Exploring Yokohama's Traditional Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Exploring Yokohama's Traditional Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Welcome to Yokohama, a vibrant city located just south of Tokyo, known for its iconic skyline, bustling ports, and rich cultural heritage. As you explore this fascinating city, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine, which offers a delightful blend of traditional Japanese flavors with influences from Western and Chinese cuisines.

Yokohama's Iconic Dishes

When it comes to iconic dishes, Yokohama has a few that will surely leave your taste buds craving for more.

1. Sanma (Pacific Saury)

Sanma, or Pacific Saury, is a beloved delicacy in Yokohama. This fish is typically grilled and seasoned with soy sauce, giving it a smoky and savory flavor. The crispy skin and tender flesh make it a true delight for seafood lovers.

2. Negi Ramen

Yokohama is renowned for its delicious ramen, and Negi Ramen is a local specialty you won't want to miss. This dish features a rich pork broth topped with sliced green onions (negi), melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork, and perfectly cooked noodles. It's a comforting and flavorful meal that will warm your soul.

3. Shumai

Originally a Chinese dish, Shumai has become a popular staple in Yokohama's food scene. These bite-sized dumplings are typically filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables. They are then steamed to perfection and served with a tangy soy-based dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack, Shumai is a must-try dish in Yokohama.

Restaurants Serving Traditional Cuisine

When it comes to finding the best places to indulge in Yokohama's traditional cuisine, you're in for a treat. Here are a few renowned restaurants that will take you on a flavorful culinary journey:

• 1. Kamakura Izakaya: This cozy izakaya (Japanese pub) offers an extensive menu featuring a variety of traditional Yokohama dishes. From Sanma to Negi Ramen, you can experience the flavors of the city in one place.
• 2. Chinatown Shanghai Ryugin: Located in Yokohama's vibrant Chinatown, this restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisine with a Yokohama twist. You can savor delectable dishes such as Shumai and other dim sum classics.
• 3. Yokohama Yakitori Harajuku: If you're a fan of grilled skewers, this yakitori restaurant is a must-visit. With a cozy ambiance and a wide variety of chicken and vegetable skewers, it's a great place to enjoy an authentic Japanese dining experience.
• 4. Yokohama Curry Nakatsu: Indulge in a bowl of comforting curry at this popular Yokohama eatery. Their signature dish, Yokohama Curry, is known for its rich flavor and unique blend of spices.

Recipes to Try at Home

If you're feeling inspired to recreate Yokohama's flavors in your own kitchen, here are a few recipes to try:

1. Grilled Sanma

Ingredients:

• 4 Sanma (Pacific Saury) fillets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and grated ginger to make a marinade.
3. Place the Sanma fillets in the marinade and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
4. Grill the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy with a side of steamed rice.

2. Homemade Shumai

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/4 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup minced green onions
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 24 shumai wrappers

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the ground pork, chopped shrimp, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger until well combined.
2. Take a shumai wrapper and place a spoonful of the filling in the center.
3. Gently gather the edges of the wrapper and pleat them together, leaving the center exposed.
4. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Steam the shumai for about 10-12 minutes or until the filling is cooked and the wrappers are translucent.
6. Serve hot with soy-based dipping sauce.

Experience the Flavors of Yokohama

Yokohama's traditional cuisine offers a delightful fusion of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you're indulging in the iconic Sanma or enjoying a bowl of comforting Negi Ramen, every dish tells a story of the city's rich culinary heritage. So, embark on a gastronomic adventure and discover the taste of Yokohama.

Map of Yokohama