Shojin Ryori vs. Vegan Food: What Is the Difference?

Shojin ryori developed as part of Buddhist, especially Zen, practice. Veganism is a modern ethical and lifestyle choice to avoid animal products.

Where they overlap

Neither uses meat or fish.

A simple shojin ryori set meal on Mount Haguro — One of the more affordable shojin ryori set meals offered on Mount Haguro. Photo: Mimissu / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Where they differ

Shojin ryori carries the idea of preparing food as practice, and some traditions avoid the “five pungent vegetables” such as garlic and onions. Vegan food is defined by avoiding animal products, and garlic and onions are fine.

Vegan ramen and a vegetable salad at a restaurant in Tokyo Station — Vegan ramen with a vegetable salad at a restaurant in Tokyo Station. Photo: Trashpossum666 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Cover image: A vegetarian dinner served at a temple in Nagano, with small dishes on a lacquer tray. Photo: Chris 73 / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

A practical note

Some modern restaurants use animal-based stock or seasonings, so vegans should ask when booking.

ComChay does not rank one over the other; we respect the background of each.