[2025] The latest food guide for Yokohama Chinatown. A thorough introduction to 19 of the best restaurants!

*Business hours and offerings may be subject to change.
*Prices include tax.

Yokohama Chinatown Food Walking Map

You can't go wrong with these! Recommended famous restaurants and trending gourmet food

Yokohama Chinatown is packed with delicious food, but we've picked out some of the best places to try them! There's a wide selection of unique foods, including Chinese porridge perfect for breakfast, Peking duck from a famous restaurant, the much talked about jumbo-sized Taiwanese fried chicken, and daolongbao, which you can soak up the meat juices with a straw. Let's get a grip of the latest trends in Yokohama Chinatown!

[Chinese congee] Open from the morning! Tasty Chinese congee at "Xie Tianji Store No. 2"

Shatenki is famous not only in Yokohama Chinatown but also nationwide as a specialty Chinese porridge restaurant. It opened in 1951 (Showa 26) along Chinatown Boulevard, and now has a modern and spacious second store, as well as a factory direct sales store nearby where you can purchase souvenirs.

We would like to introduce you to the No. 2 store on Shanghai Road. The landmark is Santa Claus, which became the store's trademark when it was inherited from the bar opposite when the store first opened. It is said that the Santa Claus symbol is also instilled in the store's hope that it will become a presence that is loved all over the world, just like Santa Claus.

The specialty Chinese congee is made by simmering dried oysters, dried scallops, and whole chicken in a stock for about four hours, and using the mellow and sweet French sun-dried salt "Selmaland-Guérande." There are more than 21 different ingredients, and take-out congee is available from 720 yen.

At the time of the interview, I ordered a medium bowl of "Shrimp Porridge" (regular 980 yen, medium bowl 870 yen) for eat-in. Even the half-sized medium bowl is quite filling, so if you're going to eat your way around Chinatown, I recommend the medium bowl. The creamy texture and gentle flavor spreads throughout your mouth, and the fragrant youtiao (Chinese fried bread) adds a nice accent. You can also change the flavor by adding condiments on the table or garnishes such as shredded green onions.

The shrimp are plump and plump, and the scallops are delicious. It opens at 8:30 in the morning, so it's a great place to come for breakfast or as a finishing touch to a day of eating around.

Xie Tianji Store No. 2

[Peking Duck] Reasonably priced and filling "Chinatown Daihanten"

One of the famous all-you-can-eat restaurants in Yokohama Chinatown is the "Chukagai Daihanten." The specialty menu item here is "Peking Duck." The dish originates from Beijing, and is an authentic version of the recipe of the famous Peking duck restaurant "Zenshutoku," which also has branches in Ginza and Marunouchi in Japan.

Peking duck is synonymous with high-end Chinese cuisine, but this restaurant was also a pioneer in commercializing it so that it could be enjoyed casually. They have a shop in front of the store and offer one-hand style Peking duck for 350 yen.

It's very reasonably priced, yet the taste and volume are both satisfactory. The meat is moist and chewy, and is wrapped in a thin dough skin along with crunchy cucumber and white spring onion. The inside of the skin is seasoned with a sweet miso sauce based on sweet bean paste, which blends deliciously with the ingredients.

The nearest station to "Chukagai Daihanten" is JR Ishikawacho Station, and it is located along Nishimon Street in Yokohama Chinatown. This restaurant serves some of the best Peking duck in Yokohama Chinatown, where many talented restaurants gather. If you can easily enjoy this specialty as a takeout, it's a place you'll want to add to your list if you're planning a food tour of Yokohama Chinatown.

Chinatown Hotel

[Taiwanese fried chicken] Jumbo-sized and photogenic "Yokohama Zhaji Pai"

When it comes to street food at Taiwan's night markets, Lu Rou Fan and Pepper Pan are famous, but in recent years, Taiwanese fried chicken has become especially popular in Japan. They are called "ji pai" or "zaji pai" and are surprising in their size.

Yokohama Chinatown is home to the headquarters of a popular restaurant that has branches in Tokyo and other places, "Yokohama Zhaji Pai Yokohama Chinatown Main Branch." It's not uncommon to see a line, so you'll be able to easily find the restaurant if you get close.

The signature dish is of course the "Fried Chicken Pai" (650 yen). It's so big that it can almost cover your face. The batter is made with tapioca flour and is fried freshly to order, so the batter is really crispy. The chicken is well seasoned and has an addictive taste.

The secret lies in the ingredients and recipe. They use domestic chicken breast meat, and the skin is carefully removed, even down to the cuticle. Another key point is to carefully open the meat so that there are no uneven spots on the surface. The meat is marinated in a secret sauce for a day, and the finishing spices are made with 18 kinds of spices and herbs.

The taste is based on salt and pepper, with a sweet flavor reminiscent of five-spice powder. The finishing spices are only on one side, so the taste you experience will change depending on which side you place on your tongue. Be sure to try both sides!

Yokohama Fried Chicken, Yokohama Chinatown Main Branch

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Taiwanese fried chicken so big you could cover your face with it. Yokohama Chinatown's popular restaurant "Yokohama Zhaji Pai"

Yokohama Chinatown is one of Kanagawa Prefecture's top tourist spots and a treasure trove of gourmet food. According to the official website, there are approximately 630 stores in the area, which is about 500 square meters (as of July 2022). In this article, we will introduce you to a popular "Taiwanese fried chicken" restaurant.

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[Giant Xiaolongbao] Large xiaolongbao where you can soak up the meat juices with a straw! "Kaikaro Yokohama Daisekai Branch"

Speaking of size, you must try the "Da Long Bao" (600 yen) at "Kaikaro Yokohama Daisekai Branch." These are xiaolongbao the size of a Chinese bun, and the unique way of eating them, where you first suck up the meat juice with a straw, is also a hot topic.

"Da Long Bao" has its roots in the "Tang Bao with Straw" menu, which was once served at "Yokohama Daisekai" and had long lines of customers. As a homage to the famous dish, "Da Long Bao" debuted as a signature menu item at Kaikarō Yokohama Daisekai on November 30, 2019, when the restaurant opened.

It is about three times larger than a regular Xiaolongbao, with a diameter of about 10cm. The thick dough is filled with plenty of sweet pork juice. There is also a unique method of preparation, such as mixing collagen extracted from pork skin separately from the lean meat. This allows you to enjoy the exquisite combination of the chewy dough and juicy meat.

If you eat inside the restaurant, you can enjoy it with a bamboo steamer, which gives it a perfect Chinese atmosphere. This is a new specialty of Chinatown that is hard to find even in authentic Chinese restaurants. It's also photogenic, so be sure to take some photos while you enjoy it.

Kaikarou Yokohama Daisekai branch

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A new specialty in Yokohama Chinatown! The impact of "Da Long Bao" where you suck up the meat juice with a straw

Yokohama Chinatown is packed with restaurants of various genres, including gourmet food. Among its attractions is Yokohama Daisekai, one of the area's leading entertainment facilities.

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[Char Siu Melon Bread] An exquisite combination of sweet and salty "Journey to the West"

Hong Kong cuisine is also a popular food genre in Japan. One of the most impactful dishes we would like to introduce is the "Char Siu Melon Bun" (2 pieces for 550 yen) from "Hong Kong Dim Sum Specialty Store Journey to the West."

"Char siu (roasted pork)" and "melon bread"? This unfamiliar combination was made famous by a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hong Kong that arrived in Japan in 2018. Although the dough is slightly different from the melon bread dough we are familiar with in Japan, it features a crispy texture with a thin coating on the surface of freshly baked, fluffy bread.

The richly fragrant butter bread is stuffed with sweet and salty cubes of pork, and although it's small in size, it's very filling. The rich aroma and flavor combine to create a new dining experience.

The pork used is shoulder loin, which has a good balance of flavor and sweetness from the fat. The sabayon-like cream that serves as a substitute for cookie dough is made with flour and lard to create a unique richness. This is the secret to the deliciousness of the Char Siu Melon Bread. It is also available in takeaway packs of 5 (1,350 yen) and 10 (2,700 yen), making it a great souvenir.

Hong Kong Dim Sum Specialty Store Journey to the West

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The hot topic of Yokohama Chinatown, char siu melon bread. A new Hong Kong dim sum staple with "Journey to the West"

Yokohama Chinatown is home to a wide variety of delicacies, including gourmet food to eat on the go. With so many restaurants, many people are bound to have trouble deciding what to eat. In this article, we will introduce a new face in Chinatown, Journey to the West, which offers char siu melon bread, a dish that has quickly adopted the trend and become known as the "new specialty of Chinatown."

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Recommended dim sum snacks to try while walking around Yokohama Chinatown

When it comes to classic dishes you should try in Chinatown, dim sum, such as meat buns and xiaolongbao, is one. The term "yum cha," which you may have heard of before, is actually a style of dining where you eat dim sum while drinking Chinese tea. In this article, we will introduce four of Chinatown's specialties, including the pork buns and baked xiaolongbao that have people lining up to get in. Grab a cup of tea and check out these shops.

[Butaman] Edosei, a daimyo store that supports the town with flavor, history, and heart

There are many famous steamed bun shops scattered throughout Yokohama Chinatown, but one of the most famous is Edosei, founded in 1894 (Meiji 27). Originally a butcher shop, the shop has three stores in Chinatown. It is also a long-established store known as a supplier of steamed buns and processed meat products to famous chain stores.

The specialty is the "Butaman" (600 yen), which was developed in collaboration with an authentic dim sum chef and has been on sale since 1989. It is about twice the size of a regular meat bun, and the sizzling feeling of the stuffing has attracted a lot of attention, and the store is said to have started the food-walking boom.

The "Butaman" has a moist and soft dough with a slight sweetness. It is filled with a juicy filling made from the delicious flavors of domestic pork, red snow crab, shrimp, cabbage, and other vegetables. The bamboo shoots add a crunchy texture, while the ginger adds a sharp accent, creating an exquisite balance.

The second most popular item is the "Black Sesame Anman with Walnuts" (600 yen), and the third is the "Roasted Pork Bun" (600 yen). They also have a wide selection of other dim sum and frozen products. This is also a recommended place to look for souvenirs in Chinatown.

Edosei Chinatown Main Branch

Edosei curry buns are available at the JAL First Class Lounges at Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. You can also purchase them here.

Related article

The best souvenirs to buy in Yokohama Chinatown. A selection of dim sum, Chinese sweets, and seasonings

Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan. The lively streets are packed with about 200 Chinese restaurants, making it a "gourmet town" where you can experience authentic Chinese cuisine. Of course, the quality of the souvenirs is also impeccable. In this article, we will introduce 10 recommended items from the overwhelming variety of items available.

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[Baked Xiaolongbao] Crispy and juicy delicacies attract long lines at "Pengtengaku New Building"

Xiaolongbao is a representative dim sum of Shanghai. The standard type is the thin steamed type, but the "shenjian" type, which is baked wrapped in a thicker skin, is also called baked xiaolongbao, and is a popular food to eat while walking around, not only in the local area but also in Yokohama Chinatown. Among the restaurants where you can eat baked xiaolongbao, "Pengtian Pavilion" is particularly famous.

The restaurant has four branches in the area. The "Pengtengaku Main Building" is an all-you-can-eat restaurant with an order system, while the "Pengtengaku New Building" and "Pengtengaku Sakaya" offer takeout options. There is also the "Pengtengaku Baked Goods Workshop" which sells tapioca, cheese tarts, and freshly baked pineapple cakes, and all of the stores are bustling even on weekdays.

One of the attractions is that in addition to the classic pork dumplings, you can also enjoy jade-colored baked seafood dumplings. The most popular "Seafood and Pork Two-Kind Set" (750 yen) is sure to make you want to eat it when you see it being cooked right in front of you.

The secret to this shiny jade color is the spinach that is kneaded into the filling. The filling contains shrimp and other ingredients, and has a deep flavor with a milder dashi stock than pork filling. It is full of meat juice, so be careful not to burn yourself, and try adding black vinegar to taste.

Pengtenkaku New Building

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10,000 sold per day! Eat baked xiaolongbao while strolling around Yokohama Chinatown's "Pengtengaku New Building"

One of the attractions of Yokohama Chinatown is the number of places to eat while walking around. Among the many gourmet restaurants mainly serving Chinese cuisine, we will introduce one particularly popular restaurant that has long queues: "Pengtengaku Shinkan," famous for its Shanghai local dish, baked xiaolongbao.

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[Shark Fin Bun] The originator of luxurious Chinese steamed buns is "Kouseiwa"

Shark fin is synonymous with high-end Chinese cuisine. Koseiwa came up with the idea to use this delicacy as a filling for steamed buns. The menu was created in 1994. Today, the "Original Shark Fin Bun" is known throughout the country as a specialty of Yokohama Chinatown.

Upon entering the store, you will be greeted by an object of the wrestler-like character Shark Fin Man. There is also a space inside the store where you can take photos with the kabedon technique. In addition to the "Original Shark Fin Bun" (450 yen), a variety of other dim sums are lined up in front of the store, and you can enjoy comparing them with the "Butaman" (350 yen).

The "Original Shark Fin Bun" is a freshly steamed fluffy bun filled with soft shark fin and juicy pork-based paste, creating a variety of textures that are exquisite. If you want to enjoy a richer taste, try the "Shark Fin Boiled Bun" (1,600 yen).

The store also offers dim sum packaged for souvenirs at room temperature, refrigerated, and frozen, including the "Original Shark Fin Bun" and mini sizes such as the "Mini Shark Fin Bun" (6 pieces for 1,000 yen). This is a precious original delicacy that will make anyone happy if you share it with them.

The original shark fin bun, Kouseiwa

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The original is always delicious! Shark fin buns from "Kousei Kazu" in Yokohama Chinatown

A staple food item when eating your way around Yokohama's Chinatown is the steamed bun. The original shop that uses shark fin as a filling is "Kouseiwa," which I will introduce next. Their specialty is, as the name suggests, the "Original Shark Fin Bun." There are several shops in the area that serve shark fin buns, but it is not uncommon for people to line up at "Kouseiwa" in search of the original flavor.

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[Chimaki] You'll want to line up before the store even opens. One of Chinatown's rarest gourmet spots, "Chimakiya"

In Yokohama Chinatown, the famous shop that only a few know about is "Chimakiya." The reason is that the shop is not on a main street, so it is hard to find, and the signboard is not conspicuous. However, people who have heard about its reputation flock to the shop, and it is so popular that it sells out before closing time every day.

Of the several menu items, only the specialty "meat dumplings" (800 yen) can be purchased while eating on the go. The rest can be ordered online in advance for in-store pickup, or ordered online for later pickup.

The shop opens at 11:00, but most of the time they are sold out by the morning, so it's better to line up before opening. Also, please note that on weekends and holidays, there are no chimaki for eating on the go, and only pre-orders are available for pick-up.

Chimaki are hard to come by, but the taste is exceptional. The recipe is based on the taste of a Taiwanese restaurant called "Masumi" that the owner's mother ran nearby until about 20 years ago, but has been adjusted to suit the Japanese palate and the times. The soy sauce-flavored glutinous rice is filled with braised pork, dried shrimp, peanuts, and shiitake mushrooms, making it moist, chewy, and full of delicious ingredients. Be sure to visit this place as soon as possible.

Chimaki shop

Enjoy the unique sweets of Yokohama Chinatown

One of the attractions of Yokohama Chinatown is the sweets that can only be found at Chinese restaurants. There are many sweets that are made with great care, with unique flavors and visuals that can only be found here. Here are eight sweets that will lift your spirits with their taste and appearance.

[Egg Tart] "Red Cotton" - the perfect balance of sakutoro and tofu

Egg tarts are a baked confectionery that crossed the sea from Portugal and eventually became known as tanta in China. Koumen, founded in 1952, is a shop in Chinatown that specializes in this sweet and has long lines of customers.

Since the restaurant first opened, they have adhered to the principles of using fresh ingredients, not using preservatives or other additives, and making everything by hand using traditional techniques. In addition, because they want customers to enjoy freshly baked bread, they do not prepare it in advance and bake it multiple times a day. Therefore, it is nice that the bread is slightly warm.

The flaky pie crust and the thick custard made with only eggs, milk, sugar, and water create a contrasting texture that is a heavenly delight. It is also known as "pudding pie" because it is so rich, yet not too heavy, so you can eat it all in one go.

The restaurant is located along Guandi Temple Street, and the red facade is a landmark. You can sit on the chairs on the side of the store and eat your meal. The restaurant is also a long-established Cantonese dim sum store, and in addition to egg tarts, the store also sells a variety of mooncakes and Chinese pies, baked goods that are rare in Japan. The deliciousness of the specialty store's handmade products makes them a great souvenir.

Red cotton

[Steamed bread] Chi-san's Malagao, a store specializing in rare Chinese snacks

In Japan, "Ma La Gao" is called Chinese steamed bread or Chinese-style steamed castella. "Chi-san's Mal Gao," which opened in November 2022, is a specialty store that offers this snack.
Located along Shanghai Road, the restaurant is marked by a sign with green letters on a white background featuring a portrait of the owner, "Chi-san." Opposite is "Xie Tianji Store No. 2," and "QQ Yatai Ya," which will be described later, is in the building next door.

The display case inside the store is filled with a wide variety of Mala Kao in different flavors and sizes. The standard size fits in one hand, but the most popular at this store is the dumpling type that is skewered so that it is easy to eat on the go. From there, we ordered the first and second most popular "Panda Gao" (600 yen) and "Mala Kao Skewer" (550 yen).

"Panda Gao" is a white Malakao decorated with chocolate panda faces and paws, and the dough also contains chocolate. And "Mala Kao Skewers" are an assortment type that allows you to taste four flavors in one stick: plain, strawberry, matcha, and chocolate. Both have a fluffy and moist texture and a cute sweetness that makes them perfect for photos.

There are tables available inside the shop, and drinks are on the menu, making it a great place to take a short break. We also recommend taking your time to eat at Yamashitacho Park at the end of the street.

Chi-san's Malakao

[Pudding] "Yokohama Pudding 96 Fukupun" aims to become a new Chinatown specialty

Yokohama Pudding 96 Fukupun is a pudding specialty store that opened in December 2022, touting itself as the "new specialty of Yokohama Chinatown." The store name, which means "happiness" in Chinese, is based on the theme of "fukubun," which brings happiness, prosperity, and harmony, making it a pudding shop that is very much like Chinatown.

One of the things they are particular about is using local ingredients. With the desire to "spread the charm of Kanagawa from Yokohama Chinatown," they use free-range eggs from Kanagawa Prefecture and fresh milk produced in Yokohama, and prepare the food in their in-store workshop to deliver freshly made deliciousness. There are several menus, with the most popular being "Plain" (440 yen).

This pudding uses more eggs than regular puddings, resulting in a richer flavor. It also has a gentle vanilla flavor, allowing you to enjoy the original taste of the ingredients to the fullest.

In addition to the six other varieties available, such as "Almond Pudding" (440 yen) and "Mango Pudding" (490 yen), three new premium series varieties are now available. These luxurious puddings are made with Tianjin sweet chestnuts and Belgian chocolate.

They also have three types of soft serve ice cream (from 450 yen) and three types of shakes (from 600 yen), and there is an eat-in space on the second floor, making it a great place to take a break. It is a versatile shop that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as stopping by between sightseeing in Yokohama Chinatown or buying souvenirs.

Yokohama Pudding 96 Fukupun

[Sesame dumplings] Fukurinkaku: A convenient option at just 110 yen each

There are many take-out shops in Yokohama Chinatown, but one of the most reasonably priced dishes is sesame dango. There are shops selling them for 110 yen each, and one of the most famous is Fukurinkaku.

Fukurinkaku itself is a restaurant that mainly serves Cantonese cuisine, but it also has a shop in front of the store where they sell a variety of Chinese takeout dishes, one of which is freshly made sesame dumplings (110 yen).

The dumplings are coated with sesame seeds and deep fried to give them a crispy exterior. The inside of the dough is soft and chewy, creating an irresistible contrast in texture. There is also black sesame paste inside, which adds a fragrant sweetness that is simply exquisite.

The shop is located in the middle of Chinatown Boulevard, one of the main streets, making it a convenient location for eating while walking around. Remember it as a warm Chinese dessert that you can casually enjoy for 110 yen.

Fukurinkaku

[Taiwanese Castella] Surprisingly fluffy texture "Yokohama Tofuken"

Taiwanese castella cakes are popular among sweets lovers. Just like the Taiwanese restaurant "Moen," which was one of the first to introduce the dish to Yokohama Chinatown, "Yokohama Tofuken," located in the "Garden Terrace" on the third floor of the commercial facility "Yokohama Expo Center," boasts high popularity with its "Taiwanese Castella (Piece)" (800 yen). This shop has such a loyal following that some people come from far away to buy the cakes.

Its main feature is its fluffy dough, almost like a chiffon cake. The recipe has been improved over time, and the fluffy and airy texture is achieved by making meringue in a hot water bath, a traditional method for making Taiwanese castella. It melts smoothly in your mouth and has a great aroma, so delicious that you'll finish it in no time.

The shop's Taiwanese castella can be ordered online, but piece-sized pieces can only be purchased in Chinatown.

In addition, at the Garden Terrace Cafe on the third floor, you can enjoy more than 10 kinds of Chinese tea along with Taiwanese castella. It is also recommended as a rest spot during your stroll around Chinatown.

Yokohama Tofuken

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More than 1,000 pieces sold a day in Yokohama Chinatown! When it comes to freshly baked Taiwanese castella, "Yokohama Tofuken" is the place to go!

Yokohama Chinatown, a treasure trove of gourmet food, is lined with Chinese restaurants serving dim sum and other dishes, including some that boast sweets. In this article, we will introduce one restaurant that has been gaining a lot of attention recently: Yokohama Tofuken.

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[Almond Jelly Soft Serve] The originator of rich soft serve ice cream made with carefully selected ingredients: Yokohama Daihanten

One of the landmarks of Yokohama Chinatown is the Zenrinmon Gate at the entrance to Chinatown Boulevard. Next to it is the Yokohama Dai-Ichi Hanten Main Branch. This is a long-established restaurant founded in 1962 with the concept of "a restaurant where you can casually enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine," and is also famous as the birthplace of the "Almond Jelly Soft Serve Ice Cream" (400 yen).

On sale since 1996, its appeal is undoubtedly its rich flavor. It is made using premium milk that is comparable to high-end ice cream, with 20% milk solids and 10% milk fat. By comparison, ice cream available at convenience stores and supermarkets has 15% milk solids and only 8% milk fat. This difference of a few percentage points is the secret to its rich taste. The almond kernel is not a cheap flavor, but is a generous blend of almond powder made from real almonds. The rich milkiness and rich almond flavor are in perfect harmony, creating a taste that can only be found here.

It is also characterized by the use of the healthy, functional sweetener "Oligo no Okage." Therefore, it is rich but not cloying, with a mellow sweetness and a clean aftertaste. It is also low in calories, so it's full of great things.

In addition to the main store, there is also a main street store that specializes in takeout and souvenirs. When you're tired of eating around, or after eating a piping hot meal, why not cleanse your palate with a cool, rich dessert?

Yokohama Daihanten Main Branch

[Hedgehog Bun] A cute-looking, bite-sized sweet with a rich flavor, "Yoshenggo"

A recommended snack to eat while walking around Yokohama Chinatown is the "Hedgehog Bun" (200 yen) from the "Yoseigo Shop."

This long-established store was founded in 1946 as an importer and retailer of Chinese ingredients. The store stocks over 1,500 items, including ingredients, seasonings, teas, and frozen dim sum, all purchased directly from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and is a favorite of chefs in Yokohama's Chinatown.

There is a take-out corner in front of the store, with a lineup of dim sum, mainly fried and steamed dishes. Among them, the one that stands out the most is this "Hedgehog Bun."

Its defining feature is its cute appearance, which makes it almost a shame to eat it. The round dough is given a fluffy texture with delicate techniques, giving it a sense of dynamism. The surface is crispy like a karinto manju, while the inside is soft and fluffy. The classic custard filling has a refined sweetness that matches the dough perfectly.

This charming item makes a great souvenir.

Yoseigo Shop

[Panda Bun] It's not just the looks. The taste is also outstanding in every aspect of "Roisin"

The aforementioned "Hedgehog Bun" is also a photogenic delicacy, but when you think of China, you think of pandas. And the original creator of panda steamed buns is "Lao Yixin." This is a general store with a takeout gourmet corner, and the storefront is lined with a variety of panda goods. It's a popular store that will inevitably have you lining up.

The two main food items are Chinese steamed buns and Tianjin sweet chestnuts, and the store is also known for not having fried foods or drinks. Instead, they have a wide selection of Chinese steamed buns, and the one that really catches your eye is the "Panda Bun" (380 yen each).

The flavor of the filling for these adorable pandas varies depending on the color of the dough. The dough for the "Original Panda Bun (Chocolate Custard)" is white, the dough for the "Strawberry Panda Bun" is pink, the dough for the "Vegetable Panda Bun" is green, and the simple "Bean Panda Bun" is white with red cheeks. Just looking at the colorful visuals is fun. You'll probably want to buy them all.

The "Strawberry Panda Bun" is popular among women and children and is filled with strawberry flavored custard. It has a slightly sweet and sour creamy taste. The black parts of the panda, such as the eyes and mouth, are colored with black sesame dough.

Besides the "Panda Bun," there are other uniquely shaped buns such as the "Buta Kakuni Bun" filled with braised pork, and the "Peach Bun" filled with smooth bean paste and white peach pulp, so be sure to check them out. Another great thing about this bun is that you can choose depending on how hungry you are and your mood, whether you're after a meal with meat or a dessert with sweets.

Roisin

Yokohama Chinatown: Actually, the drinks are good, too.

When you think of Yokohama Chinatown, the first thing that comes to mind is Chinese food such as baked xiaolongbao and steamed meat buns, but there is also a wide selection of drinks. Some of them have unique flavors that are just as good as the food. Here we will introduce two stores that offer drinks that are perfect for pairing with food you eat while walking around.

[Tapioca Milk Tea] "QQ Yatai-ya" - A Taiwanese shopkeeper has been serving it since long before the boom

QQ Yatai-ya is said to be the first place in Yokohama Chinatown to serve tapioca milk tea, which still has a loyal following today. Even in the area where there are many tapioca specialty shops, it's definitely worth trying the taste of this pioneer.

This shop was opened in 2000 by a Taiwanese owner in a corner of Yokohama's Chinatown, and has since moved several times to its current location. It has been serving drinks with tapioca since then, and has been popular as the area's leading tapioca drink store even before the boom.

The classic "QQ Milk Tea" (550 yen) has a rich taste and aroma, as well as a good tapioca texture. The sweetness can be customized in four stages from unsweetened to sweet, so it is recommended for those who are concerned about sugar or who prefer unsweetened to go with meals.

The "QQ" in the store's name is a Taiwanese word that refers to a chewy, elastic texture, which also applies to tapioca. The specialty food is also "Mr. Wang's Chimaki" (700 yen), which also has a QQ texture, so it's a must-try for those who like chewy food.

QQ Yatai-ya

[Egg Coffee] Only two stores in the world. "CAFE GIANG" where you can eat coffee

Did you know that a very popular cafe in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is located in Yokohama Chinatown? CAFE GIANG is a world-famous long-established cafe in Hanoi that was founded in 1946. After refusing to open a branch for over 70 years, it opened in Japan in 2018 as its second store in the world.

The specialty is the "Egg Coffee" (500 yen iced, 550 yen hot), which originated at this store. Vietnam is known for its unique "Vietnamese coffee", but this "Egg Coffee" is an innovative drink invented by Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, who was a bartender at the five-star hotel "Sofitel Legend Metropole" in Hanoi when the store first opened.

Inspired by the Italian cappuccino, it started out by substituting eggs for milk, which was expensive at the time. Eggs and condensed milk are whipped into a custard-like cream and placed on top, mixed with a spoon, and enjoyed by scooping.

You can enjoy the exquisite combination of the fluffy sweet cream and the bitter coffee. It's a new and delicious sensation that can be described as both coffee to eat and tiramisu to drink.

If you want to accompany your egg coffee with food, we highly recommend the "Banh Mi" (550 yen) with Peking duck. The rich drink and the banh mi, which has plenty of coriander as a nice accent, create a special pairing that can only be enjoyed at this shop.

There aren't many cafes in the area, so this is a place worth remembering as a relaxing, soothing spot.

CAFE GIANG Yokohama Chinatown

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It's like drinking tiramisu. Try the Vietnamese specialty egg coffee at CAFE GIANG in Yokohama Chinatown

Speaking of Yokohama Chinatown, as the name suggests, it is famous as a spot where famous Chinese restaurants gather, but there are also a few gourmet restaurants from other countries. Among them, there are some very rare noteworthy restaurants. In this article, we will introduce "CAFE GIANG Yokohama Chinatown Branch", which originated in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

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One of the best parts of Yokohama Chinatown is savoring authentic Chinese cuisine, but it's also fun to sample a variety of delicacies as you stroll around. Enjoy a delicious gourmet tour while immersing yourself in the unique exotic atmosphere.

Originally posted: February 18, 2020
*Some content was updated on January 8, 2025.

Interview and text: Hideaki Nakayama

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