Sujata

October 2022: Please note Sujata has now permanently closed. Please see our Northern Higashiyama page for other places to eat in the district. See my list of Kyoto’s Best Restaurants for more eating inspiration. The list covers all cuisines and price ranges.

With reasonably priced lunch sets clocking in at under JPY1000 a pop, Sujata is a long-time favourite with Kyoto residents looking for homey vegetarian fare. Head here for nourishing lunches that won’t break the bank.

A plate of vegetable gyoza drizzled with vinegar and chilli oil. – image © Florentyna Leow

Sujata is a small, one-woman operation. It’s a narrow little shop with just two small tables and some counter seats on the ground floor – easy to walk right past if you’re not looking for it. The elderly Japanese lady behind the counter does everything from start to finish, so make sure you’re not in a hurry. This isn’t fast food. The meditation music in the background is oddly calming though, and you might find yourself drifting off as you wait for your food, noticing the sizzle of hot oil or the smells wafting from behind the counter.

The counter downstairs. There’s a second floor area, too. – image © Florentyna Leow

Her cooking sits somewhere at the intersection of Japanese and Indian home cooking. It won’t be fancy eating, but it is nourishing, honest fare. Think dishes like vegetable gyoza, vegetable ramen, spinach and tofu curry, cashew nut curry, and cold noodles topped with a veritable rainbow of sliced vegetables.

The menu and accompanying photos can also be found at the entrance. – image © Florentyna Leow

Cabbage and scallion-stuffed gyoza dumplings, crisp-edged from sizzling in the pan, arrive already drizzled with a tart vinegary sauce and chili oil. The whole affair is gently flavoured, managing to feel both healthy and comforting despite being pan-fried. You’ll find yourself wolfing them down.

Spinach curry with tofu. – image © Florentyna Leow

We also liked the spinach curry with tofu. Served with brown rice and a whole-wheat chapati, it’s warm, mildly spicy, homey, and very comforting. It doesn’t have the richness of a classic paneer – this is vegan, after all – but it’s flavourful enough that you might not miss the cheese.

The entrance to Sujata. – image © Florentyna Leow

With generous portions and lunches to be had below JPY1000, there are few vegetarian places in town with better cost-performance. If you have limited time in Kyoto, this isn’t a must-visit. But if you’re in the area – en route to the Silver Pavilion, or visiting Chion-ji Temple Handicraft Market held on the 15th of every month – and in need of vegetarian fare, Sujata is an excellent choice.

For more vegan and vegetarian choices, see our Best Vegan and Vegetarian in Kyoto page.

Check Hotel Availability

Destination

Check-in date

Mon 25 Sep 2023

Check-out date

Tue 26 Sep 2023

Name:
Sujata

Name in Japanese:
スジャータ レストラン

English address:
96-2 Tanaka-monzen-cho, Sakyo-ku

Japanese address:
左京区田中門前町96-2

Opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: noon-6pm
Saturday and Sunday: noon-5pm
Closed Wednesday

Smoking environment:
Completely Non-Smoking

Nearest transport:
2min walk from Hyakumanben Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 17 from Kyoto Station

Reservations:
Possible

Telephone:
+81-75-721-0789

Website:
Official site (Japanese and English)

Near To Here:
Sujata is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

More Restaurant Suggestions:
See my list of Kyoto’s Best Restaurants for more eating inspiration. The list covers all cuisines and price ranges.

Kyoto District Map

• Arashiyama
• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Nishijin
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto