I usually worry about gluten, but this is a place I can truly enjoy with peace of mind｜Vegan Cafe PQ’s, Iriya, Tokyo

Vegan Cafe PQ's  is located in Iriya, Tokyo, just a short distance from Asakusa—about an 8-minute walk from Iriya Station on the Hibiya Line.

With just a short walk, the bustling atmosphere of Asakusa fades away, and you’ll find yourself in a peaceful and quiet neighborhood.

Despite its calm surroundings, this cafe is always full of people. One of its charms is the lineup of photogenic dishes that make you want to take pictures. On top of that, you can enjoy vegan and gluten-free options here.

But when you hear “popular cafe” or “vegan & gluten-free,” you might wonder:

“Do I need a reservation?”

“English menu available?”

“Will the food actually be satisfying?”

I went to check out those questions for myself. In this article, I’ll guide you as your “friend in Asakusa,” sharing tips on how to fully enjoy your experience at Vegan Cafe PQ's and easing any concerns you might have!

1. Do I need a reservation?

I visited on a Sunday at 1:30 PM. The cafe was fully booked, and by the time I left, there were already people waiting outside.
It’s hard to believe this level of popularity for a cafe in such a peaceful and quiet neighborhood.

This time, I made a reservation in advance—and it was definitely the right decision.
I was able to get in smoothly without waiting and enjoy a relaxed, unhurried time.
If you’re planning to visit on weekends or during peak hours, making a reservation is highly recommended.

Reservations can be made through TableCheck, and slots are released at the beginning of each month. Depending on the timing, they can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to check early if you already have a date in mind.

You can also reserve just a table, but the vegan curry and seasonal sweets are limited in quantity each day. If there’s something you really want to try, it’s best to secure it in advance as an add-on when making your reservation.

A little planning ahead can help you avoid the disappointment of finding your favorite item sold out—and make your visit even more enjoyable.

2. English menu available?

Yes, this cafe offers an English menu, making it easy and comfortable for international visitors to order. In fact, there are many foreign customers, and the staff seem very used to communicating in English.

When I visited, around 40% of the customers were from overseas, which gave me the impression that this cafe is loved not only by locals but also by people from around the world. Being able to relax without worrying about language barriers is definitely a big plus.

I was also impressed by the staff’s hospitality. They were friendly yet polite—telling me about next month’s new menu items and patiently answering all my questions about the menu in a clear and helpful way.

This kind of warm and attentive service is one of the reasons why the cafe feels so comfortable and welcoming.

3. Vegan & gluten-free—still satisfying?

This is the March monthly curry, photographed during my visit in March 2025.

The “Sakura Curry” instantly gives you a sense of spring with its appearance. The rich pink curry sauce has a subtle hint of sakura flavor, and despite its soft color, it delivers a deep and satisfying taste.

The rice is shaped like a cherry blossom, and inside you’ll find plenty of spiced soy meat. On top, it’s finished with green onion sauce and a creamy cheese sauce, adding layers of flavor to each bite.

The combination of the mild curry and the well-seasoned soy meat makes it surprisingly filling—so much so that you might find yourself thinking, “This is vegan?”
It’s a dish that feels satisfying not only for those who prefer plant-based options, but also for anyone new to vegan food.

A “Five Pungent Roots-Free” option is also available, but it requires a reservation in advance.

On the side, there are three accompaniments: sakura-colored mashed potatoes, scrambled tofu, and pickled radish. They’re perfect for refreshing your palate and keep the meal enjoyable until the very last bite.

I also ordered a hot sakura latte with a cute dog design on top. The milk foam gently jiggles, making it almost too adorable to drink. It’s not just cute—the soft sweetness makes it comforting as well.

My Experience

When I visited in April 2026, I ordered the limited-time April menu: the “Dreamy Twilight Sakura Pancakes” (¥1,760) and the “Twilight Sakura Float” (¥1,100) 🌸

The moment they arrived, I couldn’t help but say, “So cute…!” Not only were they visually stunning, but you could also feel the attention to detail in every element.

The pancakes were topped with house-made “Dreamy Twilight Sakura” ice cream, sweet sakura bean paste, and delicate sakura-flavored jelly. With every bite, I got a gentle hint of spring—it’s not just pretty, but thoughtfully crafted in flavor as well.

The Twilight Sakura Float, on the other hand, is a refreshing soda-based drink with a subtle touch of sakura syrup. It’s topped with plenty of whipped cream and sakura jelly, creating a perfect balance between its cute appearance and light, refreshing taste.

What impressed me the most was the texture of the pancakes. Even though they’re gluten-free, they have a soft and chewy texture that feels incredibly satisfying.

You can also add butter for just ¥55, which pairs perfectly with the sakura bean paste.

These sweets feel perfectly suited to the fleeting cherry blossom season—a little sentimental and truly special. It’s not just about the taste—what makes this cafe special is the entire atmosphere and experience it offers.

The monthly curries and seasonal sweets here are all beautifully presented—almost like edible art. If you’re in Tokyo, this is definitely a place worth visiting.

Basic information

🏠 Vegan Cafe PQ’s

📍 1-1-2 Ryusen, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘11:00 - 17:00

💤 Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

🚶 8-minute walk from Iriya Station on the Hibiya Line

💴 Credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments are accepted.

If you want to see more delicious food in Asakusa, be sure to check out my Instagram too📸✨Just click the icon below!