What is Nagasaki Champon?
Nagasaki Champon is a traditional dish from Nagasaki in Kyushu, Japan, known for its distinctive soup and a variety of ingredients. The dish is made with a rich broth, typically based on pork bones and chicken stock, to which thick noodles, vegetables, pork, and seafood such as shrimp and squid are added generously. It is a nutritionally balanced and hearty meal in a single bowl. Unlike another noodle dish called "Sara Udon," Champon uses boiled thick noodles. While it is enjoyed throughout Japan, it is especially beloved in Nagasaki. There are several theories about the origin of the name "Champon." One theory suggests that it derives from the Chinese term “Shanpon,” meaning a simple meal, while another theory points to the Portuguese word "Champon," meaning "to mix." It is a flavor loved even by foreign tourists visiting Japan. However, as there are fewer Champon restaurants compared to regular ramen shops, many people have never tried it. Therefore, eating Nagasaki Champon abroad is considered a rare experience.
History of Nagasaki Champon
The origin of Nagasaki Champon dates back to 1899. It was created by Chen Ping Shun, the founder of the Chinese restaurant "Shikairou," to provide a cheap and nutritious meal for Chinese students who had immigrated to Nagasaki. Chen was inspired by the Fujian dish "Tangmian" (noodle soup) and adapted it using Japanese ingredients and cooking methods to develop Champon. This dish utilized the fresh seafood and vegetables from the local area, offering a nutritionally rich and satisfying meal. Nagasaki's history as an international trade hub is reflected in the cultural influences that shaped Champon.
About Nagasaki Champon Noodles
The noodles used in Nagasaki Champon are thicker than those in regular ramen and are known for their chewy texture. The main ingredient is wheat flour, and during the production process, a special type of alkaline water called "Karaaku" is used to give the noodles their distinctive flavor and elasticity. Karaaku is a traditional alkaline additive mainly used in the Kyushu region, which gives the noodles their unique firmness and helps them hold up well in the rich soup. The thickness of the noodles is designed to balance the richness of the broth and the abundance of ingredients, providing a firm bite.
About Nagasaki Champon Soup
The base of Nagasaki Champon's soup is a rich broth made from pork bones and chicken stock. This broth is infused with the flavors of vegetables and seafood, creating a complex and deep taste. Milk is often added to the broth, giving it a creamy texture and a rich, full-bodied flavor. The vegetables and seafood are stir-fried before being added to the soup, which enhances the savory aroma and sweetness of the ingredients, resulting in a well-balanced dish. The soup is not overly spicy but focuses on umami and richness.
Recommended Nagasaki Champon Restaurants
Here are the ramen shops you can try when you visit Nagasaki
Nagasaki Champon in Nagasaki:
- Shikairou （四海楼）
- Shianbashi Ramen（思案橋ラーメン）
- Yossou（吉宗）
Shikairou (Nagasaki City)
As the birthplace of Champon, Shikairou is famous for offering authentic Champon with a recipe that has remained unchanged since its founding. The Champon here features a rich pork bone broth with plenty of fresh seafood, maintaining the traditional flavor. It is a popular spot for tourists, and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Nagasaki.ちゃんぽん発祥の店、四海楼コケ!!
— チキン君 (@chikin5518) May 5, 2024
３回目のトライでやっと食べれたコケよ...
いつ行っても大行列で、並ぼうとしても、本日はここまでですとか言われてコケ
今回は開店前から並んで、1時間待ちだったが何とか食べれて良かったコケ... pic.twitter.com/Rrmljfo8GI
Shianbashi Ramen (Nagasaki City)
Loved by locals, "Shianbashi Ramen" serves both ramen and Champon, but the Champon is particularly well-regarded. The dish is filled with vegetables and seafood, and the pork-based broth enhances the flavors of the ingredients.長崎県長崎市 思案橋らーめんに凸❣️
— パチ∞ 🍜✨日産2days大宮ソニック横アリ凸😆 (@DontThinkFeel84) August 4, 2024
某アーティスト御用達の店🎸🎤
特製チャンポン
おおー❗️うめぇ〜‼️
海鮮強めの香り、味わい、濃厚の一言‼️😙
でもどこか優しい感じがたまらない😆
中太ストレート麺が良く合う😊
あっちゅう間に食べ終わってしまっておかわりしたい位
今日もシアワセKKゴチでした♪ pic.twitter.com/B61TrGaTnT
Yossou (Nagasaki City)
Yossou is an old establishment that has preserved the traditional Champon recipe while incorporating modern touches. The soup is relatively light, yet the deep flavors of the ingredients are well brought out, making for a distinctive and satisfying taste.3/10～12 長崎✈️
— hk(ひさし) (@hk03hk27) March 13, 2024
五穀で銀ヒラスの粕漬け焼き🐟️
釜炊きご飯うまうま🍚
親戚と吉宗で🍻
名物の茶碗蒸しは変わらず美味しく角煮が抜群👍
はやし田で荒炊き定食🐟️
新鮮なアラでご飯が進みました🥢
大八でチャンポン🍜
この時期は牡蠣が入っており美味さ倍増🦪#五穀#吉宗#はやし田#大八#長崎 pic.twitter.com/VLG7IbvW6u
Many tourists visiting Japan have not yet heard of Nagasaki chanpon. They do not know that there exists an attractive ramen with a soup similar to pork bone ramen but containing more nutrients.
