Try These Vegan Breakfast Spots in Osaka, Japan
Osaka has the nickname "Japan's Kitchen". But does this apply to vegans as well?
As any early-bird travellers know, starting your day early can sometimes mean skipping breakfast or settling for mediocre options.
In this guide, I'm going to take you to my favourite spots that serve vegan-friendly breakfast in Osaka, so that you can fuel up and start your adventure bright and early.
Mercy Vegan Factory
Mercy Vegan Factory (address) is a must-visit for vegans travelling to Osaka. This completely vegan cafe has won a special place in my heart. They serve great breakfast (opens pretty early at 8am) as well as lunch and dinner.
I love their vegan egg sandwich – the vegan egg salad part is realistic and delicious, and it's served on soft sandwich bread. Pair this with a creamy soy cream coffee. If you can make it before 10:30am, you'll can choose from their breakfast menu, which offers a discount on the egg sandwich and drink combo.
The cafe itself has a comfortable, neighbourhood vibe, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The closest station is Tanimachi 9-chome Station, but it's walkable from Dotonbori. And for those on the go, they offer takeaway, so you can still grab that snacks and desserts to enjoy during the day.
Optimus Cafe
Located near Kitahama station, Optimus Cafe (address) is another fantastic all-vegan cafe that opens early at 8:30am. Their "Have a good day plate" is a great breakfast choice to try a bit of everything, featuring toast with a tofu and hummus spread, house-made vegan sausage, a side salad and pickles. Beyond this signature plate, their breakfast menu also includes options like avocado toast, French toast, granola yoghurt bowl and more.
If you are lucky, you may get a seat that with a river view that overlooks Osaka City Central Public Hall across. It's a great cafe to start your morning.
Asakara Good Store
If your itinerary includes a visit to the magnificent Osaka Castle, then Asakara Good Store (address) is an excellent breakfast choice. It's located about 15- to 20-minute walk from Osaka Castle, this cafe opens early at 7am or 8am depending on the day.
While not a fully vegan cafe, Asakara Good Store has clearly marked vegan options. You can expect to find choices like a vegan miso tuna melt sandwich or a full Aussie-style vegan breakfast. For those with a sweet tooth (like me!), the vegan strawberry cream sandwich is a great sweet breakfast option, featuring vegan whipped cream and fresh strawberries in soft bread. Do keep in mind that this cafe is quite popular, so you might have to wait before getting a dine-in spot.
FOLK茶菓 (folksaka)
Opening at 10am, Folksaka (address) is a charming all-vegan and gluten-free cafe, just a short walk from Fukushima station. Step inside and you'll be greeted by a warm, cosy space with plenty of natural light. The cafe is housed in a renovated traditional Japanese house, which adds to its charm.
For breakfast, expect to find options like veggie sandwiches and French toast, often featuring their house-made breads such as focaccia. Beyond the set breakfast menu, keep an eye out for their rotating selection of cabinet baked goods, which may include vegan brownies, scones, and cookies.
vegecafe+α
vegecafe+α (address) opens at 9am and offers a comfortable spot for an early meal. Despite its name suggesting a fully vegetarian or vegan focus, it's important to note that it's not a vegan cafe. However, they do a good job of marking the vegan options on their menu, and list allergens for each dish. One of their possible vegan breakfast options is the soup curry plate, which comes with rice flour breads and a side salad. Be mindful that other breakfast options may contain dairy or eggs, so always double-check. It's located within walking distance from Shin-Osaka station, which makes it a convenient choice if you're planning to travel to other cities via the Shinkansen.
maZe nishihorie
Located within walking distance from Shinsaibashi station, maZe nishihorie (address) is an omni cafe that offers a vegan plate on their breakfast menu. It comes with sourdough bread, hummus, grilled veggies, 2 types of juice and side salad.
Starbucks
Across Japan, Starbucks can be a surprisingly convenient option for vegans looking for a quick, early breakfast. While offerings rotate and availability can differ significantly from one branch to another, Starbucks Japan generally provides some decent vegan options. Look for items marked with their 'plant-based' logo. You might find options like a vegan chocolate muffin, soy cream rolled cake, or even a plant-based pizza toast. Personally, I really like their soy matcha lattes and soy hojicha lattes.
Convenience Stores
You'll find a Japanese convenience store (konbini) like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson at every corner in Osaka, and can be a source for quick vegan breakfast, especially if you're in a pinch. Onigiri (rice balls) are sometimes vegan; The plain salted (shio) or plum (ume) onigiri are often safer bets for vegans, but ingredients can be tricky and sometimes include non-vegan hidden ingredients that are used in the production process (and not mentioned in the ingredient list). I recommend checking "Is It Vegan Japan" as they have a great lists of vegan-friendly convenience store items.