Sanmamen

Sanmamen is a local noodle dish that spread from the Chinese restaurants of Yokohama. Crisp stir fried vegetables are bound in a thickened sauce and set into a soy flavored broth, with bean sprouts, pork, and napa cabbage wrapped in the piping hot glaze. Humble yet warming to the core, it is a flavor the locals have cherished for generations.

Highlights

- The distinctive texture of the thick glaze that ties noodles and broth together - The light, gentle taste of bean sprout led stir fried vegetables - Comparing how each shop varies the richness of the broth and the thickness of the glaze - Its everyday familiarity, found not only in Chinatown but in neighborhood eateries across Yokohama

Enjoying the Seasons

Because the thickened sauce keeps the bowl from cooling, the dish grows especially popular in the cold season. A steaming bowl is a winter staple. Yet even in summer the clean finish of the stir fried vegetables whets the appetite, giving it a depth that suits any time of year.

Access and Basic Information

- Widely served at Chinese restaurants and neighborhood eateries around Yokohama Station and Chinatown - Many shops offer it as a set meal at lunchtime - Prices are reasonable, with mostly easygoing shops to drop into - Better enjoyed piping hot in the shop than taken away

A Quick Tip

The glaze is hot, so be careful with the first bite. Scoop up vegetables and broth with the spoon, then twirl the noodles together with the sauce to savor the full charm of this bowl.