WELCOME TO TENSAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Vegan Japanese Food - Tensai, NYC
If you’ve ever typed “vegan Japanese food near me” and ended up with nothing but plain rice and soy sauce, you’re not alone. A lot of Japanese spots in NYC lean heavily on fish, bonito broth, and hidden animal products, even in dishes that look plant-based on the surface.
We’re a Japanese restaurant in NYC that takes vegan Japanese food seriously, with a dedicated selection of plant-based dishes that feel like real choices, not afterthoughts. Whether you’re fully vegan, mostly plant-based, or just trying to eat a little lighter, you’ll find plenty to love on our menu, alongside all the classic options your non-vegan friends and family might crave.
Vegan Japanese Food in NYC
Our focus is comfort-driven Japanese cooking with a modern NYC twist. That means warm broths, crisp tempura, flavorful noodles, and versions you can enjoy without having to worry about fish stock or hidden animal ingredients.
From lunch to dinner, you’ll find clearly marked vegan options throughout the menu, making it easy to build your own spread of Japanese vegan food without guessing or cross-examining every dish.
Vegan Small Plates: More Than Just Edamame
Vegan Japanese meals should start with something fun, not just a side salad. At Tensai, you can build a table full of plant-based small plates that feel satisfying on their own:
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Edamame – Steamed soybeans with a touch of sea salt: simple, fresh, and naturally vegan.
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House salad – Crisp greens with carrot, onion, and tomato, topped with a bright ginger-carrot dressing.
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Blistered shishito peppers – Lightly seared and finished with citrusy ponzu for just the right amount of kick.
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Ube fries – Purple sweet potato fries served hot and crisp, seasoned to bring out their natural sweetness.
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Corn croquettes – Golden, crunchy bites of corn and potato that are surprisingly addictive.
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Mixed vegetable tempura – Seasonal veggies fried in a light, airy batter for that classic Japanese crunch.
You can come in for a quick snack, or order several plates to share and turn them into a full vegan dinner.
Noodles & Warm Bowls: Vegan Japanese Comfort Food
If you’re looking for vegan Japanese food near me that goes beyond cold salads, our noodle dishes are a great place to start.
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Kitsune udon features seasoned bean curd and comforting broth with thick noodles, an easy favorite for plant-based diners.
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Steamed vegetable bowls pile on broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, and spinach for a clean, warm option that still feels substantial.
These dishes give you that “cozy bowl” feeling without relying on meat or fish, so you can enjoy authentic textures and flavors while staying true to your vegan lifestyle.
Vegan Tempura and Vegetable-Forward Mains
Tempura doesn’t have to mean shrimp. Our vegetable tempura and other veg-centric options let you enjoy the best of fried Japanese food without animal products. Paired with rice, miso soup, and other vegan sides, it’s easy to create a full meal that’s satisfying and balanced.
We keep our vegan dishes clearly labeled, so you don’t have to worry about guessing what’s in the batter or broth. And if you have questions, our team is happy to walk you through ingredients and help you customize.
A Vegan-Friendly Spot That Works for Everyone
Tensai NYC is ideal when you’re trying to please a mixed group, vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. You can enjoy Japanese vegan food like edamame, vegetable tempura, and kitsune udon while your friends order their favorite non-vegan dishes from the same menu.
That means no one has to compromise: vegans get real variety, and everyone else gets the ramen, donburi, or sushi they already know and love.
Why Tensai NYC Belongs on Your “Best Vegan Japanese Food” List
When people look for the best vegan Japanese food in NYC, they’re usually searching for three things:
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Real choices – Not just one token veggie dish.
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Clear labeling – So there’s no guessing or worry about hidden animal products.
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Atmosphere – A place where you actually want to hang out, not just grab and go.
We’ve built our menu and our space with all of that in mind.
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Multiple vegan small plates, noodles, and tempura options
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Clearly marked vegan items on the menu
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A warm, casual atmosphere that works for lunch, after-work bites, or late-night cravings
Whether you’re stopping in solo with a book, meeting friends before a show, or planning a plant-based date night, Tensai NYC gives you a place where vegan Japanese food feels just as exciting and satisfying as anything else on the table.
Explore the full menu and find your perfect plate at Tensai NYC by visiting the menu page: Fill details To make a reservation.
