Vegan
Japanese
Organic
Take-out

The owners are the chefs in the kitchen making Japanese comfort food. All vegan. Founded 2014 as a catering & pop-up then opened a restaurant in early-2020. Relocated from 722 SE 10th Ave. Open Mon 11:30am-9:00pm, Wed-Sun 11:30am-9:00pm.


Venue map for Obon Shokudo
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135 Reviews

First Review by hitecpdx

andyjng

Points +5925

Vegan
09 Nov 2022

Good Japanese But Bit Salty

We came here for lunch after our flight and it was definitely on our list of places to check out while in town. We started with Curried Croquettes ($6) which used Japanese pumpkins as its base, and this was bomb.

Shortly after, the Zaru Udon ($11) came out and was my favorite dish we tried. House made udon noodles that are served chilled with fried tofu, wakame, and veggies, with a side of sesame sauce to top it all together. The sauce itself was a bit salty so I used it more as a dip - almost like tsukemen. Flavors were definitely on point though!

For our second dish, we had the Tofu Katsu Curry ($17) with homemade fried tofu cutlets and tonkatsu sauce and curry, over a bed of brown rice. While I really enjoyed the curry, the katsu batter was WAY too salty. I felt my lips getting real thirsty as we were eating. I think I would have stuck with just the curry in this case.

If they can dial back the saltiness in their dishes a bit, then I think Obon Shokudo will really attract the masses looking for plant-based Japanese goodness in the area.

Pros: Friendly staff, Variety of options

Cons: Food was too salty

Michael.kalmanovitch

Points +400

Vegan
31 Oct 2022

Warm and tasty kenchinjiru

I was in a bit of a rush when I stopped in here on my way out to 90th Avenue to look at a possible place to stay.
The server recommended the kenchinjiru soup and it certainly was very tasty. Hot the door on the cool and damp day I stopped in.
Nice atmosphere.
The area might be a bit intimidating but I didn't encounter any grief with all the tents at up a short distance away.
The people on the next table were enjoying a salad and it looked really good and the customer said it was excellent and had been to the eatery several times before.
Good testament.

Trixi

Points +236

Vegan
29 Oct 2022

So good and all vegan!

We had udon noodle soup, the combo, tofu and one mochi as dessert. Everything was very delicious and the staff was very friendly.

Pros: You can send your order with QRCode, The price is totally ok

sglcklch

Points +3633

Vegan
28 Oct 2022

Much improvement from before

We ate at their previous location once; it was good but not great. This time around I was impressed! First off they have their own space and it's much more spacious, which probably allows them to have more staff and do more in the kitchen. The menu has also expanded. We tried the sammy and thought it was great. The katsu curry was delicious; I could eat that tofu katsu all day! The combo plate has a bit of everything and is always a safe choice. Service was efficient and the staff was super friendly.

Pros: great food, friendly staff, fast service

annabram

Points +51

Vegan
22 Oct 2022

So many things I want to go back and try.

Everything was new to me and so delicious. I enjoyed every bite. The salad was amazing just because it was so fresh and had such a delicate, balanced dressing. I loved the fact the the dishes used so many different vegetables and perfectly cooked brown rice. Interesting green tea choices and hot drinks that didn’t have tea or caffeine. I got the Combo, with 2 nigiri, 1 korokke, 1 giant tot, 1 kakiage, and a salad. I took alternate bites of each item, not wanting the meal to end. My favorite might have been the garlic with white miso onigiri, or the kakiage. I had a delicious hot hojicha with buckwheat beverage, very delicate and light.

Updated from previous review on 2022-10-22

Pros: All vegan menu, Tons of really intriguing dishes on the menu, Amazing drinks

jay-gee

Points +65

Vegan
19 Oct 2022

It was beyond expectations

Before I went Vegan 12 years ago, I was fixated on Okonomiyaki ,because it was seafood and it was something Ive never had. The vegan food here has surpassed my expectations on flavor and texture. The okonomiyaki from here is amazingly good and the onigiri is off the charts. Simple Japanese vegan dishes, this is the place that gets it done right. The bento style food is also something that will keep you coming back for more. If this is not your place for this type of food please tell me there is something better? I have not found it.

Pros: Everything is Vegan , Its real good, Mouthwatering

Cons: Almost hidden , On a busy street

AmberPollard

Points +577

Vegan
15 Oct 2022

Vegan Comfort Food

I absolutely adore this spot. The food is literally perfect. The vibes are spot on. The staff is made up of literal angels.

Pursnick

Points +296

Vegan
19 Sep 2022

A last minute decision

Our group was going to head to Mis Tacones and found it would close too soon so we popped into this spot. Everyone really enjoyed their food 🍲

Pros: Very friendly staff , Cute spot , Flavorful food

SarahMays

Points +1407

Vegan
03 Sep 2022

Delicious, unique, absolutely wonderful!

We loved our lunch at Obon Shokudo! The space is light, inviting, and well decorated. All the options looked intriguing - we don’t have anything like this in Seattle so it felt like a real treat. Everything we ordered was delicious - it all felt carefully and intentionally made. What wonderful flavor combinations! Obon Shokudo is a go-to whenever we are in Portland now for sure!

Pros: Vegan Japanese comfort food- incredible!!, Beautiful space , Many options, quick service

le_bobster

Points +393

Vegan
18 Aug 2022

Flavours

Super nice staff, had some tofu katsu and a combo with fritters, 2 onigiri, croquettes, side salad. Everything tested great, such a good surprise. You can go ahead with your eyes closed!

RichardZisser

Points +112

Vegan
06 Aug 2022

Best meal I've had all year

Everything we tried was delicious. Unique menu with lots of in-house pickled vegetables. It's such a pleasure to have a nice sit-down vegan japanese restaurant.

SassyFinger

Points +484

Vegan
31 Jul 2022

Highly recommended for a light lunch

Every bite was a poem. Varied and inventive. I enjoyed my lunch very much.

Had the open-faced grilled mushroom sammy with a small market salad as a side.

Updated from previous review on 2022-07-31

bEzz

Points +2124

Vegan
30 Jul 2022

Eat at Obon Shokudo!

Everything about this place is lovely: the staff, the interior, and most importantly, the food!!! The food is thoughtfully prepared and high in quality without being expensive. The atmosphere is clean, relaxed, and comfortable. Plus, they have AC!

Zahavaraba

Points +144

Vegan
24 Jul 2022

Inspiring, satisfying and fun.

We order takeout due to pandemic but the inside for pickup is warm and attractive. It’s taken me time to figure out what I’m ordering and eating, but I love the combo plate, the tofu-rice onigiri, the big pancake and fritters. The spicing, flavors and textures make every bite a joyful surprise. And a total vegan Japanese restaurant is an incredible treat.

Pros: The flavors!, Variety!, Lovely people working here.

Cons: Location

Durianwalker

Points +1919

Vegan
24 Jul 2022

WOW

wow wow wow wow. i like this food ALOT. i am meant to live in Asia

Pros: wow, wow, wow

paopaolita

Points +499

Vegan
22 Jul 2022

Yums

It was super delish! The plates were small, which was perfect to try more things. If you are in Portland, definitely make the trip here 😍

Pros: Fully vegan

Cons: Staff is a bit quite and reserved (not rude, just

Kyrena

Points +78

Vegan
18 Jul 2022

Incredible Food!!

Absolutely delicious! I had the Udon Tempera and my husband had the Udon Curry, both were amazing and we can’t wait to eat here again! Rich, warm, flavorful, delicious. Small place, minimal contact service (QR menu and ordering). Love!

Pros: Amazing food, Cute atmosphere, Friendly staff

Cons: None

Verdevegan13

Points +185

Vegan
08 Jul 2022

Vegan Japanese is a hit!

Wanted to try some of everything so I got the combo plate and everything was delicious. The service was great as well. Would definitely come again!

phytophile

Points +1371

Vegan
01 Jul 2022

Excellent food. Go!

This was really delicious and fun.

Pros: Vegan comfort food, The pickles were great

Cons: Menu is on QR code. Bad if your phone is dead

heathergb

Points +158

Vegan
20 Jun 2022

Delicious

We tried the Okonomiyaki, combo plate, and the kenchinjiru. I loved them all. I enjoyed the home style cuisine and inspiration taken from temple cuisine! I thought I’d never be able to eat Japanese food (one of my favorites) again after going vegan and now I’ll just have to dream of the day I can come back!

EatPlantsDaily

28 Jul 2022

baritone-supernova

Points +49

Vegan
13 Jun 2022

Low quality and gross

Very low quality food. Dry, rubbery, greasy, no effort.

poivron

18 Jun 2022

"Gross"? Really? That's so disrespectful. You are reviewing the work of people who have put time, effort, and money into opening a vegan restaurant. I haven't been to this particular restaurant, but I hate seeing words like "gross" used to describe vegan food. What is gross is serving the flesh and secretions of tortured animals as food, which is what we will end up having to support indirectly if all-vegan restaurants like this one go out of business. The food at this restaurant may not be to your taste, but there is no need to use such harsh and offputting language.

baritone-supernova

18 Jun 2022

@poivron It was gross. I am vegan and I agree animal products are disgusting, but that has nothing to do with my review. The food I received was drenched in what tasted like old cooking oil, the food had off flavors, and the ingredients were low quality. I was unable to eat more than a few bites and I felt unwell for the rest of the day. It was gross, unfortunately. Why should we support vegan restaurants with poor quality food? It will just give people the wrong idea of vegan food, which can be absolutely delicious and wonderful. There are many other better vegan restaurants in Portland.

poivron

18 Jun 2022

Then why not give constructive feedback and tell the owners how to do better? This restaurant has gotten multiple five-star reviews. Maybe they've been putting a lot of oil into their foods to satisfy meat eaters and don't realize vegans can't handle so much fat. Or maybe they've hired new staff. Or maybe they had an off day because multiple staff called in sick. Many owners read these reviews. If someone went to the trouble to open a vegan restaurant, they're certainly not going to want to disappoint vegans.

heathergb

20 Jun 2022

@poivron it’s wild because I actually wonder if the two of us ate at the same restaurant. I understand if Japanese food isn’t your cup of tea but there wasn’t anything I would describe as “low effort”

JasonDee

15 Jul 2022

Carlaisvegan28

Points +337

Vegan
26 May 2022

Giant Tater Tots!

I ordered the curry udon and the giant tater totes and they were both amazing, great flavor and small-medium sized portions. Restaurant has great decor and nice scene.

Pros: VEGAN! , Very friendly staff , Delicious food

Cons: Weird ordering on your phone

SeanTarjyoto

Points +13

Mostly Veg
20 May 2022

Welcoming new spot in Central Eastside

I tried the curry and I think the open kitchen or tofu protein is a magical portal to a universe where unicorns dream of electric sheep, because they are friends. Also a nice imported beer and sake and soju selection, for big and small budgets.

Highly recommend the okonomiyaki, the tempura udon - I took some home and left it in a cool refrigerator, and the noodles made for a very chill Japanese breakfast.

Updated from previous review on 2022-05-19

GBplantpowered

20 May 2022

I gotta say....you've got quite the talent for food writing ✍

Connoisseur&Caveman

Points +197

Vegan
24 Apr 2022

Interesting food

We enjoyed dinner here. The okonomiyaki was our favorite dish by far. The noodle bowl was good. The other items we tried weren’t great.

veganwarrior666

Points +357

Vegan
21 Apr 2022

For Japanese food lovers

A must go for vegans who love Japanese food in Portland

beezie

Points +38

Vegetarian
19 Apr 2022

Disappointing

I wanted to love this place-their menu looks great and more vegan Japanese food is good to have around. But nothing I’ve had from them— curry, tofu katsu, udon, salad, korokke, many onigiri—has been better than passable. The onigiri were especially unsatisfying. The brown rice made them fall apart, and the flavors tended towards tangy and under-seasoned.

Updated from previous review on 2022-04-19

Pros: All vegan

Cons: Expensive for what you get, Not very tasty

OperationChowhound

Points +11131

Vegan
13 Mar 2022

Oh Boy!

I ordered The Combo, which is two onigiri, two kakiage, one giant tater tot, one curried korokke, and a side salad with sesame dressing. The tater tot and korokke were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The kakiage are savory fritters. Of the eight flavors of onigiri, I chose ginger pistachio miso and onion-nutmeg with soy-barley miso. I didn't really like either flavor, but I appreciated that this meal allowed me to try several menu items.

Updated from previous review on 2022-03-13

Pros: all vegan, environmentally-friendly takeout containers




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