Hiyashi Chuka
Hiyashi Chuka - Japanese Cold Ramen Recipe
Learn this phrase today: Hiyashi Chuka Hajime-mashita. This is a popular sign seen at ramen shops in early summer in Japan. It means “We started selling cold ramen noodles” We associate this phrase with the beginning of summer.
As the summery weather finally started in California this week, I made this noodle dish for lunch. It’s colorfully balanced and refreshing. My favorite is to finish with some yuzu juice to add a citrusy flavor.
RECIPE
Servings: 2
Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
2 servings ramen noodles
1 cucumber
2 small tomatoes
1 egg
2-3 slices of ham
[Sauce]
4 tbsp soy sauce
4 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp mirin
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
Grated ginger
Sesame seeds
Tools:
Instructions:
Cut the cucumber and ham into thin strips. Slice the tomatoes.
Make Egg Crepes: Beat the egg. Heat a pan and make a few thin egg crepes. Cut the crepes into thin strips.
In a pot, boil water and cook the noodles as per the package directions. Drain the water, rinse with cold water, and add some ice cubes to chill the noodles.
Mix the soy sauce, vinegar, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
Place the chilled noodles on a plate. Arrange the cucumber, ham, tomatoes, and egg crepes on top. Pour the sauce over the cold noodles. Finish with a squeeze of yuzu juice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
What is Hiyashi Chuka?
Hiyashi Chuka, which translates to "chilled Chinese," is a cold ramen noodle dish that likely originated in the early 20th century. The name hints at its Chinese roots, as "Chuka" means Chinese in Japanese. It was first introduced as a way to enjoy ramen during the hot summer months when steaming bowls of hot Ramen soup were less appealing. This refreshing dish quickly gained popularity for its vibrant presentation and cooling effect.
The exact origin of Hiyashi Chuka is somewhat debated, but many believe it was first served in Tokyo. The restaurant served chilled noodles with various colorful toppings, such as cucumber, ham, egg, and tomatoes, and a tangy soy-vinegar dressing. This presentation not only made the dish visually appealing but also offered a balanced and refreshing flavor profile.
Over the decades, Hiyashi Chuka became a symbol of summer in Japan. Ramen shops and restaurants across the country began to feature signs with the phrase "Hiyashi Chuka Hajime-masita" ("We started selling cold ramen noodles") as soon as the weather turned warm. This announcement is eagerly anticipated by many, marking the unofficial start of summer.
