Seoul eateries with vegan options

Plant l Cafe Siva l Food Does Matter l Yangchul Seoul l Around Green l Vegetus

Soba noodle salad. [LEE SUN-MIN]

Plant This restaurant, steps away from Itaewon Station, subway line No. 6, is not only recommended by vegans but also by non-vegans as a spot to try plant-based options. Many plants are dangling from the ceiling and placed along the walls to create an arboretum-like vibe. It has a variety of options ranging from hummus to soba salad, with sauces and dressings that are packed with flavor. The portions are plentiful but make sure to leave room for dessert which are decadent and delicious. @plantcafeseoul 117 Bogwang-ro, Yongsan District

Yangchul Seoul While this restaurant is not exclusively vegan, vegetables are the stars of most of the dishes. The wine bar calls itself a vegetable-centered spot that also serves beef or seafood. If you want to go vegan, you can make a request for a specially altered menu in advance. The restaurant opens only for dinner and produce is sourced from small farms all across Korea. Each dish is designed to be enjoyed with wine. Both a set menu and a la carte options are available. Yangchul Seoul also runs a vegetable class to teach people how to bring out the best flavors of certain produce when cooking at home. @yangchulseoul 34 Eonju-ro 135-gil, Gangnam District

Cafe Siva

Kimchi tomato stew. [LEE SUN-MIN]

Cafe Siva's owner, who’s been vegan for about 17 years, takes the time to talk to diners who want to know more about what being a vegan is all about, shares other vegan restaurants to try, and answers any questions diners might have. One of its best-selling dishes is a kimchi tomato stew with brown rice which has a soupy texture and mildly spicy flavor. The cafe also offers vegan wines and cocktails to enjoy alongside your meal. Above the restaurant is a yoga center run by the same owner. @cafe.siva 276-1 Hangangdae-ro, Yongsan District

Around Green

Eggplant over brown rice. [LEE SUN-MIN]

What’s served here looks no different from dishes served at your local neighborhood bistro. Marinated eggplant over brown rice alongside pyogo mushroom (shiitake mushroom) and fried tofu or tomato pasta are some staples on the menu. Some books about cutting down on meat and protecting the environment through changing dining habits are placed on shelves in the restaurant to you can learn something new while waiting for your food. @around_green 79 Mangwon-ro, Mapo District

Food Does Matter

Earl grey cake. [LEE SUN-MIN]

Different from many other vegan or vegetarian restaurants run by those who practice such lifestyles, the executive chef here doesn’t practice any special dietary restrictions. He takes a more technical route to recreate foods like eggs and salmon. The bruschetta with yellow-paste covered fried tofu pieces tastes like egg salad. The burger here is a must-try. The chef tries to incorporate spicy mala flavors into new dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive selections of meringues, cakes and cookies that are all vegan. @food_does_matter @food_does_matter_bakery Seorae-ro 1-gil, Seocho District

Vegetus The restaurant located in Haebangchong offers vegan options of classic dishes. It offers lasagna with layers of flat tofu, and burgers with patties made using lentils. Overall flavors are mild and very clean. Fresh kombucha fermented in house is also available. @vegetuskr 59 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan District