When I wrote about this vegan burger restaurant in Tokyo, I mentioned that vegan burgers are not readily available unless you go into the city. This is still the case however, it’s a little easier than I first realised as I recently found out about a well-known Japanese burger chain called Mos Burger.
Mos Burger is a Japanese hamburger chain with over 1,300 stores across the nation. With so many stores, there’s a very high chance that there will be a Mos Burger in the new location you visit, and what’s better? They have a permanent plant-based burger on their menu!
As Japan is still behind other countries when it comes to vegan offerings in shops, I was so happy that a big burger chain has a plant-based option. Let me tell you what you can get!
On first glance
Type of food: Fast food, burgers
Take out: Yes
Eat in: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Payments: Card and cash accepted
Plant-based options at Mos Burger
Green Burger Teriyaki | グリーンバーガーテリヤキ
This Green Teriyaki Burger is the one and only permanent plant-based item on the Mos Burger menu. Inside the green bun is a juicy mock meat patty, (made from soybeans) with lettuce and tomato and on the side is a delicious and slightly sweet terimayo (teriyaki sauce and mayo) sauce packet that tastes great in the burger but we also like to dip our chips into.
This one is Jonny’s preferred vegan option from Mos Burger because of its meaty taste and texture. I prefer something a little lighter, so it’s not the option I would automatically go for unless I had to.
Price: ¥590 (£3.21/ $4.09)
Set incl a side and drink: ¥1,040 (£5.66/ $7.21)
Jonny’s go-to meal set: Green Teriyaki Burger, french fries, orange juice.
Allergy: wheat, soy
Soy Sea Burger | ソイシーバーガー
UPDATE: No longer available since summer 2023
I used to enjoy seafood so I prefer this Soy Sea Burger which has a great mock fish texture and a nice crunch from the crispy outside. The burger comes with lettuce and small chunks of onion and on the side, you get a packet of plant-based tartar sauce which has a nice flavour and tang to it.
I appreciate getting the sauce on the side because until I tried Mos Burger for the first time, I thought I didn’t like tartare sauce. It’s also nice to be able to add just the right amount, instead of receiving a sloppy burger which has happened quite a few times in the past.
Unfortunately, this is a limited menu item but I’m hoping and crossing my fingers and toes that this stays permanently because it’s so good and I love that crunch!
Price: ¥490 (£2.67/ $3.40)
Set incl a side and drinks: ¥940 (£5.11/ $6.52)
My go-to meal set: Soy Sea Burger, onipote (fries and onion rings), and melon soda.
Allergy: wheat, soy, apple
The drink to try: Melon soda
During my childhood in Japan, melon soda was my go-to drink whenever I went to a restaurant or we got takeout food.
It’s a neon green bubbly drink that’s super sweet and a little artificial but I love it! usually, I don’t go for sugary drinks however, I can’t help myself when we occasionally get a Mos Burger, it’s just so nostalgic for me so I give myself a little treat!
Chances are, you won’t have tried it. If you like the following: melon-flavoured items, super sugary things, and bubbly drinks, then you will like this! Don’t let the neon colour put you off, give it a go!
Does Mos Burger have vegan options?
Yes – The burgers and bun themselves are free from any animal products.
Mos Burger cross-contamination
Although the plant-based burgers, in the green buns do not contain any animal products, there may be cross-contamination. From food storage to cooking and serving, your plant-based burger may be cross-contaminated with animal products during these processes.
If you have allergies you will have to be even more careful. Have a look at their full allergen list here to make sure.
However, this is not something that I personally spend time worrying about, especially as Japan isn’t very vegan-friendly… yet. Instead, I think about what message I am giving to these companies by buying their vegan/ plant-based products.
How to find your closest Mos Burger
In most cities, you should be able to find a Mos Burger. Just type in Mos Burger or Mos Burger in X (include your location) into Google and you should be able to find your closest one. There are a few more Japanese chain stores with vegan options, we’re slowly getting more options!
Make sure to have a look at HappyCow too!
Opening times of Mos Burger:
Of course, each branch will vary so you will have to check your specific restaurant. But, as a rule, they open around 9 am and close at 9 pm which is super convenient.
Mos Burger is a great option when you’re in the mood for fast food. Or for when you’re travelling around and you don’t know what you can eat in a new city. As they open early and close later, they are a super convenient spot to grab a burger or a reliable fallback choice when there is no other option. It’s definitely saved us on many occasions!
Chances are if there are no other vegan-friendly restaurants or cafes, Mos Burger will be one of three places you will likely find something vegan-friendly in Japan! Or failing that, there will always be a trusty konbini you will be able to get something at!
