Must-Try Foods In Dejima (Nagasaki) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Dejima, Nagasaki, Japan

Dejima was once an artificial island in Nagasaki’s bay, constructed in 1634 to control and contain foreign traders, mainly the Dutch, and was Japan’s only point of trade and exchange with the outside world during the Sakoku period of isolation. As a hub of international exchange, Dejima became a conduit for not just trade goods, but also cultural exchanges, including food. The influence of Dutch and Chinese cuisine blended with traditional Japanese cooking techniques to create a unique local cuisine that still influences Nagasaki's dishes today. In particular, Dejima played a critical role in introducing sugar and deep-frying techniques which are now prevalent in Japanese cooking.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Dejima, Nagasaki for Tourists

1. Champon (Non-Veg) - A hearty noodle dish with seafood, pork, and vegetables, symbolizing the cultural melting pot of Nagasaki.
2. Sara Udon (Can be Veg or Non-Veg) - Crispy thin noodles topped with a thick sauce, seafood or meats, and vegetables.
3. Castella Cake (Veg) - A popular sponge cake derived from Portuguese pão de Castela, signifying Nagasaki's historical foreign connections.
4. Shippoku Cuisine (Can be Veg or Non-Veg) - A traditional Japanese-style banquet that incorporates Chinese and Western elements.
5. Mushi-pan (Veg) - A Japanese steamed bread that is soft, fluffy, and often sweetened.
6. Nagasaki Kakuni Manju (Non-Veg) - Steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, though the pork can be substituted for other fillings.
7. Turkish Rice (Non-Veg) - A curious combination of pilaf rice, spaghetti, and pork cutlet, showcasing the city's international influences.
8. Kakuni (Non-Veg) - Slow-cooked pork belly that is braised until tender, a dish influenced by Chinese cooking.
9. Biwa (Veg) - Loquats, a fruit that's often made into jams, jellies, or enjoyed as a fresh, sweet treat.
10. Kuzukiri (Veg) - Arrowroot starch noodles served with sweet syrup, often enjoyed in the summer.

Top Famous Restaurants in Dejima, Nagasaki with Famous Foods

Shikairo

Address: 4-5 Matsugae-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Champon (Non-Veg)

Yossou

Address: 8-9 Kojiya-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Chawanmushi (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

Fukusaya

Address: 3-1 Funadaiku-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Castella Cake (Veg)

Iwasaki Honpo

Address: 2-1 Shianbashi-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Kakuni Manju (Non-Veg)

Garland

Address: 2-11 Hamano-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Turkish Rice (Non-Veg)

Kozanro

Address: 12-13 Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Shippoku Cuisine (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

Tabelogu

Address: 8-7 Enoura-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Kuzukiri (Veg)

Kagetsu

Address: 2-1 Maruyama-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Historically-inspired Shippoku Cuisine (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

Manpuku

Address: 2-14 Yamazato-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Udon (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

Tojin Yashiki Ato

Address: 4-28 Hamano-machi, Nagasaki

Famous Food: Chinese-inspired dishes (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)