Collaboration on World Vegan Day: Plant-Based Ramen 2.0 at Nii

Special Collaboration on World Vegan Day

On November 1st, recognized as World Vegan Day, Minamino Shoten, a ramen-focused online shop based in Setagaya, Tokyo, led by Maki Minamino, is teaming up with the renowned ramen shop Nii, located in Toshima, Tokyo. For this exclusive day, they are introducing a unique plant-based ramen, Zenmen 2.0, specially crafted by Owner and Chef Kariya, who has an interesting background in Italian cuisine.

About Zenmen

The Zenmen ramen, developed in collaboration with the Soto Zen Kōun-in temple in Yamanashi, is designed as a final dish in a Buddhist vegetarian meal. It features a distinctive flavor of pepper soy sauce and is renowned for its deep umami taste that pleases vegan event attendees nationwide. Despite excluding animal products and strongly odorous vegetables like garlic and chives—collectively known as “goon”—this ramen is enjoyed for its rich flavors and satisfaction. The collaboration with Kariya stems from his inspiration after tasting Zenmen, leading to this exciting new ramen development.

Ramen Details

The collaboration ramen features seasonal vegetables and a tantalizing original gobo (burdock root) and mushroom soy milk sauce blended with the traditional Zenmen broth. Toppings include innovative plant-based meatballs, roasted vegetables, and more. Chef Kariya, known for his daring and creative ramen offerings that have impressed serious ramen aficionados, brings his expertise to this plant-based creation that shatters the stereotype that vegan ramen is less delicious.

Ingredients:

- Broth: Zenmen (pepper soy sauce flavor)
- Noodles: Inaniwa Chinese soba (a similar dry noodle to Zenmen)
- Sauce: Gobo and mushroom soy milk sauce
- Toppings: Lotus root, tofu, yam, plant-based meatballs, roasted tomato, grilled pumpkin, shredded lettuce, watercress
- Note: Ingredients may change based on availability.

About Nii

Nii is known for its inventive ramen, such as those using nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and Ibuki iriko (dried sardine from Ibuki Island). Their philosophy is to collaborate with producers, and their unique approach has garnered a loyal fanbase in the ramen community. They also operate a sibling shop focused on dipping noodles, named “Tsukemen Takemoto,” located in Yukigaya-Otsuka.

Restaurant Details:

- Owner: Kariya
- Location: 3-46-5 Nakajima Bldg 1F, Minami-Otsuka, Toshima, Tokyo
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from JR Otsuka Station South Exit
- Website: Nii Official Site

Message from Maki Minamino

Maki Minamino emphasizes the notion that everyone should enjoy Japan’s delicious ramen, regardless of their dietary restrictions. While plant-based options may carry a perception of being strict, she advocates embracing them as enjoyable choices in one’s diet. She hopes the collaboration with Nii will showcase the potential of plant-based ramen and foster a space where both vegan and non-vegan diners can share a meal together.

About Zenmen

Utilizing naturally derived alkaline mineral water, the Zenmen noodles offer a refined and smooth texture, lending a delightful eating experience with exceptional slurp-ability. This dry noodle, made by Sato Yōetsu Honpo in Akita, is designed for long-term room temperature storage. The broth combines clear light soy sauce with umami notes from kombu and cabbage, with a delicate aroma of pepper oil that invites diners to embrace the Zen experience from the first sip.

Product Details:

- Contents: Two servings (two packets of soup and 160g of noodles)
- Price: Open pricing (excl. tax)
- Company: OTELABO, LLC
- Note: Animal products and preservatives are not used.
- Availability: Purchase through Minamino Shoten

About Minamino Shoten

Minamino Shoten operates under the motto of bringing ramen to the world, specializing in dry noodles and aiming to introduce Japan’s exceptional ramen to everyone globally. Led by ramen enthusiast Maki Minamino, they offer a range of original ramen developed to be enjoyed by all, regardless of borders or dietary preferences.