The first book from Children of the Carrot publishers, this restaurant guide lists over forty veg-friendly eateries in Japan, a country not exactly known for its vegan credentials.

Each restaurant listed has a map, some info about the place, an indication of whether it’s vegan or veg-friendly, opening hours and select menu items with prices. The pictures included, though small, will have you drooling for everything from traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist temple food) to vegan kariage (crispy deep-fried ‘chicken’ pieces).

The guide is bilingual, listing information in English and Japanese directly side by side. This was done so Japanese people could also use the guide, though language-confused foreigners will appreciate being able to point to translations to communicate their food needs.

Although only three major cities are covered in the guide, there is a small survival guide section with tips, hints and language lessons to help no matter where you travel. How to request noodles without fish stock, what brand of icecream is vegan and which items are safe to choose from a sushi train are all invaluable tools for the travelling vegan.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Vegan Restaruant Pocket Guide
by Herwin Walravens
ISBN: 978-907892401-2| RRP AU$15 | Children of the Carrot , 2007

WORDS: Lisa Dempster