonderland for meat-eaters, with a dizzying array of dishes that showcase the freshness and quality of local produce. From the over-the-top sushi and sashimi on melt-in-your-mouth tuna or salmon, to the chunky comfort food like ramen with pork broth (tonkotsu) or gyudon (beef rice bowl), each meal is a taxi ride to flavour town. You can also get yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at lively izakayas, and tempura prawns that are crispy but not oily. Seafood lovers will be in their element, as the country’s coastlines are brimming with culinary treasures — think grilled mackerel, octopus takoyaki, or buttered scallops plucked fresh from Hokkaido.

🍣 Must-Try Non-Veg Japanese Dishes for Indian Travellers's

🍜 Ramen: Opt for shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt) ramen if you want something on the milder side. Poultry or fish-based broths are also popular in place of pork.
🍱 Chicken Teriyaki Bento: Perfect balance of sweet and savoury — a comforting, familiar flavour for Indians.
🍛 Katsu Curry: Fried cutlet (pork or chicken) with Japanese curry and rice — mildly spiced, Indian-friendly.
🍢Yakitori, izakaya: Grilled skewered chicken seasoned with salt or a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and sake, found in izakaya (Japanese pubs).
🍚 Gyudon: Cooked rice with thinly sliced beef gently simmered in a mildly sweet soy sauce – straightforward but very occupying.
🍤 Tempura Donburi: Crispy shrimp and vegetable fritters over rice.🍣 Sushi & Sashimi: Opt for salmon, tuna, or shrimp — or try cooked selections like tamago (egg) sushi.

Indian-Friendly Options in Japan

Indian-Friendly Restaurants:

Siddique (Tokyo): North Indian cuisine and Halal meat that was authentic.
Bombay Bazar (Kyoto): Small Indian place with vegan and Halal choices.
Tokyo Halal Deli (Shibuya): sells prepared Halal bento meals.
Saido (Jiyugaoka): Popular vegan Japanese eatery – pretty plates, punchy flavours.

🚄 A Word for the Road: No Worries When You Eat in Japan!

Travelling Japan as an Indian foodie doesn’t need to make you anxious — vegetarian or otherwise, there’s always something tasty around the corner. Japanese hospitality is wonderful and generally the staff will assist you in choosing dishes that meet your requirements. Many are air-conditioned and display plastic food models or photographs on their menus, so you can order even if you can't read Japanese.

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