Food In Nagasaki Chinatown

Food History of Nagasaki Chinatown

The food history of Nagasaki Chinatown, known as Shinchi Chinatown in Japanese, is a fascinating blend of Chinese and Nagasaki local cuisine developed over centuries. As one of the only Japanese ports open to foreign trade during the Edo period, Nagasaki became a cultural melting pot, with Chinese merchants settling in the Shinchi district in the late 17th century. This presence had a profound influence on the local culinary scene, leading to the birth of unique dishes that combine Chinese cooking techniques with Japanese ingredients.

The merchants brought with them staple dishes which evolved, integrating local flavors and produce. One of the most significant contributions to Nagaczki's food culture is the introduction of the noodle making techniques that led to the creation of Nagasaki's famous Champon and Sara Udon. Over time, Nagasaki Chinatown has cultivated a food culture that's both authentically Chinese and distinctively Nagasaki.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Nagasaki Chinatown

1. Champon (Non-Veg) - A hearty noodle soup with seafood, pork, and vegetables, a symbol of the fusion between Chinese and Nagasaki cuisine.
2. Sara Udon (Non-Veg) - Crispy noodles topped with a thick, savory sauce full of seafood and vegetables.
3. Kakuni Manju (Non-Veg) - Steamed buns filled with tender braised pork belly, a perfect blend of soft bread and succulent meat.
4. Turkey Rice (Non-Veg) - Actually involving chicken, this Nagasaki-style pilaf is flavored with a rich, savory sauce.
5. Castella (Veg) - A fluffy and sweet sponge cake of Portuguese origin that has been adapted by Nagasaki bakers.
6. Chinese Steamed Buns (Veg / Non-Veg options available) - Steamed bread with a variety of fillings, including vegetarian options.
7. Ebi Chili (Non-Veg) - A dish consisting of stir-fried prawns in a sweet and spicy sauce.
8. Subuta (Non-Veg) - Sweet and sour pork, a classic Chinese dish that's very popular in Chinatown.
9. Mushroom Rice (Veg) - A flavorful dish prepared with rice and an assortment of mushrooms, cooked in a seasoned broth.
10. Chinese Porridge (Veg / Non-Veg options available) - A comforting bowl of rice porridge which can be enjoyed with various toppings.

Top Famous Restaurants in Nagasaki Chinatown

Shikairo

Address: 4-5 Matsugae-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture

Famous Food: Champon (Non-Veg)

Ryoma

Address: 12-7 Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture

Famous Food: Sara Udon (Non-Veg)

Kairakuen

Address: 10-13 Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture

Famous Food: Kakuni Manju (Non-Veg)

Iwasaki Honpo

Address: 2-1 Daikoku-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture

Famous Food: Castella (Veg)

Tōjin Yashiki

Address: 14-5 Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture

Famous Food: Ebi Chili (Non-Veg)

Nagasaki Chinatown offers a unique culinary experience that encapsulates the city's history as a center of international trade and cultural exchange. The diverse range of dishes available caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, with an emphasis on fresh local produce and seafood.