Roger Ong(Zenbird has an updated list of sustainable cafes and sustainable restaurants here.)
Where do you go for sustainable restaurants in Tokyo? What about sustainable cafes?
More and more businesses in Japan are paying attention to sustainability. With that, more food establishments are changing the way they run their businesses too. Ethical practices, fair trade, organic sources and vegan alternatives are just some of the ways these Japanese establishments are contributing to sustainability.
So fret not, as Zenbird introduces the five sustainable restaurants and cafes you need to visit in Tokyo! From ramen to fine-dining, you’ll be able to grab a bite of your preference. Remember to revel in the fact you’ll be doing something do for the environment and its people!
Do check the opening timings of your favorite before going.
Noodle Stand Tokyo – Ethical & Ramen
Let’s start with ramen! But don’t be fooled by its simplicity. This ramen shop is rather hip, and rightly so since it’s located in fashion-evolutionary Harajuku. However, its ethical belief is why we are introducing their ramen.
Noodle Stand Tokyo focuses on “ethical”, believing that it is through ethical food that gives customers an extra oomph of deliciousness and enjoyment. Indeed, the ingredients that the store uses are checked for fair trade and preferably locally produced.
For example, the noodles come from Asakusa Kaikarou, known for their fragrance, quality and chewiness. Both shoyu, dried sardine and pork comes from Chiba. The shoyu comes from Tamasa, which has existed since 1834. Its perfection and fragrance complements the noodles for a heavenly match.
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In addition, ethical has an additional meaning of treating the body right. Other than checking for safety, this ramen store also collaborated with Asakusa Kaikarou to produce a “low carbo” variant of noodles. This variant has 35% less carbohydrates than normal ramen noodles. Surely it’s great news for ramen lovers worried about too much carbohydrates!
Ballon TOKYO – Sustainable Fast Food
Ballon TOKYO is a vegan and organic falafel fast food shop in Meguro, Tokyo. Ballon is a term that comes from ballet, which is an aesthetic that appears to make the dancer look light-weighted. That is the concept that Ballon TOKYO wants to give its customers.
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Calling itself “fast food” is Ballon TOKYO’s challenge towards the dominant fast food culture. It focuses on organic and vegan ingredients. And it holds its own with the stylish presentation of falafels and vegan soft serves.
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Furthermore, the falafel remains appetizing throughout the meal, with the focaccia dough, carrots and mash potatoes as wonderful actors of crunchiness and creaminess. Their soft serve also has a secret ingredient: amazake! It is a traditional sweet, low-alcohol Japanese drink that contains health benefits.
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Even though it places high importance in selecting ingredients, Ballon TOKYO doesn’t sacrifice taste. Food can healthy and environmentally friendly, but is still not sustainable if it tastes horrid. It believes that sustainable food should encompass deliciousness, environmental friendliness and puts no burden on the body.
[Website] Ballon TOKYO
[Map] Google Maps
L’Effervescence – winner of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019
Next on our list is the modern French fine-dining, L’Effervescence. Some of you will already know that this restaurant won an award from the recent Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. Perhaps what’s more impressive, is its dedication to sustainability.
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When choosing the ingredients, L’Effervescence chooses organic ingredients that are locally produced. These range from cheese to to coffee to beef, coming from all over including Hokkaido, Kyoto and Okinawa. The details are even listed on their website.
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It’s hard not to be moved by the restaurant’s dedication to the environment and Japanese culture. L’Effervescence pays close attention reducing waste, buying from ethical sources and supporting local producers. For example, in the face of overfishing, the restaurant picks only from fisheries that use non-targeted fishing techniques.
With so much sincerity given to sustainability, your dining experience will be heightened with enjoyment of the Japanese dedication. Be sure to put this on your list when looking for a sustainable restaurant in Tokyo!
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[Website] L’Effervescence
[Map] Google Maps
THE BURN – Sustainable Grill Restaurant
THE BURN is a grill restaurant located in the Aoyama. It brings the authentic grilling and the sense of sustainability to Japan.
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This grill restaurant does not use any rare ingredients, for example caviar or bluefin tuna. Instead, THE BURN focus on choosing sustainable ingredients. They hold the belief (and skill!) to take these ingredients to bring joyous meals to their customers.
And like their grilling methods, THE BURN prepares the ingredients in a non-extravagant method. Insisting on locally produced beef, using hand-picked organic vegetables that are environmentally friendly and healthy. Unlike meals that hints guilt for using extravagance and rare ingredients, customers can taste quality through simplicity at THE BURN.
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[Website] THE BURN
[Map] Google Maps
Sustainable Kitchen ROSY – Sustainability beyond just food
Last but not least, Sustainable Kitchen ROSY in Kanda. The foundation of the restaurant is to create a sustainable future together with its community.
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Sustainable Kitchen ROSY establishes contracts with farmers who do not use pesticides and chemical fertilizers. They always choose farmers producing naturally-grown eggs. Bread also contains organic wheat. In fact, the restaurant has been producing its own rice for the past 40 years, ensuring its quality and safety. Of course, the food do not include any food additives.
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Sustainable Kitchen ROSY’s idea of sustainability extends beyond the food too. The restaurant’s uniform is made from organic cotton. The aprons too are dyed using vegetables dyes. Plastic containers and straws are also absent. Even the special pans do not emit harmful substances when used.
The restaurant’s concept actually comes from Portland. The owner wishes to reflect the food culture and environmental awareness present in Portland. With that as a guiding principle, Sustainable Kitchen ROSY hopes to promote sustainability and bring customers closer to nature.
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[Website] Sustainable Kitchen ROSY
[Map] Google Maps
