6 Countries Where Vegetarians and Vegans Eat Like Royalty

5. Japan: A Zen Approach to Plant-Based Dining

Japan offers a unique approach to vegetarian and vegan dining, deeply influenced by its Zen Buddhist traditions. Shojin ryori, the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, is a meditative practice that emphasizes simplicity and harmony with nature. This culinary tradition uses seasonal vegetables, tofu, and seaweed to create delicate and balanced dishes. Modern Japanese cuisine has also embraced plant-based dining, with sushi restaurants offering creative vegetable rolls and izakayas serving tofu-based dishes. The Japanese emphasis on presentation and quality ingredients ensures that vegetarian and vegan meals are both visually stunning and delicious. In Japan, plant-based dining is an art form, offering vegetarians and vegans a serene and satisfying culinary experience.