Whether it’s a delicious bowl of ramen noodles, or a bite into some of Japan’s famous soft and fluffy bread, it can feel like a challenge to avoid gluten while traveling Tokyo. But aside from sticking to an all-fish diet while you’re here, there are plenty of other interesting options around the city!
Here we’ll take a look at five great gluten-free restaurants around Tokyo, and what you can expect to find at each.
T’s Kitchen
Located on the second floor of a small building near Roppongi Station, T’s Kitchen is a go-to for many Tokyoites looking for good, gluten-free food. The restaurant was opened after the owner spent some time in America and noticed there were a lot of gluten-free places there but barely any in Japan. This sparked something within her to help those with gluten intolerances have a great time eating out with friends, and led to the opening of a restaurant where you can get healthy and delicious food.
Not only is T’s Kitchen gluten-free, but it also clearly labels its allergens, and has a number of different vegetarian and vegan options, too. Their gluten-free menu offers a number of different typical Japanese dishes that would usually contain gluten, such as gyoza, tempura, and ramen. There is even a selection of gluten-free desserts like their pancakes and cherry blossom cake!
Price range: ¥1,000–3,000
Nearest station: Roppongi
Address: 2F, 7-8-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Phone: 03-6874-7719
Website: glutenfree.co.jp/home-en
Downtown B’s Indian Kitchen
Moving on from T to B, Downtown B’s Indian Kitchen is the place to go when you’ve had your fill of Japanese food and want to switch it up with some good, gluten-free Indian cuisine. The “B” stands for Bonnie, the name of the charismatic owner who always aims to please.
The place is cozy, with only a few tables, but that embodies the friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. Here, they cater to everyone’s needs, offering meat dishes as well as vegan, vegetarian, and of course, gluten-free. Although not all restaurants in Tokyo have English-speaking staff, here the staff speak good English, so if you have any allergy concerns you can easily discuss them. Choose from different types of curry and various sides to get a taste of authentic, gluten-free Indian cuisine.
Price range: ¥800–2,500
Nearest stations: Roppongi-Itchome and Roppongi
Address: Roppongi 3-4-2, Minato-ku
Phone: 03-3586-2645
Website: www.facebook.com/downtownBskitchen
Where is a Dog
Of course, there may be times when you just want a good muffin, or some filling bread alongside your meal, which can feel like a challenge on a gluten-free diet. That’s where the uniquely named Where is a Dog restaurant comes in. Not only does this Tokyo spot offer gluten-free meals, but it also sells gluten-free bread and baked goods that you can buy to take home.
Their baked goods are made using rice flour, to avoid gluten entirely, and every ingredient is specially selected to be as fresh and gluten-free as possible, including their lunch sandwiches. They make sure to label the main allergens on their menu, and even have a few clearly-labeled vegan options, too. That’s not to mention their delicious vegan and gluten-free desserts!
Price range: ¥500–2,000
Nearest station: Kichijoji
Address: 103 SUNO Ecru, Kichijoji Honcho 2-24-9, Musashino
Phone: 04-2227-2812
Website: www.whereisadog.net
Moyan Curry
Japanese curry may be less well known than ramen or sushi, but it is a delicious and warming take on curry that is perfect for the colder months. Unfortunately, it is very often made with a flour-based roux or served with bread-coated fried food, making it difficult for those with a gluten-free diet to try out. The curries at the award-winning Moyan Curry, however, are made with no flour and no MSG, and there are several branches all across Tokyo.
As well as their delicious and unique a-la-carte curries, at lunchtime they also offer an all-you-can-eat curry buffet. They do point out that “If you have a severe allergy to gluten, our gluten-free dishes may not be able to respond to your requirements.” This may mean that there are traces of gluten in their dishes, so proceed with caution. Udon is also served at the buffet, which is not gluten-free. However, they take care not to use flour or breadcrumbs in their dishes. If you are concerned, you can always speak to the friendly staff.
Price range: ¥500–2,000
Nearest station (Shinjuku branch): Shinjuku
Address: Nishi-Shinjuku TK Bldg. 1F, Nishishinjuku 8-19-2, Shinjuku-ku
Phone: 050-5462-2915
Website: www.moyan.jp/english
We Are the Farm Shibuya
If you’re looking to get your share of veggies into your Tokyo travels, We Are the Farm is a great place to get a good, gluten-free meal that comes directly from farm to table. Their food includes a variety of different courses, starting with the Farm course which features salad, seasonal vegetables, and a choice of a chicken or steak grill plate. They also offer a lunch buffet for ¥2,000.
While not all the menu options at We Are the Farm are gluten-free, most are, so just make sure to check with a staff member which options are gluten-free before ordering.
Price range: ¥2,000–2,500
Nearest station: Shibuya
Address: Pigeon Takada Bldg. 1F, Shoto 1-28-11, Shibuya-ku
Phone: 03-6416-0724
Website: wearethefarm-shibuya.owst.jp/en
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