Tokyo’s SAIDO Revolutionizes Vegan Washoku for All

This post is also available in: 日本語 繁體中文

Where Tradition Meets Innovation—Inside Japan’s Most Inclusive Culinary Experience

Tucked away in the charming neighborhood of Jiyugaoka, Tokyo, Saido is not just a vegan restaurant—it’s a global culinary movement that bridges traditional Japanese techniques with modern, inclusive values. Led by Chef Katsumoto, Saido has become a dining destination for food lovers across cultures and continents, including world-renowned chefs, celebrities, and curious travelers eager to experience something truly unique.

So what makes Saido’s plant-based washoku (Japanese cuisine) so groundbreaking—and why is the world watching?

Food you can try at Saido

Crafting Authentic Japanese Flavors Without Animal Products

Saido’s mission is bold: to recreate classic Japanese dishes like ramen, sushi, and okonomiyaki without using animal-based ingredients, five pungent roots (like garlic or scallions), or alcohol-based condiments.

Yet the results are deeply flavorful and satisfying. The secret lies in a masterful use of kombu (kelp), dried mushrooms, vegetables, and original cooking techniques developed by Chef Katsumoto. Each dish is crafted with balance and texture in mind, offering a level of depth that makes diners “forget it’s vegan.”

From across Japan, Chef Katsumoto personally visits producers to source ingredients that respect both tradition and innovation, ensuring quality and authenticity in every bite.

Chef Kusumoto visits farms around Japan looking for the best ingredients

The Philosophy of “One Table”; Food Without Borders

At the heart of Saido is its One Table philosophy—the idea that food should transcend religion, dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural differences. Inspired by the Japanese expression “sharing the same pot of rice”, Saido aims to create a world where everyone can enjoy the same meal at the same table.

By removing barriers in food, the restaurant fosters deeper human connection and empathy—an increasingly important message in today’s global society.

Plant-based burger by Saido

From Jiyugaoka to the World

Saido’s influence reaches far beyond Tokyo. In 2023, its pop-up event in Los Angeles sold out instantly, with over 2,500 people on the waitlist. The event attracted global chefs, journalists, and celebrities, all eager to taste what Japanese vegan cuisine could offer at the highest level.

This isn’t just about a trend—it’s about redefining what washoku can be for the world.

POP UP held in Los Angeles

Showcased at the Japan’s G7 Summit Table

Saido’s excellence was showcased at the G7 Summit held in Japan, where it served world leaders and delegates with dishes that reflected both Japanese elegance and global inclusivity. Even in a high-level diplomatic setting, Saido’s cuisine resonated with the concept of One Table—bringing people together, regardless of nation or belief.

G7 Summit

Voted World’s Best Vegan Restaurant by Happy Cow

Global vegan platform Happy Cow awarded Saido the title of the World’s Best Vegan Restaurant. This is not just recognition—it sets a new global standard for what Japanese cuisine can be when values of sustainability, inclusion, and culinary mastery are combined.

See Also

“Saido” (Tokyo) Shines No. 1 on the “Best Vegan Restaurants Worldwide”!

Happy Cow sticker at the entrance of Saido

Chef Katsumoto: Leading by Example

Chef Katsumoto doesn’t stop at running a globally celebrated restaurant. He also shares his expertise through lectures, cooking classes, and collaborations with culinary schools across the world—from the U.S. to Australia.

His mission is too inspire the next generation of chefs to understand the importance of food diversity and carry forward the legacy of Japan’s culinary culture with a modern, inclusive mindset.

Chef Kusumoto in Australia

Saido is more than a restaurant—it’s a cultural movement. By masterfully blending tradition and innovation, it offers an unforgettable dining experience that speaks to the soul of Japanese hospitality while embracing the world’s growing call for inclusivity and sustainability.

As it continues to gain worldwide acclaim, Saido is setting the stage for a new era in Japanese cuisine—one where every guest, regardless of background, can share the same table and enjoy the same delicious journey.