Chan-style ramen is a comforting and nostalgic dish in Japan, known for its simple yet satisfying flavors. With its light, soy sauce-based broth and generous toppings like freshly cut char siu and green onions, this ramen offers a warm and familiar taste that reminds many of traditional homemade meals. If you’re curious about how Chan-style ramen captures the heart of Japanese comfort food, keep reading to discover more about its unique charm and rich history!
What is Chan style ramen?
Chan-style ramen or “Chan-kei ramen” refers to ramen shops that use the “chan” in their name, such as “Hiro-chan Ramen!” and “Shinjuku Nagichan Ramen.” Locals pour the medium-thick and flat noodles into a bowl filled with soup. Although it’s not a char siu noodle, they generously cover the surface with freshly cut char siu prepared in the store. They top the char siu in the center with crunchy chopped green onions, and the soup offers a clear soy sauce flavor. The noodles remain relatively smooth and flat. Despite the fat floating on top, the soup tastes light and carries a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of traditional Chinese noodles. Many people likely find it somewhat similar to Kitakata ramen.
Chan style ramen History
The recent emergence of “chan-kei” ramen has garnered significant attention, marking a notable development within the broader ramen landscape. This distinctive style traces its origins to “Kanda Chie-chan Ramen,” which debuted in June 2020 beneath the Kanda Station overpass. After the establishment of this inaugural restaurant, its founders proceeded to inaugurate “Ecchan Ramen” in Shinjuku and “Hiro-chan Ramen” in Ikebukuro, thereby laying the foundation for the popularization of chan-kei ramen.
The distinguishing characteristics of this ramen include a clear pork consommé soup, freshly sliced char siu pork, high-hydration noodles, and rice as a component of the basic set. These elements collectively evoke a Showa-era atmosphere reminiscent of Kitakata ramen, and the dish has gained popularity for its simplicity and aesthetic appeal.
Since around 2020, it has rapidly gained popularity in Tokyo, with numerous restaurants emerging in the downtown areas of the 23 wards, particularly along the Yamanote Line. In addition, on New Year’s Day 2022, the “Chan-no-ren Union” formed, aiming to promote the growth and development of its member stores and to further the understanding and appreciation of Chinese noodle culture.
Chan-kei ramen has rapidly emerged as a new trend in Tokyo’s ramen culture, distinguished by its unique taste and atmosphere. This development will continue to evolve, contributing to the evolution and diversification of Japanese ramen within the urban landscape.
FAQ
- Where did Chan kei ramen come from?
-
Chan-style ramen is said to have originated from Kanda Chie-chan Ramen in Kanda.
- What are the characteristics of Chan-style ramen?
-
The characteristics include a clear pork broth, large chashu, and the soup is generously served.
- Where can you eat Chan-style ramen?
-
There are many shops, especially in Tokyo, and it is developed in various places as “XX-chan ramen”.
Chan style ramen Restaurants
Shinjuku Nagichan Ramen (新宿ナギチャンラーメン)
Shinjuku Nagichan Ramen is a ramen shop located in the heart of Kabukicho. “Chuka Soba” has a clear soy sauce soup, typical of the “chan” style. The fat is floating on top, and it’s so hot that you might get burned when you slurp it. The char siu is quite large, with more than five slices. Recommended that the soft flat noodles be wrapped in the char siu.
E-chan Ramen (Shinjuku) (えっちゃんラーメン)
Located in Kabukicho, open 24 hours except Mondays and Sundays. The char siu ramen (1,100 yen) is popular, known for its delicious fatty roasted pork. The soup is rich but light in flavor. It uses a clear pork broth typical of “chan” style ramen and medium-thick flat noodles. The exterior of the shop has a red sign with white lettering, following the typical style of “chan” ramen.
Takeaway
Chan style ramen perfectly captures the warmth and comfort of traditional Japanese flavors. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this nostalgic dish offers a delicious experience that feels like home. If you find yourself in Japan, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a bowl of Chan ramen—it’s a taste you won’t forget!
If you enjoyed learning about Chan ramen, be sure to explore other comforting Japanese dishes like Kitakata ramen, Hiyashi chuka, and Shoyu ramen for more authentic flavors!
Comments