Tokyo, HarajukuBrown Rice By Neal's Yard, one of Tokyo's first vegan friendly cafés

The location

Brown Rice by Neals Yard is located in the busy shopping zone of Ometosando in Harajuku. I found it tucked away in a side street away from the hectic busy shopping area with international brands like Chanel, Dior and Gucci.

The space

I walked down  an alley filled with plants, which created a healthy, green and organic vibe.

There’s seating inside and out. The outside seating is also connected to their Neal’s Yard cosmetic shop. Although it’s secluded, I didn’t feel like I was in one of the busiest areas in Tokyo. If it’s full you have to wait outside and give your name.

Inside  I discovered a very calm Glowcation, with warm wood used for tables and chairs. I saw a large square table to sit on with a group, but also small tables for two. Next to my seat I had a basket to put my jacket in- handy!

What we ate

As a little appetiser I got radish and …… kumquat in olive oil. This was like a flavour explosion.

The first set menu was a bamboo basket with ten different steamed veggies. It came with homemade dipping sauce, brown rice, their homemade miso soup and pickled veg. It tasted very simple and pure in flavour.

The second set menu was their seasonal vegetable curry served with brown rice, a simple side salad and some pickled veg. The curry was made out of tomatoes, onions and spices and topped with fried tofu, purple radish, carrot, lotus root and kambocha pumpkin (pronounce it like kabotsjaa in Japanese, that means pumpkin!). The curry had a thick texture and was packed with flavour.