JoGeSaYu — Restaurant in Hiroshima

We went to YoGeSaYu yesterday (twice) and were completely blown away. The quality of the food was superb. Everything was vegan and fresh, sauces were self made. People who have not worked in a restaurant probably don’t know how unusual and how much work it is to approach cooking this way. We had the recommended three course dinner. Everything was mild but aromatic, with hints of fermented tastes accentuated with hints of pepper, little hits of spice. The kitchen managed to compose the food in a way the flavor of the actual vegetables came out. We were stunned at how good it was. It was accompanied by a 0.00% alcohol celeble sparkling plum wine, that was a sensual teaser in itself. I could go on and on, but you should just see for yourself. We had dinner in the evening. During the day you could only order drinks and desert cake (which was fantastic too, by the way). The staff were incredibly nice and attentive. Thy made you feel really welcome and spoke english with us and understood our so-so japanese skills. Appearently JoGeSaYu set out to be a restaurant that would accept every person from every ethnicity or religion and tried to make a food concept that would allow everyone to come. The staff 100% managed to translate that in the way they interacted with people. Even more astonishing that they only opened up about a week ago. I have only visited 3 restaurants with a Michelin star in europe, so I don’t have a lot of experience. But I would say YoGeSaYu came really close to michelin star food. And don’t take this review as a sign that it is too expensive - menus ranged from 1600-2800 yen with drinks starters and deserts. Overall a real highlight...

We went there for Lunch at 13:00, they have a Lunch Menu from 11:30-14:00 with many Options to choose from. I have been a vegetarian for almost 5 years and recently I‘ve been leaning towards veganism. I found this place on HappyCow. The restaurant is beautifully furnished. Great location and the staff is extremely friendly and makes you feel welcomed. They don’t speak English well but they understand what you want by pointing on the menu and showing fingers to explain what you want. They are also very patient.

We ordered three meals. The Katsu Cutry, the Mapo Tofu and the seasonal Special „Hiroshima-style Tsukemen“ all three were delicious and perfectly balanced and portioned. The Katsu Curry had a delicious flavor and was a very good alternative to chicken. The Curry reminded me of Indian spices and was very thick. The grilled vegetables were fresh and full of flavor. The rice was the best rice I‘ve had in Japan. The Mapo Tofu had a nice nutty flavor that really fit well with the silk tofu. Very nicely presented. The Season Special was my favourite dish. The noodles were perfectly cooked. It was paired with crunchy veggies and the perfect dipping sauce that had this freshness...

As a vegetarian who does not consume allium, I absolutely cannot believe this 100% vegan without allium exists in Japan… moreover, in Hiroshima. I struggled to find quality vegetarian food in Japan and this place is like an answer to my prayer.

Firstly, the staff are friendly. My friend and I were looking over the menu placed outside the restaurant when the staff came out with smile on her face. She explained that their restaurant is allium free!!! The staff were all friendly and helpful 🙏

Now, let’s get to the food. We each ordered Set Menu A, a drink and shared an appetizer (katsu). the soup (6/10), it was alright, I had better katsu appetiser/side dish (8/10), delish! Must order dan dan ramen (7/10), it was good but the taste is rather mild. I would have preferred stronger flavour curry rice (7.5/10), am glad to finally be able to try Japanese curry rice set in Japan. It is rare to find a place that does Japanese veg curry without allium service (10/10), thank you for making us feel so welcomed

Overall, loving this restaurant. May it go from strength...