No trip to Japan is complete without a delicious bowl of ramen. This iconic dish has got everything you need in one bowl—noodles that are incredibly fulfilling to slurp and chew, steeped in a flavorful bowl of warm soup. Kyoto, in particular, is a paradise for ramen lovers with countless ramen menus and styles. Here, you’ll not only find popular joints serving classic, deep, rich flavors from miso (fermented soy) to shoyu (soy sauce), but also innovative newcomers featuring lighter, vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options.
For visitors seeking vegan dining alternatives beyond Kyoto’s famous tofu dishes and shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), these ramen spots deliver exceptional bowls that don’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

The New Generation of Vegan and Gluten-Free Ramen Shops in Kyoto

Kyoto has long been a city deeply rooted in ramen culture, with origins that trace back to postwar food stalls and long-established, iconic shops. In recent years, however, the city has seen a wave of innovative ramen shops offering unique and creative bowls that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity.

As one of Japan’s top tourist destinations, Kyoto’s deep cultural ties to Japanese cuisine make it a natural hub for culinary innovation. To thrive in such a highly competitive ramen market, new ramen shops are pushing boundaries, crafting inventive twists on the classic dish while staying true to its roots. At the same time, to meet the expectations of discerning international visitors, many shops are embracing unique flavors, modern concepts, and stylish dining spaces. Together, they are shaping a new generation of ramen that honors tradition while embracing creativity.

Notably, Kyoto has seen a significant rise in vegan ramen shops, reflecting a growing trend toward plant-based dining that appeals to both health-conscious food lovers and those with dietary restrictions. Many of these innovative ramen shops are now prioritizing the quality of their ingredients, choosing fresh, unprocessed components to create bowls that are rich in flavor without sacrificing nutrition while catering to gluten-free and vegan diets alike.

If you’re planning your next trip to Kyoto, make sure to put these creative and flavorful vegan ramen spots at the top of your list!

KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN — Kyoto’s Very Own Miso Ramen Specialist

KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN is a popular ramen shop located in Kawaramachi, one of the most vibrant shopping districts in Kyoto. Known for its vegan and gluten-free ramen options, the shop is a must-visit for those with dietary restrictions who still want to enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen.

The star of KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN’s menu—miso ramen—is offered in a variety of unique flavors. Two standout vegan options include the ZESTY (spicy miso) RAMEN for VEGAN (¥1,800), which perfectly balances spiciness and creaminess, and the KYOTO BEANing VEGAN RAMEN (¥1,800) which features a rich edamame-based soup accented with shiso and other bold flavors, all of which can be ordered with gluten-free noodles (+¥200).

Because the soup ingredients are made in-house, KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN can ensure a wheat-free dining experience, making it safe for those with severe celiac disease or wheat allergies. Their dedication to accommodating dietary restrictions is impressive. For example, while they are transparent about not being able to satisfy strict Halal diets, they do offer pork-free (chicken-based or vegan-based) ramen choices. This level of careful attention to customer needs without compromising on flavor is truly remarkable.

To enhance your dining experience, KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN even serves gluten-free beer—a rare and special treat for those on a gluten-free diet. After all, there’s nothing like enjoying a steaming bowl of ramen with a cold glass of beer! For those who prefer something different, the shop also boasts a well-balanced selection of Japanese sake. If you’re in the mood for a sweeter option, don’t miss their carefully curated ume-shu (plum wine), which adds the perfect finishing touch to your meal.

The food, drinks, and service at KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN are so good that you’ll want to come back for more—and they make it easy to do so, even with their popularity. Like many ramen shops, they don’t take reservations for individuals or small groups. However, they provide you with a number and return time, allowing you to explore nearby attractions instead of waiting in line, making your visit smoother and more enjoyable. For large groups of 10 or more, reservations for specific hours can be made via WhatsApp or e-mail. Simply check their Instagram page for the latest details.

For added convenience, English menus are available with clear information on ingredients and allergens to ensure a worry-free dining experience.

KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN

Address: 580-2 Nakano-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Hours: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Access: 2-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Railway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyotoengine/

MOON and BACK Ramen Bar Kyoto — Vegan and Gluten-free Ramen from a Chef Trained Abroad

MOON and BACK Ramen Bar Kyoto stands out with its charming branding and whimsical rabbit silhouettes, which can be found everywhere—from the advertising boards and spoons to the chopsticks. This playful and thoughtful design is the brainchild of owner and chef Tatsuya Fukuda, who honed his culinary skills as the head chef of a modern Japanese fine-dining restaurant located in front of the Sydney Opera House.

Fukuda returned to Japan with the mission of spreading authentic, safe Japanese food to the world while showcasing exceptional design and catering to those with dietary restrictions. His international experience and creativity have made MOON and BACK Ramen Bar Kyoto a unique and inclusive dining experience, offering a welcoming space where vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters can all enjoy a delicious meal together.

MOON and BACK Ramen Bar Kyoto offers four types of ramen, two of which are vegan. The signature Spicy Tandan Ramen (¥1,848) features a rich white sesame-based broth topped with bok choy and tofu skin, delivering a perfect balance of spice and flavor. For a creamier option, the Soy Milk Creamy Ramen (¥1,848) pairs its silky broth with sweet-marinated cherry tomatoes, apple pickles, and your choice of a thick fried tofu. Noodles for all ramen dishes can be substituted with gluten-free alternatives for an extra ¥275.

Additionally, the Omakase Vegan Course Menu (¥6,600) is a dinner highlight. The course includes both vegan ramen as the main dishes, complemented by vegan inari sushi (traditional sushi tucked inside sweet and salty deep-fried tofu pockets) and Kyoto style eggplant >i>dengaku (a classic Japanese dish featuring grilled eggplant topped with miso paste). Gluten-free soy sauce is available upon request, ensuring a safe and worry-free sushi experience for individuals with celiac disease.

A side of vegan, gluten-free dumplings generously filled with ingredients like onions and mushrooms makes a perfect match with the vegan ramen. The rice flour dough gives the dumplings a chewy texture, while the gluten-free soy sauce used in the dipping sauce ensures a safe and flavorful choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

For non-vegan options, a standout is the Grilled Japanese Wagyu Beef Ramen (¥1,848), of which the domestic kuroge wagyu (Japanese black beef) slice is seared right at your table—adding a dramatic and mouthwatering touch to the dining experience.

Reservations can be made via Table Check, which supports multiple languages by clicking/tapping the “KYOTO Reservation” button on the official website. The restaurant is also accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

MOON and BACK Ramen Bar Kyoto

Address: 585 Takamiya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Hours: 10:00 am - 10:30 pm (kitchen close 9:30 pm)
Closed: open 7 days
Access: 3-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Railway
Website: https://www.moonandbackkyoto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonandback.kyoto/

How to Get to Kyoto-Kawaramachi from HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto

KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN and MOON and BACK Ramen Bar Kyoto are both located in the lively Kawaramachi area. This vibrant district is just a convenient 15-minute walk from HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto, making it an ideal destination for a delicious meal as part of your day out.

Take the advantage of easy access to Kawaramachi as well as other popular attractions in the city. Whether you’re planning a food adventure, shopping, or sightseeing, staying here allows you to explore the area effortlessly and make the most of your time in Kyoto!

Writer

Maisie McPherson
Originally from the United States, Maisie has called the Kansai region of Japan home for nearly two decades. She enjoys seeking out the charms of life in Japan and sharing that information with visitors from overseas. She also loves marveling at retro architecture and design from the Showa period, exploring Japanese gardens, and is always up for a night out in a lively izakaya.