Turkish Rice: Three Delights on One Plate in Nagasaki

Turkish rice is a Western-style dish born in Nagasaki, arranging pilaf, spaghetti such as napolitan, and pork cutlet together on a single plate. It is said to have become popular in Nagasaki City around the mid-Showa era, and its lively presentation has earned it the nickname the adult children lunch, loved across generations. There are various theories about the origin of its name, but all agree it is a common folk flavor nurtured in the eateries and coffee shops of Nagasaki.

Highlights

The indulgence of enjoying several flavors on one plate is the greatest appeal. Curry-flavored or fried-rice-style pilaf, ketchup-rich spaghetti, and demi-glace sauce over a crisp pork cutlet. Each asserts its own character, yet somehow they come together as you eat. The way each shop varies the ingredients and sauce combinations is also worth seeing.

Enjoying the Seasons

It is a standard dish you can enjoy all year, regardless of season. In autumn when appetites grow, a hearty plate is welcome, and in the hot season choosing a shop with a lighter sauce is also recommended.

Access and Basic Information

Turkish rice is widely served at long-established coffee shops and Western-style restaurants in Nagasaki City. Built on the three elements of pilaf, spaghetti and pork cutlet, each shop varies the seasoning and sauce to finish its own distinctive plate. It is often spotted at eateries around JR Nagasaki Station and the central district, and some popular shops draw lines at lunchtime.

Practical Travel Notes

Because it is a hearty dish, a single plate fills you up well. As a guide the price at Western-style restaurants and coffee shops is around a thousand yen, and some shops let you choose the sauce or offer a half size. Popular shops tend to draw lines at lunch, so arriving a little off-peak often means a seat without waiting. Since shops vary widely, some seasoning the pilaf differently or using another fried item in place of the cutlet, touring several shops to compare is a way to enjoy it unique to Nagasaki.

A Quick Tip

Because the portion is large, sharing and tasting little by little is also recommended. At shops where you can choose the sauce, ordering to your preference greatly raises satisfaction. One trick is to plan the order you eat in and start with the pork cutlet while the fried item is still warm.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Origins: One account holds that it began in 1958 (Showa 33) when "Bistro Bordeaux" in Hamanomachi, Nagasaki City, devised a dish called "Turkish-style rice" (Nagasaki City official tourism website).
• Main area where it is served: Central Nagasaki City. The Nagasaki City official tourism website introduces places such as Bistro Bordeaux Hamanomachi (2F-3F Import Building, 8-28 Hamanomachi) and Nicky Austin Yorozuyamachi (2F Imamura Building, 4-11 Yorozuyamachi).
• Trying it at a long-established coffee house: Tsuru-chan (2-47 Aburayamachi, Nagasaki City, TEL 095-824-2679) was founded in 1925 (Taisho 14). It stands near the Hamanomachi arcade and offers 11 kinds of Turkish rice.
• Points to note: Opening hours and closing days are subject to change, so visitors are urged to check before going.

* Opening hours and prices vary from restaurant to restaurant.

(Sources: Nagasaki City official tourism website "travel nagasaki," Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Federation "Nagasaki Tabinet," Nagasaki Jidosha "kataru net")

Information Sources

This article is compiled from tourism information for Nagasaki Prefecture together with information published by each restaurant. Prices, menus and seasonal offerings are subject to change, so please check each restaurant's official information for details.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: From around 1,000 yen per plate
• Where to eat it: Western-style restaurants and coffee houses in Nagasaki City
• Best time of day: Mainly at lunchtime, when you want a hearty meal
• Avoiding the crowds: Popular places get busy at lunchtime; try shifting your timing
• Combine it with: Comparing the versions at different restaurants, Nagasaki's Western food culture, and a stroll around town