A long-established store that started out as a Chinese food and tea specialty store
Kousei Kazu is located along Chinatown Boulevard, the center of the neighborhood. The landmark is an object of Shark Fin Man, a unique character that looks like a wrestler, and it is about a 5-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station.
In addition to the character settings, Shark Fin Man also has heroines and enemies. The official Kousei Kazu website provides more details and links to videos, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.
This innovative PR method is an eye-catching point, but the store is also a long-established establishment that was founded in 1926 (Taisho 15) and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in a few years. It originally started as a store specializing in Chinese ingredients and Chinese tea, and developed the "Original Shark Fin Bun" in 1994 (Heisei 6). Considering its long history, it is only relatively recently that it has taken on the current business model.
The soft shark fin and juicy pork are delicious
So, what does the "Original Shark Fin Bun" (450 yen including tax) taste like? The freshly steamed, fluffy dough is filled with soft shark fin and juicy pork-based paste.
The dough has a simple taste that makes the most of the wheat flavor, and the bean paste has a slightly sweet and mildly salty taste. It's luxurious and elegant, and the taste is irresistible. Other ingredients include cabbage, bamboo shoots, Chinese chives, and spring onions, making it an exquisite dish with a variety of textures.
The deliciousness of shark fin may be easier to understand if you compare it with the regular "Butaman" (350 yen including tax). Also, if you want to enjoy a richer taste, try the "Shark Fin Boiled Bun" (1,600 yen including tax).
The shop has a standing-only eat-in area and a spot where you can take a photo with Shark Fin Man. It might be fun to take a photo in the shop with a steamed bun in hand.
A wide variety of Chinese food to eat on the go and as souvenirs
In addition to steamed buns, the restaurant offers a variety of other menu items such as "Chinese rice dumplings" (400 yen including tax), "Golden shark fin soup" (350 yen including tax), "Shanghai Xiaolongbao" (4 pieces for 500 yen including tax), "Egg tarts" (200 yen including tax), and "Golden sesame dumplings" (100 yen including tax).
Furthermore, many of them are sold refrigerated or frozen, making them ideal souvenirs. Other items on offer include the famous "Original Shark Fin Bun" (3 pieces, 1,250 yen including tax) and the small-sized "Mini Shark Fin Bun" (6 pieces, 1,000 yen including tax), which is perfect as a snack.
These can be easily cooked in the microwave, but if you steam them for about 20 minutes, you can enjoy the same taste at home as you would in a restaurant. Even if you're full after eating at other restaurants, you won't regret buying some as a souvenir. If you visit Yokohama Chinatown, be sure to enjoy eating your way around and choosing souvenirs at Kouseiwa.
The original shark fin bun, Kouseiwa
| address | ： | 152 Kosei Building 1F, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 045-681-2276 |
| business hours | ： | Monday to Friday 10:30 to 21:00, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10:30 to 22:30 |
| Closed Day | ： | Wednesdays (open on public holidays) |
| payment | ： | Cash, credit card |
| web | ： | https://www.kouseiwa.com/ |
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
