FAQ

Short answers to common questions about Yokohama’s Chinese food and Chinatown.

Is there saury in sanma-men?: No. It is soy sauce ramen topped with a thick sauce of stir-fried vegetables such as bean sprouts, and pork. Read more
Which restaurant invented sanma-men?: It almost certainly comes from Yokohama, but the first restaurant has not been identified. One long-established restaurant’s menu said it was “created by the head chef in 1930.” Read more
Why does Kiyoken write “Shiumai” instead of “shumai”?: The founding president’s accented “shiimai” was said to be close to the Chinese pronunciation, and the company judged “Shiumai” the most faithful way to write it. Read more
Why does Shiumai taste good cold?: It was designed to be eaten on the train or at home, with a blend of pork and dried scallop. Read more
Why are Yokohama Chinatown’s streets diagonal?: Before the port opened, the area was farmland called Yokohama Shinden, and the paths between the rice fields are said to have become the streets. Read more
What was Chinatown called before?: “Nankinmachi.” The name “Chukagai” stuck after it was written on the first Zenrinmon gate, built in 1955. Read more
Where does Japanese ramen come from?: It is traced to “Nankin soba,” eaten in Meiji-era Yokohama. In 1910, Rairaiken in Asakusa brought cooks from Yokohama and created the prototype of today’s ramen. Read more
How do Cantonese and Sichuan food differ?: Cantonese food is lightly seasoned to bring out ingredients; Sichuan food is defined by mala, the numbing of Sichuan pepper and the heat of chili. Read more
When was Yokohama Masobyo built?: In 2006. Local businesses opposed a condominium plan and bought the land to build it. Read more
When is Lunar New Year 2027?: February 6. Because it follows the lunar calendar, the Western date changes every year. Read more
What do the colors of Chinatown’s gates mean?: They represent directions: blue for east (Azure Dragon), red for south (Vermilion Bird), white for west (White Tiger), black for north (Black Tortoise).
Who is enshrined at Kanteibyo?: Guan Yu, the Three Kingdoms general. Valued for loyalty, he is worshipped as a god of business. Read more