Beyond Meat and Fish: Vegetarian Ramen at Soranoiro NIPPON

Have you ever imagined ramen without meat or fish? Prepare to be surprised! Soranoiro NIPPON in Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street offers a delicious selection of vegetarian noodle bowls that will captivate your taste buds.

Even seasoned Tokyo foodies can be surprised. I used to think that only exclusive and expensive restaurants could truly surprise me. But after experiencing Soranoiro NIPPON, I realized that even a simple bowl of ramen can be extraordinary.

Welcome to Tokyo Ramen Street.

Dive into a World of Vegetable Ramen

Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street is a vibrant hub of culinary delights, but amidst the crowds, Soranoiro NIPPON stands out. While their shoyu ramen is acclaimed, it’s their innovative vegetable bowls that truly steal the show. Soranoiro NIPPON is the third outpost of this ramen chain, with each location offering a distinct menu. What unites them all is their commitment to incorporating abundant vegetables into their ramen, catering to vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten-free diners.

Vegetarian ramen isn’t always easy to find in Japan, and when you do find it, it often lacks flavor and excitement. At Soranoiro NIPPON, however, vegetables are the star of the show. The chefs have created an array of ramen dishes that showcase the versatility and flavor of vegetables, leaving conventional meat and fish-based bowls in the dust.

Hair ties to keep your ‘do neat while you slurp.

A Symphony of Flavors in Every Bowl

For a truly unique experience, try the tokusei veggie bowl. It’s a special dish that won’t disappoint. If you desire extra protein, add some succulent sous-vide chicken. Vegans and gluten-free eaters are also well catered for.

The tokusei veggie bowl is an explosion of flavor and texture. The carrot broth, infused with soy milk sauce, creates a velvety smooth and surprisingly sweet base. This sweetness is balanced by the spicy-salty red paste, a blend of yuzu and red peppers, smeared on the rim of the bowl. A touch of pink Himalayan salt adds an extra layer of complexity.

This isn’t your typical ramen, but its unconventional nature is what makes it so special. Each mouthful is a symphony of flavors and textures: barley pearls tossed in pesto, crunchy cabbage, julienned carrots, and crispy lotus root chips. Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness, while fried garlic, readily available at your table, can be added to boost the flavor.

The smoked paprika in the wheat noodles lends them a vibrant orange hue, though the soup is the real star of the show. Brown rice noodles are also available for a different flavor profile.

Finish your meal with a vegan soy milk soft serve. While it may be icy rather than creamy due to the lack of dairy fat, its lightness is the perfect complement to the vegetable ramen bowl.

The special veggie soba is the third button on the first row. Try the others, too.

Soranoiro NIPPON: A Must-Try for Every Ramen Lover

Tokyo Station may be a bustling transportation hub, but Soranoiro NIPPON makes it worth braving the crowds. Skip the long lines at other ramen shops and treat yourself to a unique and unforgettable dining experience at Soranoiro NIPPON. Your taste buds will thank you!

To find Soranoiro NIPPON, head to Tokyo Station and find Ramen Street on the basement floor. If you’re unsure, ask a station attendant for assistance. For more vegan and vegetarian options in Tokyo, visit our Best Vegan and Vegetarian in Tokyo page.

Wall mural outside the restaurant.

Reference photo

The entrance to Soranoiro NIPPON.
Special veggie soba with additional chicken.
The soy milk sauce apparently represents the Hinomaru Japanese flag. We’re all allowed our little artistic liberties.
The staircase leading downstairs near the Yaesu South Exit.
Daniel Yamada
Daniel Yamadahttps://tokyotouristpass.com/
Daniel Yamada is a travel journalist with a focus on Tokyo's rich history and modern attractions. With a background in cultural studies, Daniel offers a unique perspective on Tokyo's evolution, blending traditional and contemporary insights to provide travelers with a well-rounded guide to the city's diverse offerings.

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