Kyoto vegan ramen restaurant is first to get Michelin Green Star
The vegan specialty restaurant Vegan Ramen Uzu Kyoto, which opened in Gosho-minami, Kyoto in 2020, has been awarded the Michelin Green Star, a symbol highlighting restaurants that actively engage in sustainable gastronomy and serve as role models, in the Michelin Guide Kyoto Osaka 2025, published April 1, 2025—the world’s first Green Star awarded in the ramen category.
Additionally, it has won the Bib Gourmand, awarded to restaurants that offer refined cuisine for a reasonable price, for four consecutive years.
“‘Earth-friendly dining’ is the mission of Vegan Ramen Uzu,” states the Michelin Guide. “The interior artwork, created by art collective TeamLab based on their theme of ‘Interconnection between humans and nature and each other,’ is a perfect fit for the cuisine … Guests all dine at the same table, underscoring the message that we must live and prosper together.”
“Our goal is to raise awareness of the natural environment and sustainable society through vegan cuisine,” says Ryo Kataoka, Vegan Ramen Uzu Kyoto representative. “Industrial livestock and fishing generate massive amounts of carbon dioxide and consume enormous amounts of water. Eating is not just about energy and nutrition intake; it is a continuity of life. We hope that one day the food culture will gently shift towards plant-based ingredients, leading to a sustainable circular society.”
The ramen soup is cold-brewed for 12 hours with Rausu kombu and domestic shiitake mushrooms, along with vegetables. The noodles are made from Hokkaido wheat flour and pesticide-free whole wheat flour from Aya, Miyazaki Prefecture.
They also offer a near-zero food waste menu, including Nut and Miso Cheese with Yatsuhashi, made from 10 different ingredients, and Hand-rolled Sushi with kombu, pickled shiitake, fresh sansho, shiso, and more.
