[2025] The latest food guide for Yokohama Chinatown. A thorough introduction to 21 recommended 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 must-try spots! There's a wide selection of unique delicacies, including Chinese porridge perfect for breakfast, Peking duck served at famous restaurants, the much talked about jumbo-sized spicy fried chicken, and daolongbao (large buns) that you can soak up the juices of with a straw. Get the latest trends in Yokohama Chinatown!

[Whole fried squid] The taste and size are impressive! Enjoy the new generation of night market cuisine at "Futairou"

Deep-fried squid is a gourmet dish that is both satisfying to eat and photogenic. This dish is known as "hongjiadayouyi" (fried large fish) in Taipei's night markets, and has become so popular that it has been featured on social media in recent years. A famous shop selling this dish in Yokohama Chinatown is "Futairou."

Here, the famous restaurant "Yangzhou Chinese Restaurant," which was founded in 1952 (Showa 27), once had a shop corner selling fried squid and other dishes, and was very popular. In July 2024, the restaurant moved to the site of the former "Heichinro Yokohama Main Branch," which was also known as the "face of Yokohama Chinatown." However, "Futairou" opened in the same place as "Yangzhou Chinese Restaurant."

The deep-fried squid, which has garnered many fans, is still served in the same concession stand style at Futairou. The surprising size and deliciousness remain unchanged, and it is sold for 800 yen.

The spicy and sweet flavor is similar to the famous Yokohama Zha Ji Pai, a street food dish that has become popular in Japan. The contrast between the crunchy batter and the plump texture of the squid is exquisite.

The rich flavor is sure to make you want to eat rice and drink alcohol. The "Deep-fried squid and beer set" is available for 1,400 yen, so if you're a drinker, be sure to give it a try.

Futairou

[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.

Their specialty Chinese porridge is made with dried oysters, dried scallops, and whole chicken, simmered for about four hours, and topped with the mellow and sweet French sun-dried salt "Selmaland-Guérande." There are over 21 different ingredients, and takeout porridge is available from 620 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

[Spicy Fried Chicken] Jumbo-sized and photogenic "Yokohama Zhaji Pai"

When it comes to street food at Taipei Night Market, Lu Rou Fan and Pepper Pan are famous, but in recent years, the giant spicy fried chicken has become especially popular in Japan. They are called "Jipai" or "Za Jipai" and are astonishingly large.

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 "Zha Ji Pai" (680 yen). It's so big that it can almost cover your face. The batter is made with tapioca flour and fried to order, so the crust is incredibly crispy. The chicken is also well-seasoned, making it addictively delicious.

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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[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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[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 impressive dishes is the Char Siu Melon Bun (2 pieces for 580 yen) from Hong Kong Dim Sum Specialty Store Saiyuki.

"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 umami and sweet fat. The sabayon-like cream that replaces the 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." There is also a "Saiyuki Value Set" (1,100 yen) which includes two of the popular egg tarts, making it a great souvenir.

Hong Kong Dim Sum Specialty Store Journey to the West

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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 articles

[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 xiaolongbao, you can also enjoy jade-colored baked seafood xiaolongbao. The most popular "Seafood and Pork Set" (800 yen) is cooked right in front of you, and you'll definitely want to eat it.

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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[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.

As you head towards the store, you'll be greeted by a sculpture of Shark Fin Man, a unique character with a wrestler-like appearance. 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" (550 yen), a variety of other dim sum dishes are lined up in front of the store, and you can enjoy comparing them with the "Butaman" (450 yen).

The "Original Shark Fin Bun" is a freshly steamed fluffy bun filled with soft shark fin and juicy pork-based filling, creating a variety of textures that are simply exquisite. For those who want to enjoy an even richer taste, try the "Whole Braised Shark Fin Bun" (1,800 yen).

The store also offers dim sum for souvenirs, packaged at room temperature, refrigerated, and frozen, as well as the "Original Shark Fin Bun," as well as mini sizes such as the "Mini Shark Fin Bun" (6 pieces for 1,250 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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[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 store opens at 11:00, but people start lining up at 10:30. They usually sell out by the morning, so it's best to line up before opening. Also, please note that on weekends and holidays, there are no chimaki available for eating on the go, and only pre-ordered items can be picked up.

Chimaki is hard to come by, but its taste is exceptional. The recipe is based on the flavor of a restaurant called "Masumi," which the owner's mother ran nearby until about 20 years ago, and has been adjusted to suit the Japanese palate and modern tastes. Soy sauce-flavored glutinous rice is filled with braised pork cubes, dried shrimp, peanuts, and shiitake mushrooms, making for a moist, chewy, and deliciously filling dish. This is definitely one to visit.

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.

[Donuts] Enjoy the new crispy and fluffy texture! "Taiwan Donut Oh!!" - the popular flavor

Donuts have gone from being a fad to becoming a staple sweet, and the genre has become increasingly diversified. One shop that has been particularly notable and a pioneer in Japan is Taiwan Donut Oh!!

These donuts originated in local night markets. They are characterized by ring-shaped dough that is coated in batter and deep-fried, and then coated with powdered sugar and milk powder. "Taiwan Donut Oh!!" was opened in April 2024 by a shop owner who was impressed by the authentic taste of Taiwanese donuts. Located at the back of the first floor of the "Hong Kong Hotel," this donut specialty shop is rare even in Yokohama Chinatown.

There are five flavors in the lineup. Particularly popular are "Plain" (300 yen), which has a gentle flavor made with cane sugar, and "Milk" (320 yen), which has the mellow sweetness of milk powder. On busy days, they sell a surprising amount of over 1,000 of the five flavors in total.

The dough is deep-fried in the kitchen at the back of the store and then coated with an original powder before being served. Because it is deep-fried, the outside is crispier than a typical European-style donut, while the inside has a fluffy and airy texture.

This well-balanced texture, combined with the sweetness of the powder, makes for an absolutely delicious treat. We recommend trying them all, or buying some to take away as a snack at home.

Spot name

[Candy Apples] Japan's No. 1 Apple Producer Combines the Artisanal Skills of a Specialty Shop to Create a Special Delicious "& apple"

Candy apples have long been a popular treat at festivals and other events. "&apple" is a specialty store that has pursued the deliciousness of candy apples to the fullest. It is the first candy apple specialty store in Yokohama Chinatown and opened in June 2024 (grand opening in July).

There are several flavors of candy apples available, but I ordered the classic "Premium Plain." You can choose from three sizes: S, M, and L, and I ordered the small size for 580 yen. Another appealing feature is that they are cut into bite-sized pieces and served in a cup. The apples used are from Aomori Prefecture, Japan's top producer of apples, and the variety changes depending on the season to ensure they are in season.

The variety on this day was Fuji. It had a crisp texture, just the right amount of sweetness, a subtle acidity, and a juicy texture, all perfectly matched with the crispy, elegantly sweet candy coating.

The bright interior is decorated in white and natural wood, and there are counter and table seats available. You can order takeout or just relax in a cafe-like atmosphere.

The recommended drinks are, of course, the apple-based menu items. The Farm-Direct Apple Juice (600 yen) is particularly impressive, with its smooth texture and rich sweet and sour taste, making it a truly delicious treat.

& apple

[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

[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

[Castella] Surprisingly fluffy texture "Yokohama Tofuken"

One cake that is gaining popularity among sweets lovers is "Castella," which is a little different from the one in Japan. Just like "Moen," a restaurant in Yokohama Chinatown that was one of the first to introduce it, "Yokohama Tofuken" is also very popular with its "Taiwanese Castella (Piece)" (800 yen). This shop has such a loyal following that some people come from far away just to buy it.

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

The store's "Taiwanese Castella" can be ordered online, but the piece size is only available in Chinatown. Furthermore, with the store's relocation in September 2025, the store will also be stocking products from Yan Cheng Kee, a long-established Hong Kong suit shop founded 110 years ago.

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 directly purchased from China, Hong Kong, Taipei, and other countries, and is a favorite among chefs in Yokohama 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 shop's simplicity in not stocking fried foods or drinks is also a point of interest. Instead, they have a wide selection of Chinese steamed buns, and the one that really catches your eye is the "Panda Bun" (each starting from 410 yen).

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" 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.

The owner first opened this shop in a corner of Yokohama Chinatown in 2000, and after moving several times, it has now arrived at its current location. It has been serving drinks with tapioca since then, and has been popular as the area's leading tapioca drink shop 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 refers to a chewy, elastic texture, exactly the kind of texture tapioca has. The store's specialty food, "Wang's Chimaki" (700 yen), also has a QQ texture, so it's a must-try for anyone who likes 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

Read the introductory article here

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 September 26, 2025.

Interview and text: Hideaki Nakayama

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