Champon: The Amazing Dish From Nagasaki!

If you love traditional Japanese noodles, you definitely shouldn’t miss champon! It’s one of Japan’s most famous noodle dishes, even in convenience stores. It’s loved for its unique blend of flavors and is a nutritious meal that balances carbs, protein, and veggies. Let’s dive deeper into this fantastic dish!

What is champon?

This famous noodle soup features a rich mix of meats, seafood, and vegetables served over thick noodles. Its name might come from the Hokkien word “chia̍h-pn̄g”, meaning “eat a meal,” or the Malay/Indonesian word “champur,” meaning “mixed”. Either way, the name perfectly describes this delightful dish.

Champon tastes unique and yummy, with a creamy and rich pork and chicken bone broth. The thick, chewy noodles are different from regular ramen because they use a special ingredient called tōaku. This makes the noodle texture chewy and great for soaking up the soup’s flavors!

In addition, the second thing that sets champon apart from other ramen dishes is its cooking method. Unlike traditional ramen, where the noodles, toppings, and broth are prepared separately, Champon’s ingredients are stir-fried in a wok.

Where did it come from?

This delicious dish comes from Nagasaki Prefecture. On Japan’s western coast, Nagasaki was the only port open to foreign trade during Japan’s period of isolation. This allowed Nagasaki to mix different cultures, especially Chinese ones. Inspired by a Chinese dish called tonniishiimen, champon is a perfect example of this cultural blend.

This famous noodle soup has a fascinating history that dates back to 1899. It was first made by Chin Heijun, the owner of a Chinese restaurant in Nagasaki called “Shikairo”. Chin wanted to create a cheap, filling, and nutritious meal for Chinese exchange students.

He cooked leftover vegetables and meat in a pan, added Chinese noodles, and then simmered it all in a thick soup. This simple idea turned into a beloved dish. Today, the dish is often called “Nagasaki champon” and is enjoyed by people all over Japan.

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What ingredients does it use?

Noodle Type

Champon noodles are wider and thicker than regular ramen noodles. If you can’t find this type of noodles, you can also use fresh or dried ramen noodles or even Chinese noodles that are a bit thick, such as spaghetti and udon.

Broth

The broth here is creamy and slightly milky because it’s made from simmering pork and chicken bones. Some recipes use chicken or fish stock instead and add milk to get that creamy look and taste. Bonito flakes are sometimes added to give the soup base an exclusive umami flavor, making it extra yummy.

Toppings

This lovely dish is topped with a variety of yummy ingredients! You might find sliced pork belly, shrimp, squid, and clams. It also includes wholesome vegetables such as bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and onions. You’ll often find kamaboko, a fish cake with a pink and white outside for extra flavor. You might also find diverse mushrooms like shiitake or shiimeji. These toppings make the dish colorful and add different textures and flavors. 

Where can I enjoy champon? 

Shikairou

Shikairo is one of Nagasaki’s most popular Chinese restaurants, starting in 1902. It’s known for creating two popular dishes: champon and sara udon. Champon here comes with kinshi tamago (a type of egg topping) and thick, chewy noodles served in a flavorful soup. The secret to Shikairo’s tasty Champon is their distinctive soup, which has been the same since the restaurant first opened. They also add nine different ingredients to boost the umami taste.

Horaiken Bekkan

Horaiken Bekkan is a charming Chinese restaurant near Peace Park in Nagasaki. Open since 1967, it has five floors and a beautiful setting that resembles a Chinese palace. This makes it a great place for special events and private parties. 

At the restaurant, you can enjoy champon with its umami soup or try a special dried version where the noodles are crispy since they are deep-fried. This dish is a must-try if you visit. It’s a great way to experience an exciting twist on a traditional favorite. Furthermore, the restaurant’s menu also features seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, giving each meal a unique and pleasant taste. 

Ringer Hut

Ringer Hut is a popular fast-food chain in Japan that specializes in delicious Nagasaki dishes like champon and sara udon. The chain was established by the Hamakatsu Co. in Nagasaki in 1974. They named it after the old Ringer House, a tourist spot in Nagasaki.

When visiting Ringer Hut, you can have a mouthwatering bowl of Champon made with fresh ingredients and flavorful broth. The restaurant’s simple and friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal.

Why should I try champon?

Everyone will love this excellent noodle soup as it’s not just a tasty one but a particular part of Nagasaki’s culture. It’s packed with various ingredients, making it yummy and nutritious. Also, the rich soup base and chewy noodles offer a unique experience you won’t want to miss! Have you tried champon before? If yes, what was your favorite part about it? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!