【Food Review ● Japan】Chuka Daihachi Ekimae Branch, Nagasaki | Authentic Champon near Nagasaki Station – A Convenient Dining Choice
When it comes to iconic local dishes in Nagasaki, champon (ちゃんぽん) is probably the first thing that comes to mind for many people.
Champon originated during the Meiji period (late 19th to early 20th century). Due to a large population of Chinese immigrants in Nagasaki, the Chinese restaurant “Shikairou” created this dish to provide students with an affordable and nutritious meal. Inspired by Fujian-style noodles, champon is a fusion of Japanese ramen and Chinese-style noodle soup. It features a rich broth made from pork and chicken bones, enhanced by stir-fried vegetables – a hallmark of champon.
Today, many restaurants in Nagasaki specialize in champon, each offering different ingredients and cooking styles. One such popular spot is Chuka Daihachi, featured in this post.
Chuka Daihachi – Location
Chuka Daihachi has two locations in Nagasaki. The Ekimae (Station Front) branch, located next to Nagasaki Station, is more frequently visited due to its convenient access.
The restaurant displays plastic food models at the entrance, although not all items shown are available daily. Items available for the day are marked with signs.
On the evening of my visit, the available dishes were champon, sara udon (crispy noodles), fried rice, and gyoza (pan-fried dumplings).
Chuka Daihachi – Menu
Menu Date: March 23, 2025
The menu at Chuka Daihachi is divided into two sections: main dishes and oden (Japanese hot pot). It is quite extensive but available only in Japanese. It is unclear whether they offer a menu in other languages.
If you do not read Japanese, you can ask the staff for an English menu or use your phone’s translation tool to assist with ordering.
Chuka Daihachi – Dish Review
Champon (ちゃんぽん) ★★★★☆
The champon at Chuka Daihachi features stir-fried cabbage and bean sprouts as a base, topped with squid, pork slices, and shredded fish cakes. The dish arrives with a delicious aroma that instantly stimulates the appetite.
Though the broth appears light, it is actually flavorful and rich. The umami from the stir-fried vegetables blends perfectly into the soup, making it wonderfully tasty.
The vegetables are crisp and refreshing, even after stir-frying. The squid is especially fresh and chewy, pairing excellently with the sweet and savory soup.
The noodles are springy and firm with a pleasant chew. They perfectly absorb the broth’s flavor, making every bite satisfying.
Beef Tendon, Boiled Egg, and Fried Tofu ★★★★☆
Oden items were priced at JPY 150 each – quite reasonable.
The items are served with a light soy-based broth and a dab of Japanese mustard on the side for an extra kick.
The beef tendon was tender and gelatinous, simmered to perfection and soaked with flavorful broth. It had a pleasant, chewy texture.
Paired with mustard, the mild spice brought out the natural sweetness of the tendon, adding depth to the overall flavor – very tasty.
The fried tofu was thick and moist. The outer layer was slightly bouncy, while the inside was soft and absorbed the broth well without being overly salty.
The boiled egg was more average. It lacked deep flavor, with just a hint of soy broth seeping into the surface. Mildly fragrant but not very memorable.
Chuka Daihachi – Final Thoughts
Overall, while Chuka Daihachi suited my taste and has a solid rating on Tabelog, it was not particularly outstanding compared to other champon restaurants in Nagasaki.
However, its convenient location and authentic flavors make it a good option for those visiting Nagasaki and looking to try classic local comfort food.
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=== Overall Rating ===
Food: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆
Tabelog: 3.58 (As of March 23, 2025)
Address: 8-13 Daikokumachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Access: Approximately 5-minute walk from Nagasaki Station
Hours: 11:30 – 14:30 | 17:30 – 20:30 (Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays)
Phone: 095-929-3852
