2024.03.18
Garlic, chive, lacquer, leeks, onions, chives, etc.
What is Gokun?
Gokun is the vegetables which have strong smell but said giving you strength and energy. Gokun includes Garlic, leek, sea bream, leek, onion, chives, etc. Due to such strong smell, many foreigners mainly from China and Taiwan tend to avoid “GOKUN” dish.
Oriental Vegan
Those who avoide “GOKUN” are called “Oriental Vegan”.
We recommend you to ask restaurants if they have any menu without “GOKUN” vegetables. How can I ask? You should tell restaurants that you are an oriental vegan and if there is any menu which does not have “GOKUN” and see their reply. If they say “Yes” clearly, then you are safe to go. Even if they tell you that “There is some menu without “GOKUN”, you can trust. On the other hand, if the restaurant sounds confused or not understand what “GOKUN” means, you may ask vegetables one by one or better to look for another restaurant.
“GOKUN” Vegetables pronunciation in Japanese
Garlic ：nin-niku
Nira ：nira
Rakkyo ：rakkyo
Leek/Green Onion ：negi
Onion ：tamanegi
Asatsuki ：asatsuki
Among the vegetable-centered restaurants in Japan, it is easy to find the "oriental vegan" menu at the Shojin and Fucha restaurants. Please look for it.
Gokun is an Taboo food based on Buddhist precepts, but it is not popular in Japan yet, so "I was in trouble because I could not find a restaurant to eat!" "Mixed by mistake!" Please prepare early as soon as possible.