Yokohama

๐Ÿฅก

Chinatown

Exploration of Yokohama's Chinatown, one of the largest in the world, offering a variety of Chinese dishes and dim sum.

Sections

Overview of Food and Dining in Yokohama's Chinatown

Yokohama's Chinatown is a culinary paradise, offering authentic Chinese dishes alongside Japanese-Chinese fusion cuisine. The area is packed with over 600 restaurants, food stalls, and shops, making it a haven for food enthusiasts. The cuisine here is diverse, representing various regions of China, including Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai, and Beijing styles. Youโ€™ll also find unique Japanese-Chinese dishes that have evolved over time.

Types of Food Available

  1. Dim Sum and Dumplings

    • Steamed buns (่‚‰ใพใ‚“, Nikuman): Fluffy buns filled with pork or other ingredients.
    • Gyoza: Pan-fried dumplings with juicy fillings.
    • Shumai: Steamed dumplings often filled with shrimp or pork.
    • Har Gow: Shrimp dumplings with translucent wrappers.

  2. Noodles and Rice Dishes

    • Chinese-style ramen: Rich, flavorful noodle soups with various toppings.
    • Fried rice (ใƒใƒฃใƒผใƒใƒณ, Chฤhan): A staple dish with egg, vegetables, and meat.
    • Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy Sichuan-style noodles with a peanut or sesame base.

  3. Peking Duck

    • A specialty dish served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions.

  4. Hot Pot and Sichuan Cuisine

    • Spicy hot pot: A communal dish with a bubbling broth and a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
    • Mapo Tofu: Spicy tofu dish with minced pork and Sichuan peppercorns.

  5. Street Food and Snacks

    • Sesame balls (่Š้บป็ƒ, Zhimaqiu): Fried glutinous rice balls filled with red bean paste.
    • Spring rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables or meat.
    • Chinese-style crepes and pancakes.

  6. Desserts and Sweets

    • Mango pudding: A creamy, fruity dessert.
    • Almond jelly: A light, refreshing dessert often served with fruit.
    • Bubble tea: Taiwanese-style milk tea with tapioca pearls.

Cost Ranges for Meals

  • Street Food and Snacks: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ800 per item.
  • Casual Dining (Dim Sum, Noodles, etc.): ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,500 per person.
  • Mid-Range Restaurants (Peking Duck, Hot Pot, etc.): ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 per person.
  • High-End Dining: ยฅ8,000โ€“ยฅ15,000+ per person for elaborate multi-course meals.

Popular Restaurants and Food Stalls

  1. Shatenki (่ฌ็”œ่จ˜)

    • Famous for its congee (rice porridge), a comforting and flavorful dish.
    • Price: Around ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000 per person.

  2. Heichinrou (่˜็ๆจ“)

    • One of the oldest and most prestigious Chinese restaurants in Yokohama. Known for its dim sum and Peking duck.
    • Price: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 per person.

  3. Manchinro (่ฌ็ๆจ“)

    • A high-end restaurant offering authentic Cantonese cuisine and luxurious dim sum.
    • Price: ยฅ6,000โ€“ยฅ12,000 per person.

  4. Edosei (ๆฑŸๆˆธๆธ…)

    • Famous for its giant steamed pork buns (Nikuman), a must-try street food item.
    • Price: ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ800 per bun.

  5. Rouishin (่€็ถญๆ–ฐ)

    • Known for its Sichuan-style spicy dishes, including Mapo Tofu and Dan Dan Noodles.
    • Price: ยฅ1,500โ€“ยฅ3,000 per person.

  6. Kanteibyo Street Food Stalls

    • Located near the Kanteibyo Temple, these stalls offer a variety of snacks like sesame balls, spring rolls, and bubble tea.
    • Price: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ1,000 per item.

Local Dining Customs

  1. Sharing Dishes:

    • Chinese dining is often communal, with dishes shared among the group. If dining with others, expect to order several dishes to share.

  2. Chopstick Etiquette:

    • Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in your food, as it resembles incense used in funerals.

  3. Tea Service:

    • Tea is often served at the beginning of the meal. Itโ€™s polite to pour tea for others before yourself.

  4. Cash is King:

    • While some restaurants accept credit cards, many smaller establishments and food stalls only accept cash.

  5. No Tipping:

    • Tipping is not customary in Japan, including in Chinatown.

Tips for Navigating Yokohama's Chinatown

  1. Plan Your Visit:

    • The area can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular restaurants.

  2. Explore the Side Streets:

    • While the main streets are bustling, some of the best food can be found in smaller, less crowded alleys.

  3. Look for Food Stalls:

    • Donโ€™t miss the street food! Many stalls offer quick, delicious snacks that you can enjoy while walking.

  4. Check Menus and Prices:

    • Many restaurants display their menus and prices outside. Take a moment to review them before entering.

  5. Visit During Festivals:

    • If possible, visit during Chinese New Year or other festivals to experience special dishes and a lively atmosphere.

  6. Language Tips:

    • While many restaurants have picture menus or English translations, learning a few basic Japanese phrases (e.g., "Sumimasen" for "Excuse me") can be helpful.

Conclusion

Yokohama's Chinatown is a vibrant and flavorful destination that offers something for everyone, from casual street food to luxurious dining experiences. Whether youโ€™re indulging in a giant steamed bun from Edosei, savoring dim sum at Heichinrou, or exploring the side streets for hidden gems, youโ€™re sure to have a memorable culinary adventure. Be sure to bring cash, arrive early to beat the crowds, and embrace the communal dining culture to make the most of your visit!