I have wanted to visit SAIDO for many years. I tried to book several times over the last two years, but they were always fully booked! Finally, on my third attempt, I was successful.
It wasn’t easy—I actually stayed awake until 2:00 AM (which is midnight in Japan) just to secure a table. If you are planning a visit, please note that they typically release bookings one month in advance. When we arrived, I was amazed by how beautiful it was—the entrance is full of lush greens.
Left- SAIDO Entrance Right- SAIDO Restaurant
The Dinner Menu
There are three price ranges for the dinner course: 3,300 yen, 5,280 yen, and 8,800 yen. Since it took me three years to get a reservation, I decided to go all out and choose the most expensive course to enjoy the full experience!
The course includes one drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available). My hubby chose the Organic Plum Sake, while I went for an Organic Alcohol-Free Beer.
Organic Plum Sake & Organic Alcohol-Free Beer
I actually regretted not ordering Saido’s special homemade cola or fruit soda! They change the flavours regularly—the Autumn soda was made with pear from Yamagata, organic dried lavender, vanilla beans, and beet sugar. Next time, I will definitely try their homemade fruit soda or special cola.
The Highlights of the Meal
Katsu Sando
The first dish was a vegan Katsu Sando served on fluffy charcoal bread. The katsu was warm and crunchy, paired with a delicious tomato-flavoured sauce and a hint of pepper for a nice kick.
Katsu Sando
Vegetable Terrine
A beautiful assembly of snap peas, okra, broccoli, and komatsuna set in a lightly flavoured agar. The creamy cauliflower sauce served alongside was the perfect accompaniment.
Vegetable Terrine
Vegan Cheese Salad
This featured a darling butterfly-shaped potato! But the real star was the smoky vegan cheese. It was definitely one of the best—if not the best—vegan cheeses I have ever had. The sweetness of the fresh strawberries paired beautifully with the smoky flavours. I really enjoyed that final crunchy bite of potato and cheese!
Vegan Cheese Salad
Corn Soup
This soup was pure corn intensity! It contained no added cream—just the natural creaminess of the corn itself. While I usually add onion or potato to my soups at home, I loved this lighter, pure version. The topping is Arare, which are tiny, toasted Japanese rice crackers. They add a wonderful, crunchy texture and a toasty rice aroma that perfectly balances the sweetness of the corn.
Corn Soup
Vegan Eel (Unagi)
Made from tofu and root vegetables, this arrived with a wonderful smoky aroma. When I opened the lid, the smoke drifted out, revealing Five-Grain Rice covered in very fine nori shavings. I loved that it wasn’t drenched in an overly sweet sauce, which is a common issue with traditional unagi.
Vegan Eel (Unagi)
Yakitori & Edible Charcoal
The “meat” (which I believe was mushroom) had a fantastic texture and a lovely smoky aroma. One of the best surprises was the “edible charcoal.” I won’t tell you what it actually is—you’ll have to visit and enjoy the surprise for yourself!
Yakitori & Edible Charcoal
Roasted Lotus Root
Thick-cut fresh lotus root is a dream for me, as it is so rare and expensive to find back home in Sydney. This was served with a salty gobo (burdock) and smoked mushroom sauce. It was deeply umami-rich and fermented, making it wonderful for gut health.
Roasted Lotus Root
Special Vegan Ramen
You can choose to include or omit onion and garlic (perfect for those following Buddhist dietary practices). I have tried many vegan ramen, but this “Tonkotsu-style” broth was amazing—so rich, thick, and creamy.
Special Vegan Ramen
Dessert
The finale was a raspberry mousse and cake with chlorella, served with a pretzel. The attention to detail was so cute—the spoon was even shaped like a little garden shovel! To finish, we had organic sweet tea, naturally caffeine- and sugar-free.
Raspberry Mousse and Cake with Chlorella
My Verdict
Even with the most expensive course, this meal felt like incredible value for the money. Everything was perfect: the presentation, the “surprises” throughout the meal, and the friendly service.
I have visited many vegan restaurants in many different countries, but I truly think this is the best vegan dining experience in Japan—and perhaps the world. It is no wonder SAIDO was awarded the best vegan restaurant in the world in 2020.
Tips for your visit:
- Book early: Bookings for next month open on the 1st, and they tend to disappear fast—so be sure to grab your spot early!
- Small groups: They only take about three groups at a time, so it is a very intimate experience.
- Lunch: They offer a more affordable lunch menu if you are on a budget.
SAIDO https://saido.tokyo (English page available)
Address: 2 Chome-15-10 Jiyugaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0035, Japan
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