Best Tofu Cuisine

Eating tofu in Japan is a vastly different and superior experience to most tofu found in Western supermarkets — it’s elevated to a veritable art form here. Kyoto has some fantastic tofu restaurants in the city. These are some of our favourites.

[Tofu cuisine in Kyoto: Guppy2416 / Shutterstock.com]

Kyoto prides itself on its soy products, especially tofu. Mileage varies by the restaurant, but overall, terroir proves itself true in Japan: whether it’s yudofu (tofu hotpot), freshly made yuba (soymilk skin), or any variation on soy milk products, Kyoto is where you’ll find some of the nation’s finest in this genre of food.

A note: tofu restaurants aren’t necessarily synonymous with vegetarian food, as most restaurants here still rely on dashi (fish stock) as the backbone of their cooking. Some are happy to omit any animal products in the food given advance warning. In general, however, don’t expect all restaurants to be willing to adjust on the day — we recommend doing some research and checking in advance.

Eating tofu in Kyoto is unmissable when you’re here. These are some places we love in the city.

Tosuiro (Downtown Kyoto; expensive)
If you think you know tofu, think again! The artisans at this branch of a famed Kyoto tofu restaurant chain do more with tofu than you’d have thought possible.

Yudofu Sagano (Arashiyama; mid-range)
Yodofu Sagano is a great place to try that great Arashiyama Buddhist specialty: yudo (chunks of tofu simmered in broth).

More Restaurant Recommendations

See all our recommended restaurants in Kyoto.

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