Lacto
Japanese
Beer/Wine
A bar run by a group of Buddhist monks with the logic of "most Japanese people these days don't go to the temple, but they go to the tavern." Offering light vegan and vegetarian dishes and drinks. English menu available. Call ahead to confirm. Has a cover charge of 500 yen. Open Mon-Sat 7:00pm-1:00am. Closed Sun.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
-
Loading...
-
- Cash only
-
-
Last update on 22 Oct 2024 by sasham
Update business info -
Are you the owner?
Claim this business -
Added by mchaza on 01 Jun 2019
-
-
10 Reviews
First Review by mchaza
harshdhillon
Points +27
No Food - Edit
The items labelled as vegan, vegetarian should not be considered food. They are not even bite sized and are expensive for what it is.
Read moreI also did not like the taste of any of the 2-3 available items. In fact, the smelly beans were so abnoxious that it ruined my nose and taste for rest of the night.
The place has an okay vibe and drinks, but as a vegan or vegetarian this place makes no sense as the food is non existent.
Updated from previous review on 2024-12-04
Pros: Vibes
Cons: No food that can satiate hunger, Questionable menu items, Taste and Smell of appetizers
Guest
blahblah
Points +122
Unique, memorable - Edit
Great drinks and of course a unique atmosphere.
Read moreA bit raucous, ironically?
But fun.
Turned up too late for food (or possibly I just couldn’t work out how to order it) but the drinks were pretty terrific.
Guest
LiaSantee
Points +228
Great place for drinking! - Edit
The monks are very kind and approachable. The hold prayer three times per night and it’s a very cool experience. Drinks a delicious and menu is really diverse.
Read morePros: Kind staff, Great drinks, Experience
Cons: Smoking is allowed
Guest
RoswellBlake
Points +18
Best first meal of Japan! - Edit
Lovely food, lovely people, and a great location
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-04-17
Guest
HOMEBODY
Points +171
Enlightening - Edit
Cozy and welcoming friendly upstairs space where you can get whiskey and wisdom, alongside some fab snacks. Walked in just as an evening service (?) was beginning. The incense was burning, bells sounded out, the drinking paused, and a sweet monk said a few words and then invited everyone to chant together. Cheat sheets were handed out and the whole bar chanted. Pretty awesome. I ate some tofu there that tasted like cheese and the pickled plum, still with the pit, was incredible. A rice risotto was hearty and the drinks were joyous.
Read moreA little tricky to find - the map here linked to Apple Maps and got me a few doors away. Vowz is at the end of the block and there is a sign out front with the name (in English). A narrow flight of stairs has a flower mural on the wall and the bar is on the second floor.
Also has a fax machine!
Pros: Great Japanese whiskey and cocktails, Chanting, Advice, Monks, shrine, singing bowls,, Buddhist tchotchkes, laid back, cozy
Guest
lucasfreire
Points +37
Amazing food and drinks - Edit
This bar is owned by real monks. the food is very traditional monk vegan food. everything i had was delicious. i also had a non alcoholic drink that was amazing and at the end i asked them to suggest me a sake and it couldn’t be better. amazing food and amazing drinks. cocktails, japanese whisky, sake and virgin cocktails. highly recommended !!!
Read morePros: Amazing vegan food, Great cocktails and drinks, Great virgin cocktails
Guest
JackieJans
Points +1228
Unique and fun experience - Edit
This was such a cool place to go on a Saturday night! Traditional shojin ryouri food and interesting cocktails 🌱
Read moreGuest
AlevtinaBalabanova
Points +35
Fun and noisy - Edit
Visited the bar on Friday, so the bar was packed with people. You can smoke right inside. The drinks are all delicious, some snacks are unusual. I liked the cocktail of sakura-liqueur and sake, tofu-miso was also delicious. I recommend to visit.
Read morePros: Unusual and interesting
Guest
ilovebread
Points +34
Favourite bar in Shinjuku - Edit
I’ve been here twice since being on my trip to Japan and it’s already my favourite bar by far. The atmosphere is so warm. There’s two rooms, one is for waiting but still serve you complimentary salty noodles to snack on and drinks and as soon as there’s room they bring you into the main bar. The place is run by monks, everyone is super polite and smiley.
Read moreThere’s no meals there’s only small plates (probably most fun to share) and I’ve never had anything like it before. We ate quite a few dishes but my favourite was the dried wheat gluten and fried arum root.
There is an ice cream option that does have honey and one without. All the food is vegan and amazing there’s just a few drinks on the cocktail menu that aren’t! Highly recommend and will be back on my next trip😄
Pros: Great atmosphere , Monks run the bar , They do at chant at 10pm
Guest
mchaza
Points +144
Buddhist monks serving drinks - Edit
Vowz bar is probably like no bar you ever been too. Its a bar founded and run by practicing Buddhist monks. Range of cocktails available as well as the typical affair of drinks. I recommend the sake, it comes in a traditional wooden box and was very good. My partner and I got some of the food as well which are light vegan snacks that adhere to Sho-jin ryouri (Buddhist Cuisine) but still delicious.
Read moreIts a small place and popular so may want to arrive early. Also wouldn't want to miss the nightly chant where they get everyone to join in singing prays. English menu is provided and some traditional drinks are not vegan but clearly labeled.
Pros: Monks, English menu, Atmosphere
Cons: Busy
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 9538 times.