NagasakiFood

Passing Through the Vermillion Gate: Street Food with Kakuni Bun and Yoriyor

About this spot

One of Japan's three major Chinatowns, alongside Yokohama Chinatown (横浜中華街) and Nankin-cho in Kobe (神戸南京町). Named after the 'Shinchi' (新地), created in the Edo period when the sea was reclaimed to store cargo from Chinese trading ships, the street features vermillion Chinese gates at each of its four entrances, with the cobblestone crossroads lined densely with Chinese restaurants, confectionery shops, and curio stores. The stars of the street food scene are kakuni bun—fluffy bread wrapping sweetly-braised pork belly—and yoriyor, a simple twisted fried pastry with a rope-like appearance. The steaming vapors rising from the bamboo baskets and the calling voices of vendors will have your stomach growling as you stroll. Known as the stage for festivals lit by lanterns, this is Nagasaki's heart of culinary culture and exotic charm.

Tips

Weekend afternoons can be crowded; early morning when shops open is easier to walk through. It's customary to eat street food immediately after purchase. Many small shops take cash only, so having small change is helpful.