Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
1. Champon (Nagasaki Champon-ya)
A hearty noodle dish with a unique blend of seafood and vegetables in a rich pork broth. Try it at Nagasaki Champon-ya, the original restaurant where it was first served.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses Nagasaki-style thick noodles and a variety of local seafood and vegetables
- Historical Significance: First served in Nagasaki Champon-ya, making it a must-try for history buffs
- Rich Flavor Profile: Offers a rich and savory taste due to the combination of pork broth and seafood
2. Saikai Nikudori (Saikai Yagura)
Tender pork simmered in a sweet soy sauce with ginger and garlic. Saikai Yagura offers a traditional setting to savor this Nagasaki delicacy.
- Traditional Cooking Technique: Cooked slowly with a traditional technique called 'nikujuan' for tenderness
- Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced pork and fresh ginger and garlic
- Flavorful Aroma: Features a strong aroma of ginger and garlic that enhances the flavor
3. Kanpai Sushi (Sushi Katsukura)
Enjoy fresh sushi made with locally sourced seafood at Sushi Katsukura. Their signature dish, the 'Kanpai Roll', is a must-try!
- Fresh Seafood: Uses fresh seafood caught daily in the waters surrounding Nagasaki
- Local Specialty: The 'Kanpai Roll' is a unique creation, combining local favorites into one roll
- Cozy Atmosphere: Provides a cozy and relaxed atmosphere for an enjoyable sushi experience
4. Sara Uma (Machinami Street)
Experience the charm of Machinami Street and try Sara Uma's signature dish, grilled horse mackerel. The simple yet delicious taste is a must-try!
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh horse mackerel caught daily
- Traditional Grilling Technique: Grilled over charcoal, enhancing the flavor of the fish
- Authentic Experience: Sara Uma offers a traditional and authentic dining experience in Machinami Street
5. Himokawa Imoni (Imon Senbei Yoshida)
Try this sweet and savory Nagasaki dish, Himokawa Imoni, at Imon Senbei Yoshida. A delicious mix of yam, miso, and chestnuts in a clay pot.
- Unique Combo of Flavors: Offers a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors with the taste of yam, miso, and chestnuts
- Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced ingredients like Himokawa yams and chestnuts
- Warm and Comforting: A warm and comforting dish perfect for a cold day in Nagasaki
6. Nagasaki Soba (Soba-ya Kihachi)
Savor the thin and chewy noodles of Nagasaki Soba at Soba-ya Kihachi. Their signature dish, the 'Kihachisan', is a must-try!
- Thin and Chewy Noodles: Offers thin and chewy noodles that are a local specialty in Nagasaki
- Unique Dipping Sauce: Features a unique dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame seeds
- Cozy Atmosphere: Provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for an enjoyable soba experience
7. Hydraulic Press Ramen (Ramen-ya Kouno)
Try the unique Hydraulic Press Ramen at Ramen-ya Kouno. The pressure cooking method makes the noodles extra chewy!
- Unique Cooking Method: Uses a hydraulic press to cook the noodles, making them extra chewy
- Rich Broth: Offers a rich and flavorful broth made with pork bones and vegetables
- Cozy Atmosphere: Provides a cozy atmosphere with traditional decor for an enjoyable ramen experience
8. Shiroyaki (Kawara-ya Matsuemon)
Savor the unique taste of Shirayaki, a dish made with grilled fish covered in salt. Try it at Kawara-ya Matsuemon!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses just salt and fresh fish, letting the flavors shine
- Traditional Grilling Technique: Grilled over charcoal, enhancing the flavor of the fish
- Authentic Experience: Savor the authentic taste of Nagasaki cuisine at Kawara-ya Matsuemon
9. Ankake Udon (Udon no Odori)
Enjoy the hearty and delicious Ankake Udon at Udon no Odori. This dish features thick udon noodles in a creamy sauce with your choice of seafood or meat.
- Thick and Chewy Noodles: Offers thick and chewy udon noodles, a local specialty in Nagasaki
- Creamy Sauce: Features a creamy sauce made with flour and dashi broth
- Seafood or Meat Options: Choose from seafood or meat options to suit your taste preferences
10. Karaimen (Kagura-ya)
Try the unique Karaimen at Kagura-ya. This dish features a doughy seafood cake in a flavorful broth.
- Doughy Texture: Offers a doughy texture that is a local specialty in Nagasaki
- Seafood Ingredients: Uses a variety of seafood ingredients, such as squid and fish cake
- Flavorful Broth: Features a flavorful broth made with dashi and soy sauce
11. Nagasaki Yatai (Dejima Yatai-dori)
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Nagasaki Yatai at Dejima Yatai-dori. Enjoy a variety of dishes while taking in the festive ambiance!
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Offers a lively and energetic atmosphere with traditional yatai stalls
- Variety of Dishes: Features a variety of local dishes to choose from, such as Champon and Sara Uma
- Festive Experience: Provides an unforgettable festive experience that showcases Nagasaki's vibrant culture
12. Hitsumabushi (Yuemon Chaya)
Savor the unique taste of Hitsumabushi at Yuemon Chaya. This dish features grilled eel served over rice and topped with green onions and wasabi.
- Grilled Eel: Uses fresh and tender grilled eel, a local specialty in Nagasaki
- Green Onions and Wasabi: Topped with green onions and wasabi for added flavor
- Traditional Setting: Savor the dish in a traditional setting, complete with tatami floors and sliding doors
13. Kisssho Mochi (Dejima Kissya)
Try the unique Kisssho Mochi at Dejima Kissya. This sweet mochi is filled with a sweet red bean paste and topped with kinako.
- Sweet Red Bean Paste: Filled with a delicious sweet red bean paste, a local favorite
- Kinako Topping: Topped with kinako for added texture and flavor
- Historical Significance: Sold at Dejima Kissya, a shop with a rich history dating back to the Edo period
14. Tobikko Somen (Izumo-ya)
Enjoy a refreshing bowl of Tobikko Somen at Izumo-ya. This dish features thin somen noodles served cold with flying fish roe on top.
- Thin Somen Noodles: Offers thin and delicate somen noodles, a local specialty in Nagasaki
- Flying Fish Roe: Topped with flying fish roe for added flavor and texture
- Refreshing Experience: Provides a refreshing experience, perfect for a hot summer day in Nagasaki
15. Hydraulic Press Curry (Indian Restaurant Nagasaki)
Try the unique Hydraulic Press Curry at Indian Restaurant Nagasaki. The pressure cooking method makes the curry extra flavorful!
- Unique Cooking Method: Uses a hydraulic press to cook the curry, making it extra flavorful
- Variety of Curries: Offers a variety of curries, such as chicken and vegetable curries
- Cozy Atmosphere: Provides a cozy atmosphere with traditional Indian decor for an enjoyable curry experience