"Zen Food" emphasizes a balanced approach to cuisine that in line with Buddhist principles is , using vegetables, beans, and greens without meat or dairy products. It focuses on the middle path so Strong-smelling vegetables and dairy products are avoided, Zen food show care for others and respect for nature with dishes designed to bring out the flavors of each ingredient and have no waste.
In Zen vegan cooking, traditional veggie stock is replaced with umami-rich ingredients like dried seaweed and mushrooms.A spice blend, tofu, burdock root (牛蒡) are essential ingredients in Zen vegan cooking.