Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto

"The first ramen restaurant globally to be awarded a MICHELIN Green Star, located in Kyoto, recognized for its eco-friendly initiatives." - MICHELIN Guide Japan

"Art and veganism fuse in the novel dining experience that is Vegan Ramen UZU. In the dark interior, jet-black tables and displays like ink drawings conjure an otherworldly milieu. Ramen ingredients are plant- and algae-based: vegetables, kombu kelp and so forth. Soups of soy sauce and miso are enlivened with fragrant oils. Kombu and shiitake grounds are put to use in à la carte dishes of tofu-skin rolls. The philosophy here is that every part of every ingredient is used." - Michelin Inspector

"Though he apprenticed in kaiseki, the chef became captivated by the freedom à la carte dishes gave him. To create a restaurant where the customer comes first, he crafted a menu with a full range of options. Potato salad combines beef with pickled turnip, the better to serve as a drinking snack. Sweetfish sushi uses roasted sweetfish paired with vinegared rice seasoned with Japanese pepper. The rice ball with eel tempura filling is an idiosyncratic touch. As the conversation flows with the amiable owner-chef, time flows by in a comfortable mood." - Michelin Inspector