I just recently posted about Vegan Izakaya Masaka in Shibuya, which is already well known and loved by vegans and non-vegans alike. But did you know that another vegan izakaya recently opened near Tokyo Skytree in Asakusa?
About Vegan Izakaya Nowhere
What stands out about Nowhere compared to Masaka is that its authentic atmosphere. Decorated like a traditional Japanese house, it feels much more legitimate. Also, because there are two floors and bigger tables, it relatively spacious and you can go with a bigger amount of friends easily, which is not possible for small and crowded Masaka.
It was only opened on 10. December 2024, which is super recent! There is Japanese and foreign staff, making it both traditional and acessible for foreigners. The staff is very friendly and answers all questions about ingredients patiently. They were even willing to modify some dishes for a friend with more dietary restrictions. I recommend calling ahead and confirming though if you have more restrictions than just being vegan.
The menu is smaller than Masakas, but still they have a good selection of drinks and foods which change seasonally. The price is also similar.
They have for example edamame,"ham" katsu, different kinds of gyoza and tempura, miso soup and vegetable dishes. For dessert they offer sweet potato yokan.
The drink menu includes a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, making it perfect for everybody.
The most interesting drink was the matcha soy milk sour which I never saw before.
Dishes I tried
Otōshi
In Japanese izakaya, you usually automatic receive which is required to pay for is called. It`s called "otōshi". The type of otōshi varies by izakaya and can range from pickled vegetables to small portions of seasonal dishes. It’s a common practice in Japan and is often seen as a way to keep guests satisfied while waiting for their orders.
At Nowhere, this starter is soft tofu topped with spring onion, ginger, sesame and a sweet and salty sauce which was sooo delicious! I wished I could have gotten more of it!
Shichimi and Sichuan Pepper Edamame
The edamame came with some pepper on top, which made the flavour more interesting. I think it makes a great starter!
Karaage
The karaage was flavourful and super yummy! I loved that it was cross but not too oily and not so meat-like. I personally dislike it when vegan alternatives are too meat like, therefore I think it was one of favourite karaage so far!
Thick "Ham" Katsu
The katsu had a similar texture and taste as Austrian "Schnitzel" which made me feel so nostalgic and happy as it is a popular dish in Germany as well. The katsu was soft and juicy, a bit ham like. The crispy coating and yummy sauce that came with it brought the dish to perfection.
Gyoza
The regular gyoza was super yummy! It was pan-fried and filled with soy meat and chives.
Yuzu Kosho Gyoza
This gyoza was even better because of the yuzu pepper! If you only get one type of gyoza, I recommend this one!
Potato Fries
The fries were thick and soft which I personally like and they came with a sweet ketchup sauce. Not a traditional dish, but perfect to snack on inbetween! And probably a good choice if you go with little children.
Edamame Potato Salad
This potatos salad was extremely delicious, too! The potato was mashed and seasoned with mayo. The edamame in it made it rich in protein and added to the texture. It`s great if you want to try traditional Japanese potato salad.
All in all, while Vegan Izakaya Masaka is delicious, too, I recommend going to Nowhere instead when you can! Not only is it less crowded and feels more authentic, all the dishes my friends and I tried tasted absolutely amazing. It is also the better option if you want to go with more than three people as the tables are larger.
Details
Price range
500¥-2000¥
Hours
15:00 - 22:00
Closed on Mondays, Thursdays
Adress
1 Chome-8-2 Mukojima, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0033, Japan
Homepage
What is Veganism?
"Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.“
- The Vegan Society
Reasons to choose vegan alternatives:
Protect animals from suffering horrendously and getting killed
A whole-food plant-based vegan diet has the least environmental impact
A whole-food plant-based vegan diet is extremely healthy and can help reversing various diseases like type 2 diabetes or heart diseases.
For people, as a vegan diet requires only one third of the land needed to support a meat and dairy diet.
PLANT-BASED: A Guide to a more Sustainable Lifestyle
Check out my Kyoto Sightseeing x Vegan Food Guides
