■Self introduction
Hello everyone!I’m Yang from Taiwan, a big fan of Japan’s nostalgic townscapes, modern literature, and J-POP. I came to Japan in 2019 to study in the English-based undergraduate program at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Oita Prefecture. After graduation, I worked as a web designer at a printing company in Japan. Currently, I’m studying academic Japanese at Keio University’s Japanese Language Program.
In this article, I’d love to introduce a shop that sparked my curiosity and delighted my taste buds, a place I hope will make you want to visit right away!
■Here’s the Place I Want to Recommend Today! A Salad Bowl Specialty Shop: With Green
Do You Eat a Balanced Diet Every Day? Have you ever thought about whether you eat a well-balanced meal every day? Do you make sure to get enough vegetables? These days, more and more people are eating out, and many are said to have unbalanced diets. In fact, according to the National Health and Nutrition Survey published by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average daily vegetable intake for people aged 20 and older is 256 grams for both men and women. This falls far short of the national health goal of 350 grams per day. Also, same problem exists in Taiwan. Studies show that about 80% of the population doesn't eat enough vegetables. Among elderly people, this has even been linked to symptoms of sarcopenia, a condition that affects physical strength and basic daily activities.
But let’s be honest, with prices going up everywhere, many people feel they don’t have the time or money to think about eating healthy. Still, what if there was a place that could solve this problem in an instant? A salad bowl shop that’s both delicious and affordable.Wouldn’t you want to give it a try?
At With Green, a salad bowl shop I’m going to introduce today, the idea is simple but powerful: salad as your main dish. Here, you can enjoy well-balanced meals using a variety seasonal vegetable grown in Japan. Even though vegetable prices have been rising lately, With Green offers filling and tasty meals for just ¥1,000 to ¥2,000, which is a great deal.
At first, I wasn’t focused on eating healthy. I was looking for places that fit my diet plan. But once I started going to With Green, my image of salad bowls completely changed in a good way. Now, I’m a regular customer! After a workout at the gym, it feels amazing to enjoy a full meal of fresh vegetables without any guilt. Just having a place like this makes my day a lot better.
Next, I’d like to share what makes With Green special and introduce my favorite salad bowl.
■ What Makes “With Green” Special
① 100% Japan-Grown Vegetables — Taste Japan’s Seasons
One of the biggest attractions of With Green is that all the vegetables used are grown in Japan. These days, due to reasons like cost savings, stable supply, and changing demands, many restaurants and stores use imported rice and vegetables. But in my experience, many Japanese people prefer local ingredients. Not just for taste, but for safety, freshness, and peace of mind.That’s why I think it’s amazing that With Green does not rely on imports. Instead, they use fresh vegetables directly sourced from local farmers across Japan. You can truly enjoy your meal with confidence. Another attractive point is their seasonal limited menus, which change every two months. This makes every visit exciting; you’ll find yourself thinking, “Which salad bowl should I try today?”
For example, in May and June, the limited menu included:
• Sweet Chili Chicken & Coriander Ethnic Salad
• Negi Salt Chicken & Masaki Seaweed Japanese-Style Salad
One highlight was the Masaki seaweed (from Iwate Prefecture), a unique ingredient that’s hard to find in Tokyo supermarkets. Being able to enjoy such rare and delicious vegetables is part of what makes With Green so special.
②Customize Your Own Salad Bowl with Toppings and Dressings
The second charm of With Green is the high level of customization. You can choose your favorite toppings and dressings to match your mood or physical condition on that day. It’s like creating your own self-designed meal : a perfect fit for your body and your taste.
For example,"Today I want to keep it light, so I’ll add namul. I also need protein, so I’ll choose steamed chicken and a boiled egg. Oh, and I want something sweet, I will have some sweet potatoes!"
At With Green, you can choose the ingredients and nutrients your body needs, and at the same time enjoy the creative process of building your perfect bowl. Once you experience this healthy and fun way of eating, I’m sure you’ll become a fan too!
③Friendly Service and a Relaxing Atmosphere
The third reason I love With Green is its friendly service and calm, welcoming atmosphere. At the shop I often visit, the staff always greet me with polite and kind service. For example, when I order a salad bowl, it comes with whole grain bread. Even for takeout, the staff kindly ask things like:"Would you like some bread with that?" or "Is the recommended dressing okay for you?"These small gestures make me feel warm and cared for. When I wasn’t sure which toppings or dressings to choose, the staff gave me helpful advice, so even on my first visit, I felt comfortable placing my order.Also, depending on the branch, you might enjoy some extra services!
At the Yurakucho Itocia location, for example, you can drink detox water with fruits and vegetables for free. When I went there, they had apple and cinnamon detox water, it smelled great and made the meal even more enjoyable.The interior design also helps create a relaxing space. With natural wood décor and warm lighting, the shop gives off a cozy and peaceful vibe. It’s a perfect place to spend some quiet time alone while enjoying a healthy meal. That’s why I think With Green is a place that satisfies not only your hunger, but also your heart.
■My Recommendation: The Gizzard & Namul Salad
There’s one salad I absolutely fell in love with the first time I ordered : “Gizzard & Namul Salad.” This salad includes brown rice, namul, carrots, daikon radish, and chicken gizzards. Although it may look simple, it’s surprisingly filling and satisfying. It’s the perfect example of a salad that can stand proudly as a main dish. What’s more, it’s very healthy. If you’re on a diet, you can enjoy it without worrying too much about calories. The best dressing for this salad is the sesame salt dressing, but if you’re unsure, feel free to ask the staff, they’ll recommend one that suits your condition or mood.
Price ： The medium size of the Gizzard & Bean Namul Salad costs ￥1,250 (tax included). As a student, I do feel it’s a bit pricey. However, considering the sense of safety, satisfaction, and the chance to enjoy seasonal Japanese vegetables, I truly believe
this is one of the most worthwhile salad bowls in Japan. If you’re curious, I highly
recommend giving it a try!
Did You Know? ：Gizzards are low in calories, high in protein, and low in fat — a great healthy food
choice. They’re also rich in vitamin B, iron, and glutamic acid, which are said to help with skin health and prevent anemia, making them especially great for women. For men, they can help with muscle recovery and fatigue relief, too!
Of course, as with any food, moderation is the key, so enjoy it as part of a balanced diet!
■Points
With Green is a very popular salad bowl shop, so you might see a line during lunchtime. Since many of the shops located in business districts, they tend to get crowded with office workers during peak hours. Personally, I like to visit after 1:00 p.m. on weekdays or in the early evening on weekends. These times are usually less busy, so I can relax and enjoy my meal at a comfortable pace. If your schedule is flexible, I recommend avoiding the typical lunch and dinner rush for the best experience!
■ In Summary
So, what did you think of my introduction to With Green, the salad bowl specialty shop, and my personal recommendations? Did it make you feel like you want to try it right away?
With Green has taught me that:
• You can enjoy a healthy and balanced meal even while dieting.
• Salad can be a main dish, and it's possible to enjoy safe, delicious Japanese-grown vegetables easily and affordably.
At first, spending over 1,000 yen on just a salad may seem a bit much. But once you try it, you’ll understand the value: the sense of satisfaction, the peace of mind, the fun of choosing your ingredients, and the feeling of your body being recharged. If you're someone who wants to eat better, feel better, or stay in shape, I truly recommend giving With Green a try.
Thank you so much for reading until the end!
※For more information about the shop, please visit their official website: