A Rich, Creamy Vegan Tantanmen Has Arrived in Kobe

This post is also available in: 日本語

Discover “Goku Tantanmen” — A Deeply Flavorful Plant-Based Ramen Experience

Finding a truly satisfying vegan ramen in Japan can sometimes feel like a challenge.

But now, in Kobe City, a popular local ramen shop has introduced something special:

Vegan “Goku Tantanmen”
A bold, rich, and deeply satisfying plant-based bowl.

Located inside Branch Kobe Gakuentoshi, Tenma Ramen has long been loved by local families and students. Now, it is taking a meaningful step toward food inclusivity by launching a vegan-friendly version of its signature tantanmen.

And yes — it’s designed to be powerful in flavor, not a compromise.

“Goku Tantanmen” from Tenma Ramen Branch Kobe Gakuentoshi

What Makes “Goku Tantanmen” Special?

The word “Goku” (極) means “ultimate” — and this bowl lives up to its name.

This vegan tantanmen features:

• Thick, creamy sesame richness
• Aromatic spices layered with depth
• Perfect balance of heat and umami
• A satisfying, full-bodied texture

Each spoonful delivers warmth, complexity, and comfort — without any animal products.

It’s not “vegan for vegan’s sake.”
It’s ramen made to impress.

Price: 1,078 JPY (before tax)
Affordable enough for students, yet satisfying enough for serious ramen fans.

Thoughtfully Designed for Diverse Diets

This new menu was created in response to the growing diversity around the area.

The shop is surrounded by several universities, including Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, University of Hyogo, and University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences

With more international students and diverse cultural backgrounds in the neighborhood, the owner recognized a rising need for inclusive dining options.

The result? A ramen that welcomes everyone to the table.

Important for Vegan Diners

✔ No animal ingredients
✔ No alcohol-based seasonings
✔ No “Five Pungent Roots” (no green onion, garlic, chives, shallots, or scallions)

⚠ Cooking utensils are shared with other menu items.

This transparency allows diners to make informed choices comfortably.

Why This Matters for Vegan Travelers

Tokyo may have growing vegan options — but regional cities like Kobe are still developing plant-based dining scenes.

That’s why this launch is meaningful.

It shows that local ramen shops are beginning to embrace global dietary diversity — not just specialty vegan cafes, but traditional ramen restaurants too.

Imagine:

Exploring Kobe Harbor
Walking through local neighborhoods
Then sitting down for a hot, rich bowl of vegan tantanmen — worry-free.

This is the kind of experience that makes travel memorable.

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