Welcome to Saishoku Gohan! I’m Saya, a professional vegan pastry chef, a mother, and a lifelong lover of food that brings people together. Whether you’re already vegan or just curious about adding more plants to your plate, I’m so glad you’re here. Grab a cozy cup of coffee, and let me share my story with you ☺️♡
From the Heart of Japan’s Cafe Culture
I grew up in Nagoya, Japan—a region famous for its unique morning cafe culture. In my hometown, food was never just about fuel; it was about creating a warm space for connection and smiles. My mother, who loved to cook, taught me that the family table is where love is shared.
Even as a child, I dreamed of a career that could bring happiness to others through food. This dream led me to pastry school, where I earned my certification and began my journey in traditional Japanese pâtisseries.
A Journey Through Melbourne & Berlin
To expand my horizons, I traveled to two of the world’s most vibrant food hubs: Melbourne and Berlin.
In Melbourne, I was captivated by the world-class barista culture and the way cafes serve as the soul of the community. Then, moving to Berlin opened my eyes to a new kind of freedom—a city that embraces zero-waste living and innovative veganism alongside its historical bakeries. I honed my skills further, working as a barista in Melbourne and a vegan pastry chef in the heart of Berlin.
The Turning Point: Why I Chose Veganism
Along the roadsides of Berlin in spring, lovely flowers are
in full bloom!
Living abroad and connecting with friends from all walks of life changed my perspective. I realised that my food choices could be a powerful act of kindness:
- For the animals: To protect lives and lead with compassion.
- For the planet: To reduce my environmental footprint for the generations to come.
- For our health: To nourish our bodies with the incredible abundance of vitamins and minerals found in plants.
out as fluffy as I’d hoped, so I remade it over and over again.
In 2020, I committed to a vegan lifestyle. At first, as a pastry chef, I was terrified. How could I make delicious cakes without eggs or cream? It was a massive challenge, but through countless trials (and many failures!), I discovered a world of unique ingredients and techniques I had never imagined. I realised that plant-based food isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about discovery.
My Mission: A Kinder World, One Recipe at a Time
I started “Saishoku Gohan” (Plant-Based Meals in Japanese) to bridge the gap between curiosity and action. My mission is simple:
- Empower you to start your plant-based journey, no matter where you are.
- Prove that professional flavours can be achieved with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Nourish the future by creating a world that is kinder to animals and the environment for my daughter’s generation.
Living in Berlin, I often miss Japanese flavours, so I’ve mastered the art of making Japanese home cooking accessible anywhere in the world. Japan’s traditional ingredients—like miso, soy, and seaweed—are naturally plant-based treasures, and I love blending these roots with my passion for creating plant-based meal recipes.
As a mother and a chef, I am constantly studying nutrition to protect my family’s health while crafting recipes that satisfy the soul. I hope my recipes inspire you to take that first step.
Let’s make the world a little warmer and kinder together, one delicious meal at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey!♡
Saya 2025.03.06
