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…