Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Indian

Vegetarian Indian food menu offering dishes like soy meat tikka, eggplant keema curry with minced gluten meat, and tikka with soy ham. Almost all dishes can be made vegan. Location is in Yotsubashi at 大阪府大阪市西区北堀江1-3-7 倉商ビルB1, Yotsubashi station exit 6. Uses no onion or garlic (只在五葷不含素食咖喱大阪). Gluten-free options. Has menu in Chinese. Also sells natural cosmetics and toothpaste from India. Payment in Yen only. Confirmed open December 2021. Open Mon 11:00am-3:00pm, Tue-Sun 5:00pm-10:00pm, Wed-Sun 11:00am-3:00pm. Kitchen stops 9pm.


Venue map for Shama Vegetarian Indian Restaurant
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82 Reviews

First Review by David Ward

vegankitsune

Points +30

Vegan
25 Nov 2017

Lovely authentic Indian food

Thoroughly enjoyed our meals here! All vegan items are clearly marked and most non vegan items can be made vegan.
The price is also very good for the quality and amount of food you get.
Highly recommended!

RichardWhittaker

Points +86

Vegan
11 Jul 2017

Decent

Went there shortly before closing time, so perhaps my experience wasn't as good as it could've been. Staff were welcoming and spoke good English. Ordered the soy burger set. The food was okay, but wasn't as flavoursome as I'd hoped and the serving sizes looked small compared to the picture on the menu. Still, the food was very decent and I'm thankful to have found it at the hour I went.

EmmaCebuliak

Points +1860

Herbivore
22 Jun 2017

Not For Me

I have a few friends who really like and enjoy this place, so I'm sorry to write a negative review, but it just isn't for me. I've been several times and gotten a stomach ache after eating, which isn't common for me. I'm quite sensitive to oil, and their curry is quite heavy on it, so that might be why. Once though I was also served a glass of dairy milk "on the house" even though I'd told them before I was vegan, which struck me as totally bizarre. I've also had mixed experiences with the staff and just don't feel entirely comfortable going back. There are better options in the area in my opinion. Who knows though, it might be fine for you if you're looking for some veggie curry!

Updated from previous review on 2017-06-22

vegelover

Points +316

Vegetarian
02 Feb 2017

Nice Indian Food!

Not easy to find vegetarian food in Osaka but we were lucky enough to find this place and dine here twice during our short 9 day stay in Osaka.

Love the spinach Naan with their curries.

Friendly staff, easy to find location near Yotsubashi Station.

Pros: Nice Indian Food that warm us up in cold Osaka., Easy to find location., Friendly staff

Cons: Serving size small. Even with paneer.

Vegan_Rinji

Points +30

Vegan
30 Jan 2017

Amazing!

This was maybe the most amazing Indian food I have ever had. Although, do make sure to specify you want the vegan naan. My meal was reasonably priced and came with so many dishes, I was stuffed!

Pros: Delicious Food, Great Value

Cons: Small Restaurant, Difficult to communicate with wait staff

TaraMurray

Points +271

Vegan
16 Oct 2016

Friendly staff with yummy food!

After arriving very late for dinner (9pm) the staff could not have been more accomodating. We mostly let the waiter choose the best vegan options for the dinner set menu and was pleasantly surprised with the food. There was entree of samosa and pakora which was delicious and then 2 curries with naan (vegan available!!). The curries were good, nothing out of the world but being able to have naan definitely made up for it. Finished with chai tea and an interesting sesame and soy milk dessert made for a lovely night. I recommend this place for a quick and yummy dinner.

Note that they do not serve alcohol here.

Skywalkeric

Points +89

Vegan
21 Sep 2016

Good Value

Tasty samosas, nice dal fry but it was qay too small, approx just 3 spoonfuls. I wasn't sure about the paratha, I was informed it was vegan, but it seemed like it might be made with egg, can't be sure though, I'd recommend any vegans to double check. Also, one of the chefs/waiters seemed a little strange, I asked in Japanese to make the curry very spicy, he just looked scared and ran into the kitchen :/

Pros: Samosas, Good price, quite low cost actually

Cons: Small curry, Doesn't sell alcohol

Stevie

Points +11765

Vegan
14 Sep 2016

Shama Vegetarian, Osaka

This place is easy to find. The set lunch deals they offer are pretty decent value.

Pros: Vegan friendly

TiphaineBF

Points +33

Vegan
27 Jun 2016

Very Nice Indian Restaurant

This indian restaurant is very nice, small but with very nice staff and the kitchen is just right behind. All meals can be turned vegan and it is really delicious as well as not expensive especially for lunch.

Pros: Delicious, Good value, Friendly

I_love_potatoes

Points +37

Vegetarian
16 Jun 2016

tasty Indian food

Great food, authentic Indian food with a great mint and coriander spicy chutney, it looks a little shabby, however the food is awesome and the gents that work there are lovely. Plus it's all for a good cause, the guys working there have opened 3 schools with the proceeds. Kudos

LikeAVegan

Points +117

Vegan
26 May 2016

Good Indian Food in Osaka

I love Indian food so was excited to try Shama Vegetarian Indian! The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful in pointing out what is and isn't vegan. I had a dinner set with a bunch of different items, the best being the samosa and naan. The curries were meant to be different but tasted the same. If located nearby it's worth popping in to try, I haven't had naan since going vegan so that was particularly exciting!

Pros: Vegan naan, Plenty of options, Friendly staff

Cons: Lacking in atmosphere

Food1e

Points +125

Vegetarian
03 Apr 2016

Lovely people and great food!

Everytime I've been to Osaka (5 times) I have visited this restaurant and it never fails to impress me. The food it traditional and reminds me of home cooked food my mum makes. The staff speak English and there is an English menu available. One time I visited the restaurant and they were closed for a private event, but the owner recognised me and let me join! Super friendly.

paulkates

Points +1826

Vegan
02 Feb 2016

Delicious and reasonable!

A small but somewhat cozy Indian/Hare Krishna restaurant very close to the Shinsaibashi area. This was my first visit and I was pleasantly surprised with both the food quality and service. You can order by set or a la carte. I tried the Veg Pakora Dinner set which was really tasty and included: 2 types of curry (4 to choose from and changes daily), a samosa, pakora (6pcs), soup, salad, rice, naan, a drink, and dessert - all for only ¥1500! (incl. tax). Oh, and spiced pickles and green hot sauce on the table. I'll be back the next time I'm in Osaka!

Pros: Great food, Great service, Great value

Cons: Closed on Monday evenings

Magic Jenny

Points +69

Vegetarian
27 Jan 2016

Better than EVERY Indian at home

Home = Germany.
Had to go to Japan to find this place - BY ACCIDENT.
Cheap in price, great in quality.
Veggie, vegan if requested, Jain option - what else could one dream of.
So happy!

LisaLisaLisa

Points +419

Vegan
10 Jan 2016

Cheap veg*n food and lots of it!

PRICE: truly cheap

FOOD: good but nothing special, I liked the curry better than the noodles, I was sceptic about the goma dessert but it was actually really good (soft fresh taste not at all like goma-dōfu), portions are huge so go hungry :)

INTERIOR: basement floor, not fancy but cosy enough, clean modern toilet

Pros: really cheap!, big portions

Cons: food isn't spectacularly good, not so fancy interior

Simon B

Points +75

Vegetarian
09 Oct 2015

Essential

Osaka was maddeningly difficult for veggie food; not only due to the lack of non-meat options in regular restaurants, but also because places listed on HC were hard to find (buildings appeared to house multiple businesses, and aren't always clearly visible from the outside). However, this restaurant was easy to find from the map on this site, and visible from the street. The menu was in English and the staff also spoke English. But most important of all the food was wholesome and delicious, not to mention cheap compared to regular restaurants in the city.

Pros: Location, Food , Price

alessa2510

Points +182

Vegan
19 Aug 2015

Very good!

I've been there three times so far and I love the food. I had vegan naan for the first time there since I became vegan, which was amazing! The staff is very friendly, and the restaurant has a nice atmosphere. It's close to the Shinsaibashi shopping street, too!

NiliRoberts

Points +13

Mostly Veg
17 May 2015

Happy!

Cheap & cheerful vegetarian restaurant! :)

bobobob

Points +17

Vegetarian
17 May 2015

I ordered the curry noodle set

I ordered the curry noodle set. I generally love salads in Japan, but this was sad and too soy sauce-y. The momos skin was too chewy. The soup was fine. The curry noodles themselves were really bad. On the plus side, the location is convenient, and it was pretty cheap.

rebeccalw21

Points +39

Vegetarian
10 Nov 2014

Try the ladies set meal

I've been to this restaurant a few times. It's in the heart of Namba/Shinsaibashi so easy to get to and easy to find as it is on the corner of a main road. The ladies set is a really good deal, and there are plenty of vegan curries to choose from. The place is a little small, and can sometimes seem fairly quiet but don't let this distract you from the good food and the good prices.
Updated from previous review on Wednesday November 27, 2013

Pros: Inexpensive, Plenty of choice, Good location

Cons: Bit quiet and small

JesseD

Points +832

Vegan
10 May 2014

Vegans be specific

I've visited this restaurant on my last two visits to Osaka. I found the food delicious, and the owner friendly and very passionate about his cause (educating homeless children in India) so I was happy to eat there and support it. So I'm reluctant to write a somewhat negative review, but feel the need to warn vegans to watch what they eat there. On my last visit, nearly two months ago, I was assured that their vege meat was vegan, and as such I ordered a set meal with it. Always mistrustful of fake meat (which usually contains milk, often egg and sometimes worse) I left the slither of fake meat on my plate. Otherwise the meal was delicious. After my meal I explained to the owner that I have a vegan blog (true) and wanted to promote his restaurant on it, but first I needed to be absolutely sure that it was vegan, and that fake meat often isn't, so I asked if I could see the packet it came from. He quickly got it out of the fridge, and when I checked the ingredients it contained milk protein. The owner seemed genuinely surprised and apologetic, and explained that he had been assured by the supplier it was suitable for vegans (and he said he couldn't read the ingredients himself). He asked for my email address, and said he would check with the supplier and let me know. It seemed a bit strange since the ingredients clearly stated it contained milk, but he seemed genuinely concerned so I gave it to him. It's now been over a month, and I haven't heard from him. I also see soy ham still listed on their vegan menu, and another reviewer here saying he was served non-vegan food after ordering vegan within the last year. So I guess it's possible he's replaced it with another vegan soy meat (though I don't know of one in Japan), or there's some other explanation, but for now I just want to warn vegans to stay away from the fake meat (whatever you're told), and to be careful to ensure that your meal is vegan.

Pros: delicious Indian food, fairly priced and supports a good cause, convenient location

nandni

05 Oct 2014

Hello, Mr.JesseD
We are so sorry to provide you soya-ham although you are vegan. We really apologize it. It is our fault that we didn’t notice about containing dairy product in soya-ham. From that day which you told us about soya-ham we totally stopped providing soya-ham to vegan customers.
After your visiting we checked all menu and materials very carefully and found no any dairy products in Vegan menu.
We regretted it so much and decided to provide more Vegan menu than dairy menu.
In 17th Aug.2014 We did renewal all menu and add more vegan menu. We removed all Onion and Garlics and Alcohols. And we added the sign of dairy product for dairy menu.
So now we are trying hard for provide comfortable meals for all vegan.
Thank you so much for your comments and give us warning.
I hope you will visit us again and try our vegan menu again.
We provide vegan curry-noodle etc.

Sincerely,
Akiyo and Siddhartha
Indian Restaurant Shama

JesseD

08 Oct 2014

Daer Akiyo and Siddhartha

Thank you for your reply, and for introducing new vegan options. I'm pleased to hear you have labelled vegan dishes, as it will make it much easier for vegans to eat at your restaurant. I look forward to visiting your restaurant again when I'm next in Osaka.

Jesse

Hsin yu

Points +24

Vegan
12 Apr 2014

Delicious Indian food

Close to Shinsaibashi Station,very convenient.Many different types of menu.The Restaurant is smaller,but very Delicious. The boss is very kind.He can speak English and Japanes.

elena6324

Points +55

Vegetarian
07 Feb 2014

I'd Go Back!

I was so happy to eat here. Pretty easy to find, simple lunch menu (English), friendly staff, tasty food, great value. When I got here at 11:30 it was empty. By the time I left it was filling up. Notes: When you walk downstairs go straight. To the right is another restaurant. Also, the food here is not hot/spicy, which is great for me. But if you like it hot you may need to ask. them. Also, it's pretty small so plan accordingly.

Pros: Tasty Food, Large Quantity, Friendly

Cons: Small

JesseWaugh

Points +415

Fruitarian
16 Aug 2013

Worth a try

This place was pretty good for what it is. After having spent too much time in India, I've gone off Indian food. But after having been in Japan for a while, I needed a break from all the delicious kabocha tempura. So I braved this Indian restaurant.

I requested a vegan thali, and they made me one. One of the curries had seitan in it which was pretty nice. As far as I could tell, it was all vegan except for the dessert - a halva which was *definitely* made with ghee.

Go here is you need a break from Japanese food -- but be adamant about your food being made vegan for you.

The location is easy to find: take Exit 6 from Yotsubashi station a previous reviewer has stated, make an immediate right and go to the end of the block - it's the last store on the right - on the corner before the intersection and says "Shama" on a small wooden sign. It's a couple stores after Family Mart.

Pros: Potentially vegan, easy enough to find, tasty food

Cons: Not cheap, Certain dishes possibly non-vegan

Jan Hicks

Points +112

Vegetarian
19 Apr 2013

A Worthy Cause And Delicious Food

We ate dinner here tonight. It was easy to find - just one block from the Yotsubashi subway station exit 6 heading south. The food is delicious. We had baigan paneer and aloo ghobi with rice and naan plus two beers for 3500Yen. The Indian beer Golden Eagle is well worth a try. The staff are lovely, very friendly and attentive, but leave you alone while eating. They speak both English and Japanese. You can buy trinkets and publications to help support the building of the school. If you are in Osaka and like curry, I highly recommend it.

Pros: Friendly Staff, Good Value, Good Location

Suzbuster

Points +82

Vegan
03 Apr 2013

good food, nice small restaurant, good location

Good Indian food. Had the 'lady set' meal for Y1500 and a Malibu and pineapple juice for ¥500 (ie fairly standard drinks prices for Jp).

Asked for the meal to be made vegan as per what other reviewers had done here. Totally obliging they were, as though I hadn't asked anything fussy at all. The service was simple, unaffected, unobtrusive, yet polite and totally aware of when I was ready to order etc. I was however asked to leave at 10:15pm as they apparently closed at 10pm. But I didn't mind.

The food was mixed. The salad and soup starters were okay but lame. Ditto for the naan. However, the soya tikka, samosa and veggie curry were all great. The iced chai was okay but nothing special. My Malibu was of course totes oishi.

All in all I would go back...but I wouldn't rush back to ravage the menu like a half starved gourmand who'd missed lunch.

The place is also right near amerika mura.., and is hence convenient to many sightseeing locations in that area.

As a final note, no one in the place said a word to me about the work being done by the owner in India...perhaps they have toned that down?? However I probably would have actually liked to hear about it.

slo0go

Points +2006

Vegan
05 Dec 2012

Great Indian Food with a bit of a Japanese Twist

A little difficult to find. The restaurant is located on the block catty corner from Starbucks. However, it isn't exactly across the street; you have to walk up the block, past the convenience store (Family Mart, I think).

The food is great, and the proprietor is very nice! He was rather chatty, but we didn't mind at all. We both ordered two dinner sets. The naan was a little unusual - it was crunchy. I liked it, but it's not like any other naan I had. I enjoyed this Indian meal because there were bits of Japanese flavor added, such as daikon and black sesame seeds. Also, there was a vegan bean dessert that was absolutely delicious, and vegan iced chai! I think I spent about 3000 yen for dinner for two. No credit cards - cash only.

Pros: Delicious!!!

Cons: Difficult to find (as usual in Japan), Cash Only




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