Buddhist monastic vegetarian cuisine, no meat, fish or strong aromatics, served at Tenryu-ji, Daitoku-ji and Myoshin-ji temple kitchens since the 12th century.
Where to eat it: 2 restaurants across 1 city.
Shojin-ryori arrived in Kyoto with the Rinzai Zen sect in the 12th century. The 1191 introduction of powdered green tea by Eisai and the founding of Tenryu-ji in 1339 anchored the cuisine; the form codified the use of seasonal vegetables, dashi (kombu and shiitake), tofu, yuba and sesame as a substitute for animal proteins. Today Shigetsu inside Tenryu-ji and Izusen Daiji-in at Daitoku-ji serve the canonical seven-bowl meals; Ajiro Honten holds the city's longest-running Michelin recognition for the form.
Common allergens: Soy, Wheat, Sesame
Tip from the editors. Shojin-ryori prohibits onion, garlic, leek and chives. Use yuzu skin, ginger and shiso for aroma; never reach for the alliums.
This is the TableJourney editorial recipe, modelled on the canonical bistro / counter version. The first place to try the dish in its city of origin is below.
Bib Gourmand-listed shojin-ryori inside Tenryu-ji's precinct in Arashiyama. Three-course set lunches eaten facing the temple's Sogen garden.
Signature: Shojin-ryori bento, Yuba, Sesame tofu
Order: Yuki shojin set with the temple's signature sesame tofu
Tip: Reservation required for parties of two or more, at least three days ahead. The ¥500 garden entry is separate.
Daitoku-ji shojin-ryori served in nested vermillion lacquer bowls modelled on a Buddhist begging bowl. Garden-view tatami inside the Daiji-in sub-temple.
Signature: Daitokuji bento, Shojin nesting bowls
Order: Tetsubachi ryori shojin set, served in seven nested bowls
Tip: Lunch only. Cash preferred. Combine with a Daitokuji walking tour.
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