Japanese keto guide
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389 dishes155 keto as served129 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Requires careful menu selection and explicit modification requests to avoid significant carb traps.
Top ingredients
Sashimi, grilled fish/meat (yakitori without tare, shioyaki), edamame, seaweed salads, shabu-shabu, and certain vegetables are excellent keto options.
Danger zones
Avoid sushi rice, ramen noodles, tempura, gyoza, breaded items, and beware of hidden sugars in teriyaki, ponzu, mirin-based sauces, and certain miso soups.
Best for
Best for experienced keto dieters who prioritize high-protein meals and are adept at navigating hidden sugars and starch-based dishes.
What to drink
Drinks you will see at Japanese restaurants, cafés and stalls, rated the same way as the food.
Order these
- KetoJapanese Green Tea ryokucha / sencha (緑茶) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- KetoBarley Tea mugicha (麦茶) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- KetoRoasted Green Tea hōjicha (ほうじ茶) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- KetoBrown Rice Tea genmaicha (玄米茶) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- KetoJasmine Tea sanpin-cha (さんぴん茶) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- KetoWhisked Matcha usucha (薄茶) · 1g net carbs as usually served
- KetoKelp Tea kobucha (昆布茶) · 1g net carbs as usually served
- Ask firstUnsweetened Soy Milk muchōsei tōnyū (無調整豆乳) · 4g net carbs as usually servedPick 'muchōsei' (無調整). 'Chōsei' (調製) soy milk is sweetened.
- Ask firstJapanese Iced Coffee aisu kōhī (アイスコーヒー) · 8g net carbs as usually servedLeave the syrup. The small creamer cup is fine.
Skip these
- SkipSweetened Canned Coffee kan kōhī (缶コーヒー) · 13g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order canned black coffee ('burakku', ブラック) instead.
- SkipMarble Soda ramune (ラムネ) · 17g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order sparkling water ('tansan-sui') instead.
- SkipRoyal Milk Tea roiyaru miruku tī (ロイヤルミルクティー) · 24g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order hot green tea instead.
- SkipCultured Milk Soda nyūsankin inryō (乳酸菌飲料) · 30g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order barley tea instead.
- SkipSweet Rice Drink amazake (甘酒) · 30g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order hot green tea instead.
- SkipMelon Soda meron sōda (メロンソーダ) · 40g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order sparkling water ('tansan-sui') instead.
179 matching dishes · page 1 of 3
Ayu no Shioyaki
Salt-Grilled Sweetfish
A seasonal highlight, the sweetfish (ayu) is a prized freshwater fish known for its distinctive aroma and deli…
0 net0 total0 fibre35 protein20 fat350 kcal
Buri Shioyaki
Salt-Grilled Yellowtail
A classic izakaya dish featuring a thick cut of yellowtail (buri) fillet, seasoned simply with salt and grille…
0 net0 total0 fibre65 protein35 fat600 kcal
Ebi Sashimi
Shrimp Sashimi
Fresh, raw shrimp served chilled, a naturally low-carb and high-protein option. Typically served unseasoned or…
0 net0 total0 fibre30 protein2 fat150 kcal
Ebi Shioyaki
Salt-Grilled Shrimp
Large shrimp, simply seasoned with salt and grilled until perfectly cooked and slightly charred. A straightfor…
0 net0 total0 fibre50 protein15 fat350 kcal
Isaki Shioyaki
Salt-Grilled Grunt Fish
A whole grunt fish (isaki) seasoned simply with salt and perfectly grilled, often over charcoal. This preparat…
0 net0 total0 fibre65 protein18 fat450 kcal
Kinki Shioyaki
Grilled Thornhead Rockfish with Salt
A luxurious and highly prized deep-sea fish, the kinki is celebrated for its distinctive red skin, succulent, …
0 net0 total0 fibre60 protein35 fat550 kcal
Tai Kabutoyaki
Grilled Sea Bream Head
The head of a sea bream (tai), grilled until the skin is perfectly crispy and the rich, tender meat around the…
0 net0 total0 fibre40 protein25 fat400 kcal
Tai Shioyaki
Salt-Grilled Sea Bream
A whole sea bream (Tai) or a large fillet, seasoned simply with salt and grilled until the skin is crispy and …
0 net0 total0 fibre60 protein20 fat450 kcal
Gindara Shioyaki
Grilled Cod (Salted)
A simple yet elegant dish of fresh cod fillet, seasoned with salt and grilled to perfection. Unlike the miso-m…
1 net2 total1 fibre45 protein6 fat250 kcal
Kani Sashimi
Crab Meat Sashimi
Premium, fresh crab meat, typically served chilled and raw (or lightly steamed), sliced or presented in its sh…
1 net1 total0 fibre38 protein1 fat180 kcal
Karei Shioyaki
Grilled Flounder (or Halibut) with Salt
A simple yet flavorful dish of flounder or halibut, seasoned generously with salt and grilled until the skin i…
1 net2 total1 fibre55 protein25 fat450 kcal
Katsuo Shiokara
Fermented Bonito Innards
A traditional, intensely savory Japanese delicacy made from heavily salted and fermented bonito (katsuo) fish …
1 net1 total0 fibre25 protein5 fat150 kcal
Lamb Chops Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki-Grilled Lamb Chops
Tender lamb chops grilled to perfection on a teppan (flat iron grill). Typically seasoned simply with salt and…
1 net1 total0 fibre55 protein50 fat700 kcal
Tako Sashimi
Octopus Sashimi
Thinly sliced, tender blanched octopus, served chilled. Known for its firm yet delicate texture and mild ocean…
1 net1 total0 fibre30 protein1 fat150 kcal
Tarako (単品)
Salted Pollock Roe (Plain)
Unspicy salted pollock roe, often served raw and plain as a savory appetizer, showcasing its unique texture an…
1 net1 total0 fibre25 protein12 fat200 kcal
Tatami Iwashi
Grilled Dried Baby Sardine Mat
A unique Izakaya snack made by pressing tiny dried baby sardines into a thin, rectangular 'mat,' then lightly …
1 net1 total0 fibre30 protein6 fat180 kcal
Yaki Gani
Grilled Crab
Crab legs or claws, such as snow crab or king crab, grilled simply with just a sprinkle of salt, allowing the …
1 net1 total0 fibre35 protein25 fat380 kcal
Aji no Tataki
Minced Horse Mackerel with Ginger and Scallions
Fresh, finely minced horse mackerel mixed with ginger, scallions, and sometimes a touch of shiso leaf. Typical…
2 net3 total1 fibre40 protein15 fat300 kcal
Awabi Sashimi
Abalone Sashimi
Thinly sliced fresh abalone, served raw. A premium delicacy known for its firm, slightly chewy texture and sub…
2 net2 total0 fibre35 protein5 fat200 kcal
Ika Maruyaki
Grilled Whole Squid (Shio Style)
A whole squid, usually seasoned with salt and grilled until tender, then sliced for serving.…
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein10 fat280 kcal
Ika Shiokara
Salt-Fermented Squid Guts
A pungent and savory delicacy made from squid meat mixed with its own salted and fermented entrails. Served as…
2 net2 total0 fibre30 protein6 fat180 kcal
Maguro Sashimi (単品)
Tuna Sashimi (Single Portion)
Fresh, thick slices of raw tuna, served plain. A pure and unadulterated taste of high-quality fish, typically …
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein8 fat250 kcal
Mentaiko Yaki
Grilled Spicy Pollock Roe
Whole sacs of spicy pollock roe (mentaiko) are lightly grilled until the surface is slightly browned and the i…
2 net2 total0 fibre30 protein14 fat250 kcal
Tako Wasabi
Octopus with Wasabi Stem
A popular Izakaya appetizer consisting of finely chopped raw octopus marinated with fresh wasabi stem, soy sau…
2 net3 total1 fibre25 protein5 fat180 kcal
Tori Wasa
Seared Chicken with Wasabi
Lightly seared chicken tenderloin or breast, typically served thinly sliced with fresh wasabi, a small amount …
2 net3 total1 fibre40 protein20 fat350 kcal
Tuna Yukke (Keto-Friendly)
Spicy Tuna with Egg Yolk
Fresh, sashimi-grade tuna diced and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and often a hint of garlic or a mild …
2 net3 total1 fibre45 protein30 fat450 kcal
Buri Carpaccio (Keto Modified)
Yellowtail Carpaccio with Keto Dressing
Thinly sliced fresh yellowtail (buri) arranged carpaccio-style, usually drizzled with a light dressing and gar…
3 net4 total1 fibre45 protein20 fat380 kcal
Gyu Suteki (Izakaya Style, 塩)
Grilled Beef Steak (Izakaya Style, Salted)
A simple yet flavorful grilled beef steak, typical of an Izakaya setting. Cooked with salt and pepper, often s…
3 net4 total1 fibre65 protein60 fat800 kcal
Hamaguri Ushiojiru (Keto-Modified)
Clear Clam Soup (Keto-Modified)
A delicate clear soup featuring fresh clams (Hamaguri) in a savory dashi broth, seasoned with salt and soy sau…
3 net4 total1 fibre20 protein5 fat150 kcal
Kanpachi Carpaccio (Keto-Modified)
Thin-Sliced Amberjack with Keto Ponzu
Delicately thin slices of fresh amberjack (kanpachi) arranged beautifully and dressed with a savory, tangy, an…
3 net4 total1 fibre35 protein20 fat350 kcal
Maguro Tataki
Seared Ahi Tuna
Fresh ahi tuna, quickly seared on the outside to create a crust while leaving the inside rare. Typically slice…
3 net4 total1 fibre60 protein30 fat550 kcal
Suimono
Clear Dashi Soup
A light and elegant clear soup with a dashi base, seasoned subtly with salt and a hint of soy sauce, often con…
3 net4 total1 fibre15 protein5 fat150 kcal
Uni no Niku Maki (Keto Modified)
Sea Urchin Wrapped in Seared Beef (Keto-Friendly)
A luxurious appetizer featuring delicate sea urchin (uni) wrapped in thinly sliced, lightly seared beef. This …
3 net3 total0 fibre40 protein50 fat600 kcal
Fugu Sashimi
Blowfish Sashimi with Keto Ponzu
A highly prized delicacy of thinly sliced raw blowfish (fugu), meticulously prepared to remove toxins. Served …
4 net5 total1 fibre40 protein15 fat350 kcal
Hirame Usuzukuri (Keto Modified)
Thinly Sliced Flounder Sashimi with Sugar-Free Ponzu
Delicate, paper-thin slices of fresh flounder (hirame) arranged artfully. Traditionally served with ponzu sauc…
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein15 fat320 kcal
Katsuo Tataki
Seared Bonito Slices
Fresh bonito (skipjack tuna) fillet lightly seared over a flame, sliced thick, and often served with a citrusy…
4 net5 total1 fibre50 protein20 fat400 kcal
Sashimi Moriawase
Assorted Sashimi Platter
A platter of various fresh, raw seafood slices, expertly cut and arranged. Typically served with shredded daik…
4 net5 total1 fibre70 protein30 fat600 kcal
Shirako Ponzu (Keto-Modified)
Cod Milt with Keto Ponzu Sauce
A Japanese delicacy of cod milt, often lightly poached or served raw, accompanied by a tangy, citrusy ponzu sa…
4 net4 total0 fibre30 protein12 fat250 kcal
Wafu Suteki
Japanese Style Steak
A classic beef steak (often sirloin or ribeye) prepared with Japanese flavors. It's typically pan-fried or gri…
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein75 fat950 kcal
Yakiniku (塩 Shio-flavored assorted beef cuts)
Japanese BBQ (Salt-seasoned assorted beef cuts)
Various premium cuts of beef (such as Kalbi/short rib, Harami/skirt steak, Rosu/loin) meant for grilling at th…
4 net5 total1 fibre75 protein75 fat1000 kcal
Yudofu
Boiled Tofu Hot Pot
Simple hot pot dish featuring large cubes of firm tofu gently simmered in dashi broth, often served with a sim…
4 net8 total4 fibre40 protein25 fat400 kcal
Atsuyaki Tamago (Keto-Modified Thick Grilled Omelette)
Thick Keto Grilled Omelette
A thick, savory-sweet Japanese rolled omelette, typically denser and often sweeter than dashi maki tamago. Thi…
5 net6 total1 fibre30 protein32 fat420 kcal
Dobin Mushi
Steamed Seafood and Mushroom Teapot Soup
An elegant clear dashi broth soup served in a small teapot, containing various seafood (shrimp, white fish) an…
5 net7 total2 fibre28 protein10 fat250 kcal
Gyu-tataki
Seared Beef Tataki with Keto Ponzu
Thinly sliced, quickly seared beef served rare. Traditionally with a ponzu sauce and sometimes garnishes like …
5 net6 total1 fibre40 protein30 fat450 kcal
Keto Teriyaki Chicken (Sugar-Free Glaze)
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Sugar-Free Teriyaki Glaze
Juicy grilled chicken thighs (often skin-on for extra fat) basted with a special sugar-free teriyaki-style gla…
5 net6 total1 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Kinmedai Nitsuke (Keto Modified)
Simmered Golden Eye Snapper (Keto Version)
A traditional simmered fish dish, featuring a rich cut of golden eye snapper prepared in a savory, umami-rich …
5 net6 total1 fibre45 protein30 fat500 kcal
Kushiyaki (塩 Shio)
Assorted Salt-Grilled Skewers (Non-Chicken)
Skewers of various meats (e.g., pork belly, beef tongue, beef short ribs), seafood (e.g., shrimp, scallops), o…
5 net7 total2 fibre70 protein55 fat800 kcal
Maguro Poke (Keto-Modified)
Tuna Poke (No Rice)
Fresh, cubed raw tuna (maguro) marinated in a savory, umami-rich sauce, often with avocado, seaweed, and scall…
5 net12 total7 fibre35 protein20 fat450 kcal
Yakitori (塩 Shio)
Salt-Grilled Chicken Skewers
Skewers of various chicken parts (thigh, breast, skin, liver, meatballs) grilled over charcoal and seasoned si…
5 net6 total1 fibre70 protein50 fat750 kcal
Hirame no Karaage (Keto-Modified)
Crispy Fried Flounder (Keto-Modified)
A whole flounder, lightly dusted with a keto-friendly flour alternative (e.g., almond flour or a thin layer of…
6 net8 total2 fibre55 protein45 fat650 kcal
Keto Kani Nabe
Crab Hot Pot (Keto-Modified)
A comforting and savory hot pot featuring generous portions of fresh crab, simmered in a rich dashi broth. Mod…
6 net10 total4 fibre50 protein35 fat600 kcal
Nama Kaki
Raw Oysters
Fresh raw oysters served on the half shell, often with a lemon wedge or simple ponzu.…
6 net6 total0 fibre15 protein5 fat150 kcal
Kaiyaki (Keto-Modified)
Baked Scallops with Keto Miso and Egg Yolk
Fresh scallops baked in a shell or small dish, traditionally topped with a rich miso and egg yolk mixture. The…
7 net8 total1 fibre35 protein25 fat380 kcal
Shigureni-style Beef Skillet (Keto-Modified)
Simmered Ginger Beef Skillet (Keto-Modified)
Thinly sliced beef simmered in a savory, aromatic sauce primarily flavored with ginger and a sugar-free soy sa…
7 net8 total1 fibre60 protein40 fat650 kcal
Sunomono (with wakame/octopus/crab)
Cucumber and Seafood Vinegar Salad
A refreshing and light salad featuring thinly sliced cucumber, often combined with rehydrated wakame seaweed a…
7 net10 total3 fibre20 protein10 fat250 kcal
Asari Sakamushi
Sake Steamed Clams
Fresh clams steamed in a broth of sake (Japanese rice wine), butter, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce, garnish…
8 net8 total0 fibre40 protein20 fat350 kcal
Gyudon-style Beef Skillet (Keto-Modified)
Thinly Sliced Beef Simmered Dish (Keto-Modified, No Rice)
A keto-friendly take on the popular beef bowl, featuring thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory, s…
8 net10 total2 fibre65 protein60 fat800 kcal
Asari Bata Yaki (Keto-Modified)
Clams Stir-fried with Butter (Keto-Modified)
Fresh clams stir-fried with butter, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce. Modified to be keto by ensuring no sugar…
9 net10 total1 fibre30 protein25 fat450 kcal
Keto Buri Daikon
Braised Yellowtail with Daikon (Keto-Modified)
A comforting Japanese classic, featuring tender, fatty yellowtail (buri) fillets and gently braised daikon rad…
9 net12 total3 fibre45 protein30 fat500 kcal
Shabu-Shabu
Hot Pot with Thinly Sliced Meat
A communal Japanese hot pot dish where diners cook very thinly sliced meat (typically beef or pork) and variou…
10 net15 total5 fibre70 protein60 fat900 kcal