■Introduction
Hello! My name is Naya Finch. In July of this year, I arrived in Japan to study Japanese. I am originally from the state South Carolina in the United States. In college I studied International studies as my major and Japanese studies as my minor and as I was taking these courses, I was actively studying Japanese. In American universities, the majors usually have conditions or requirements that you must complete in addition to the classes. In my major the requirement was to study abroad through my university’s exchange program and because of that, 3 years ago I was able to take online classes abroad while in America. An two years ago when I was a senior in college, I was able to go to Japan and attend Kansai Gaidai University.
While there, I learned about Japanese culture, made Japanese friends, and experienced Japanese life. However, after 6 months I had to return to America and continue my studies. One of the classes I attended when I returned was a class on Haruki Murakami where we read a wide selection of his works. As I took this class, I found a new interest in translation.
My interest in translation grew, and as of now my current goal is to get a translation job. The first step in achieving this goal is to become fluent in Japanese. That is why I came to Japan and am currently living in Kobe, studying at a Japanese language school, and working as an English teacher. Every day I study Japanese in hopes of getting a translation job in the future. In my free time I will translate novels and manga so I can prepare for the JLPT N3 test that I plan on taking at the end of this month.
■What am I introducing?
In this article, I will introduce the café Modernark Pharm, a café that offers vegan and vegetarian food and a relaxing atmosphere. Why do I recommend this café specifically instead of the many wonderful cafes in Kobe? Let me show you why!
■Why am I recommending the café Modernark Pharm?
Two years ago, my health was not in good condition. I decided to better it by starting a health plan called an “elimination diet.” An elimination diet means that I could not eat processed foods, food additives, or food with preservatives. The only things I could eat were all natural ingredients and dishes. Once I started the plan, my health became increasingly better. After the diet ended, I decided to continue not eating dairy products or processed foods, for my health.
Around a year before I left for Japan, I started going to supermarkets to buy vegan and vegetarian foods and then make those dishes at home. As my health kept getting better, I developed an interest in cooking. Thus, whenever I went outside, I would look for vegan and vegetarian restaurants, shops, and food.
Once I arrived in Japan, I became very busy with adjusting to school, moving into my new apartment, and adapting to my new environment. I could tell my health wasn’t doing so well, so I began looking into making food, both for fun and my health. However, Japan has almost no vegan food, restaurants, or shops. I began searching for any shops or stores I could find. I was able to find Modernark Pharm and a few other vegan places I could go to. I have been to every one that I’ve found and each of them were delicious, but Modernark Pharm seemed to be the best vegan and vegetarian cafe I have found in Kobe. As I mentioned before, this café has a special charm.
■Modernark Pharm’s charm and special qualities
Charms of Modernark pharm café① 100% plant-based
With the rising cost of vegetables in Japan, vegetarian and vegan restaurants have an image of being expensive. However, at Modernark pharm café, introduced here, you can enjoy 100% plant-based dishes prepared under the concept of “food that is kind to the body and the earth” for only 1,000 yen to 1,500 yen. All the food made there is health conscious and tasteful despite the lack of additives and processed foods. The menu is a bit limited since it is a café but there is still variety. They have burgers, enchiladas, soups, curries, and sweets. Additionally, they have food that is not vegan or vegetarian, and foods you can adjust to fit your taste. Moreover, you will be satisfied any time you visit because all the dishes here are truly delicious. Since I came to Japan to study, I have been busy every day with moving and school, but after going to this restaurant, I am now able to eat out without having to worry about cooking for myself.
Other than lunch and dinner, this restaurant also offers organic drinks and desserts, so you can use it as a café time outside of lunch and dinner. By the way, some of the desserts include sweet parfaits and cakes. So, even if you are on a diet, you can eat desserts at this restaurant without worrying!
Charm of Modernark pharm café② You can buy safe and secure foodstuffs and cute sundries
An additional charm of the cafe is the decently sized shop in the middle of the cafe that sells many vegan, vegetarian, and organic items, like food, household items, books, and ingredients. It has various items you can buy. In addition, it is possible to take out food and desserts. This makes it possible to use the café even on days when you do not have much time to spare. This is very convenient. If you are interested in the food and sundries sold in this store, please check out the food and sundries sold in this store as well, because the items in this store are safe and secure without having to check each one by yourself!
Charm of Modernark pharm café ③ Modernark Pharms Atmosphere
The last charm is the atmosphere. Most cafes in Japan have a lovely calming atmosphere that makes it easy to chat with friends, read books, or do work. The low lighting and warm colors in the store make it very cozy while you’re there. Along with that, Modernark pharm has a big bookshelf against the wall that you can pick a book and read from. If you are not interested in being indoors then you can go to the outside patio and relax, or chat with friends and look around outside while you enjoy your delicious food. Feel free to change your environment as much as you’d like!
■Modernark pharm café’s recommended dishes
①1) Gluten Wrap Sandwich
This dish is a healthy wrap sandwich of gluten meat and vegetables wrapped in a tortilla. It is a satisfying dish that is more filling than it looks.
②2) Hummus Burger
Hummus is a traditional home-style dish from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, made by mashing chickpeas into a paste. （This dish is also very hearty, so if you want to have dessert after your meal, we recommend that you go there with an empty stomach.
■Important information
・When you go, you do not have to worry about the payment method, they use both cash and card.
・If they have special events, like a live show, you may not be able to get food because the kitchen is closed. However, you can get something small to-go if they have food available in the display case. Be sure to check the store’s official Instagram for their schedule!
・The notes we have provided are subject to change. Be sure to check the official Instagram.
■Conclusion
This time we introduced “Modernark pharm café”, a restaurant serving handmade vegetarian and vegan dishes in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. Modernark Pharm looks like a great cafe, right? It has so many great qualities, that lets everyone enjoy the food and atmosphere. If you are looking for a vegan and vegetarian restaurant or a more health-conscious place to eat then you must give Modernark Pharm a try! There are many cafes in Japan that are perfect for talking with friends, reading a book, or working. However, there are few places like the “Modernark pharm café” introduced here that are open to vegetarians and vegans, so if you are looking for a healthy café where you can spend a delicious and happy time with anyone, this is the best place to go. If you are interested, please give it a try! Thank you for reading to the end.
※*There are also other restaurants in Kobe City that specialize in curries exclusively for vegetarians and vegans, as well as restaurants that specialize in fast foods from the American Southwest and Mexico, such as quesadillas,burritos,and tacos! In my next issue, I would like to introduce some of these unusual dishes! See you soon!