Tokyo Frame

In a culinary landscape often saturated with Westernized interpretations of Japanese food, Lulu’s Table offers something refreshingly sincere: a modern, vegetarian take on Japanese home-style cooking that honors tradition while introducing gentle innovation.

Founded by Rachael, a Canadian creator with a lifelong admiration for Japanese cuisine and culture, Lulu’s Table began as a deeply personal project. What started as quiet experiments in her own kitchen soon evolved into a full-fledged cookbook – an artistic and thoughtful collection of Japanese vegetarian recipes, lovingly adapted for home cooks across the West.

Rachael’s appreciation for Tokyo runs deep. “I’ve always been drawn to the balance, the care, the presentation of Japanese food,” she explains. “There’s a stillness and soul in it – something healing.” Her cookbook captures that spirit with dishes like Cabbage Okonomiyaki, Eggplant and Nori Fritters, and Vegetable & Tofu Gyoaza – all beautifully plated, accessible, and grounded in authenticity.

Unlike many plant-based cookbooks that focus on vegan substitutions, Lulu’s Table proudly embraces its vegetarian identity. The recipes include traditional Japanese ingredients such as miso, nori, and toasted sesame, often paired with eggs, dairy, and umami-rich sauces to create meals that feel complete and nourishing. It’s a body of work that doesn’t try to replicate meat, but instead celebrates vegetables and plant-forward combinations in a way that feels both elevated and familiar.

What sets Lulu’s Table apart is not just its aesthetic or its recipes, but its emotional core. The project is dedicated to the memory of Rachael’s beloved calico cat, Lulu – a beloved companion whose name now graces the brand. “Lulu was always my kitchen companion,” Rachael notes. “It’s about finding comfort and beauty in the everyday. Cooking is part of that.”

The cookbook has gained traction on social media, with creators and home cooks alike praising its elegance and intention. Recently, a Toronto-based food influencer recreated one of Rachael’s recipes, helping introduce Lulu’s Table to a wider audience across Canada and the U.S.

For those seeking a deeper, more soulful experience of Japanese vegetarian cooking, one that respects its roots while welcoming new perspectives, Lulu’s Table is a beautiful starting point.

📸 Follow her journey on Instagram, where you can learn more

Instagram: @lulustableofficial