Heavenly Pancake Dessert at Ain Soph Journey (100% vegan restaurant) in Tokyo, Japan

When I saw that one of the Set Course Dinner Menus at the 100% vegan restaurant Ain Soph Journey was actually named for the dessert course, I knew I was among kindred spirits. Even Ryan knew there was no question that I would order the aptly named Heavenly Pancake Dinner Set. Ryan selected the Sanctuary Set Course Menu, which I was pleased to see came with a Dessert Sampler Plate (since Ryan ALWAYS shares!).

Our meals each started with a gorgeous salad, presented to us parfait-style in tall, chilled glasses. It came with two dressings on the side, a thick, hearty walnut-miso dip and a tangy vinaigrette. The veggies were all fresh and crisp.

Next came our soups, which was a thick tomato soup filled with hearty chunks of tomatoes, carrots, and cabbage. The side of brown rice was topped with chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, bits of dried fruit, and crispy rice pieces (kind of like rice krispies), which added interesting texture and flavor.

We were then served a plate of crispy battered nuggets of vegan chicken, accompanied by warm tortillas and two dips...one hummus and one salsa. So far, everything was delicious! On to dessert...

I normally don't like to take photos of my half-eaten food, but I wanted to remember the loftiness of the heavenly pancake...I swear, the pancake was almost an inch high! It was flavorful and delicate. It was topped with rum ice cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, dried fruits and nuts, and a generous dollop of vanilla whipped cream. This dish was pure delight...vegans and dessert-lovers visiting the Shinjuku-ku area of Tokyo should stop in for this dessert, even if dinner is enjoyed elsewhere.

The dessert sampler plate was beautiful and yummy as well. It came with more of the rum ice cream, a chocolate brownie topped with whipped cream, and fresh fruit. I was kind of hoping it would come with a piece of the dessert waffle as well because it looked so good on the menu, but I guess I will have to return to try that. That's okay...I know I have to find a way to go back anyway to try their Happy Vegan Donut.

Ain Soph Journey is one of three restaurants in the Ain Soph family in Tokyo, which includes Ain Soph Ginza in Chuo-ku and Ain Soph Soar in Toshima-ku. Ain Soph Journey is located at 3-8-9 Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan on a bustling street in Shinjuku-ku, just steps away from one of the Shinjuku subway station exits. It is currently open Monday through Saturday from 11:30am to 5pm and 6pm to 11pm (last order 10pm), and on Sunday from 11:30am to 5pm and 6pm to 10pm (last order 9pm).

For links to more restaurant reviews from our July 2014 trip, please see our post "The Vegan Community in Japan is Alive and Well!".

Thanks for reading. Peace and love to all who live.

Susan