The vegan and vegetarian landscape in Tokyo has drastically changed in the last few years. I remember a time when it was hard to find vegan versions of all the goodies that I love. However, due to the rise in popularity of veganism in Japan, it is getting easier to find creative vegan bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. Let’s take a peek at some of the best vegan bakeries in Tokyo.
The Little Bakery
Operated in cooperation with Good Town Donuts, the Little Bakery is a cool, vintage-style bakery located in Shibuya. Though not all of the treats here are vegan, you will find a more than decent selection of vegan cookies and donuts. I recommend the vegan chocolate chip walnut cookie or the vegan classic glazed donut. The cute cozy cafe has indoor and outdoor seating, or you can take your sugary haul home to enjoy.
The Little Bakery - credit Instagram @thelittlebakerytokyo
The Little Bakery〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 6 Chome−12−6 J-cube C-1FOpen Daily 9 am-7 pm
Pain de Brun
Hands down one of the best vegan bakeries in Tokyo. If you are looking for a vegan french stick or boule, you can not go wrong with Pain de Brun. Everything in the shop is vegan, and the owner is committed to using all-natural ingredients. The sandwiches and cookies are delicious, but our favorite was the salt-free boule which had a mild sourdough taste and a wonderful chewy texture reminiscent of the European loaves of bread I miss so much.
A selection of delicious, all-natural, 100% vegan bread and sandwiches
Pain de Brun〒168-0082 Tokyo, SuginamiKugayama 5-6-16Shinei Mansion, 1FHours 11 am-7 pmClosed on Mondays
Premium SOW
Premium SOW is a fine vegan patisserie located in the Daikanyama district of Shibuya Ward. I have to say, it is THE place to go for vegan decadence. The cakes and puddings are delicious, but the real treat here is the vegan ice cream which is so creamy, you wouldn't believe it's vegan. They also make ice cream sandwiches and everything is 100% vegan and gluten-free. Premium SOW might be a little on the expensive side, but in my opinion, completely worth it for carefully crafted, hand-made vegan goodies of the highest quality.
The best part about Premium SOW is the ice cream. Credit premium-sow.com
Premium SOW〒150-0034 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Daikanyamacho, 12−16 Symphony Daikanyama 103Open Daily - 11am - 6pm
Universal Bakes & Cafe
Just one stop from the trendy Shimo-Kitazawa is 100% vegan Universal Bakes & Cafe. Universal is a solid favorite, not only for baked goods but other cafe-style foods too! The amazing selection of sweet and savory vegan bakes and cute cafe atmosphere is definitely worth the trip to Setagaya. Make sure you get there early though because it's so popular that most of the good stuff sells quickly.
A great selection of sweet and savory vegan bakes. Credit Instagram @universalbakes_tokyo
Universal Bakes & Cafe 5 Chome-9-15 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0033Open 8:30am - 6pmClosed Monday & Tuesday
Marbre Vegan
Marbre Vegan located next to Shinjuku Gyoen is an excellent vegan cakery because of its great selection of beautiful vegan sweets. Plus, the hugely popular strawberry cake is almost indistinguishable from its non-vegan counterpart, so why not grab a slice for a friend and surprise them by telling them it's vegan? They also offer savory goods and sandwiches on certain days, so be sure to check their Instagram for more details.
Marbre Vegan's famous strawberry cake. Credit Instagram @marbre_vegan
Marbre Vegan〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2 Chome−1−5, Parkside Square, 1FOpen Daily 11 am-7 pm
Shochikuen
A beautiful little cafe near Asakusa that serves a signature rainbow cake among many other types of sweets. On top of that, Shochiku-en also offers Taiwanese-style tea and savory foods. My personal favorite is their Newkuman, which is a vegan version of the popular nikuman (肉まん) steamed meat bun. They have an online shop too, so you can also order and enjoy in the comfort of your home.
Newkuman and rainbow vegan cake courtesy of Shochikuen. Credit shochikuen_vegan_cafe
Shochikuen Vegan Cafe2 Chome-7-6 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035Tuesday - Friday 11 am-7 pmWeds 11:30 am-3:30 pmThurs 11 am-3:30 pm
You don’t need to be a veggie to enjoy the best vegan bakeries in Tokyo because their creativity, flair with ingredients, and unique flavors will appeal to just about anyone, so make sure to check them out. If sweets aren't your thing, go for something more savory and substantial at Terra Burger and Bowl Daikanyama.