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Situated simply south of Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan’s second largest metropolis and a dynamic port metropolis identified for its mix of Western affect and conventional Japanese tradition. Because the opening of its port in 1859, Yokohama has been a gateway for worldwide commerce, shaping its identification as a cosmopolitan metropolis. From historic international concessions to trendy sights such because the Minato Mirai district, town presents a singular mixture of sights, tastes, and cultural experiences.
Historical past of Yokohama
Yokohama was a small fishing village till Japan opened its doorways to the world in 1859, establishing it as one of many first worldwide buying and selling ports. Overseas settlement introduced Western structure, meals, and customs that blended with Japanese traditions. Town’s cosmopolitan spirit started right here. In 1870, Japan’s first Western-style bakery, Fujiya, opened in Yokohama. In 1872, the nation’s first railroad linked Yokohama to Tokyo, fostering financial and cultural trade. Yokohama additionally produced Japan’s first ice cream in 1869, brewed its first beer in 1870, and served its first Western-style resort delicacies. Over time, it turned a middle of culinary innovation.
Although devastated by the Nice Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and World Struggle II, Yokohama rebuilt itself as an emblem of resilience and progress.Situated simply south of Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan’s second largest metropolis and a dynamic port metropolis identified for its mix of Western affect and conventional Japanese tradition. Since opening its port in 1859, Yokohama has been a gateway for worldwide commerce, shaping its identification as a cosmopolitan metropolis. From historic international concessions to trendy sights such because the Minato Mirai district, town presents a singular mixture of sights, tastes, and cultural experiences.
Yokohama Meals’s Timeline
1859 – Yokohama Port Opens
With the opening of the port, a international settlement was established, and a Chinese language neighborhood quickly fashioned, laying the inspiration for at this time’s Yokohama Chinatown.
1862 – First British Bread Launched
British baker Robert Clark started promoting English bread. His legacy lives on via Uchikipan, one in all Japan’s oldest bakeries.
1863 – Founding of Tanakaya
Tanakaya, Yokohama’s oldest conventional restaurant, opened. It’s stated Ryoma Sakamoto’s spouse as soon as labored there as a server.
1868 – Beef Scorching Pot (Gyūnabe) Growth
As Japan embraced Western tradition, gyūnabe turned an emblem of modernization and alter.
1869 – Japan’s First Ice Cream Seems
In Bashamichi, Fusazō Machida created “aisukurin,” thought of Japan’s first ice cream.
1869 – First Western Restaurant
A former servant to foreigners, Yagura Ōno, opened a Western-style restaurant in Naka Ward, later often called Kaiyōtei.
1870 – First Beer Brewery
Japan’s first large-scale brewery started operations in Yokohama.
1889 – Start of the “Bamboo” Cocktail
Louis Eppinger, supervisor of the Grand Lodge, created Japan’s first authentic cocktail, the Bamboo.
1908 – Founding of Kiyoken
Kiyoken started as a bento store at Yokohama Station. Its signature shiumai dumplings launched in 1928.
1922 – Fujiya Popularizes Shortcake
The second Fujiya retailer opened in Isezaki-chō, serving to make strawberry shortcake a beloved dessert.
1927 – Seafood Doria Invented
The dish was created at Lodge New Grand by its first head chef, Saly Weil.
Late Forties – Sanma-men Debuts
Stir-fried greens over noodles, sanma-men turned a neighborhood favourite post-WWII.
Fifties – Spaghetti Napolitan Created
Chef Shigetada Irie at Lodge New Grand reimagined ketchup pasta into what we now name Napolitan.
1974 – Yoshimuraya Launches Iekei Ramen
Iekei ramen, with its thick noodles and pork-soy broth, was born in Yokohama.
1994 – Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum Opens
Japan’s first food-themed amusement park introduced regional ramen to 1 place, sparking a nationwide craze.
Supply: Yokohama Official Guests Information
Meals in Yokohama
Yokohama’s meals tradition is a wealthy mix of Japanese, Western and Chinese language influences. Signature dishes reminiscent of Napolitan spaghetti and seafood doria mirror its Western connections, whereas Sanma-men ramen traces its roots to Chinatown. Town can be well-known for its function in introducing trendy Japanese staples reminiscent of beer, ice cream, and bread. Bento tradition additionally thrives right here, with Kiyoken’s shiumai bento a preferred favourite. Whether or not you’re sampling nostalgic yoshoku or sipping native craft beer, Yokohama’s culinary choices are as various as its historical past.
Napolitan Spaghetti

This ketchup-based pasta dish could sound Italian, however it was invented in Yokohama after World Struggle II. The chef on the New Grand Lodge created it after seeing American troopers consuming spaghetti with ketchup. The dish was refined with sauteed onions, inexperienced peppers, and ham or sausage for a easy but comforting style. Its enduring reputation makes it a staple in Japanese household eating places. The unique model can nonetheless be loved on the New Grand Lodge’s restaurant, The Cafe.
There are numerous methods of preparations Napolitan! See extra right here.
Seafood Doria

One other invention of Lodge New Grand, seafood doria is a Japanese twist on a Western-style rice gratin. Made with buttered rice, shrimp cream sauce and melted cheese, this wealthy dish showcases Yokohama’s aptitude for fusion delicacies. Invented by French chef Saly Weil within the Nineteen Twenties, it shortly turned a signature Yokohama meals. Its creamy texture and umami-rich sauce make it a nostalgic favourite that continues to allure locals and vacationers alike.
The place to get pleasure from the very best Doria in Yokohama? Discover out right here!
Sanma-men

Sanma-men is a ramen dish that originated in Yokohama’s Chinatown space, characterised by a thick soy-based broth topped with stir-fried greens reminiscent of bean sprouts and cabbage. “Sanma” comes from the Chinese language phrase for recent greens. First served at Gyokusentei, this warming noodle soup turned a success for its satisfying, barely thickened broth and wholesome components. It’s an ideal alternative for chilly days and an incredible introduction to Yokohama-style Chinese language meals.
Learn how to create this Sanma males dish at dwelling? Click on right here to seek out out extra!
Shiumai Bento (Kiyoken)

Shiumai bento is one in all Yokohama’s hottest native dishes. Launched by Kiyoken in 1954, it options succulent pork dumplings served with rice, pickled greens, and seasonal facet dishes. Conveniently offered at practice stations, it turned vital for practice vacationers all through the Kanto area. The flavour is constant, comforting, and deeply related to Yokohama’s culinary picture. The key lies in its simplicity and a spotlight to texture, particularly the distinctive pop of the inexperienced pea on high of every shiumai.
Click on right here for particulars about Shiumai Bento.
Yokohama Beer

Yokohama is the birthplace of beer in Japan, and native breweries proudly keep it up the custom. Based in 1995, Yokohama Beer presents a variety of craft choices together with pilsners, weizens, and IPAs. Fastidiously brewed with wealthy aromas and daring flavors, these beers pair fantastically with native delicacies. On the brewery’s restaurant, Umaya no Shokutaku, guests can get pleasure from recent pours alongside hearty meals made with regionally sourced components.
The world of Yokohama Beer proper right here!
Really useful locations to get pleasure from Yokohama delicacies
Lodge New Grand (The Cafe)

The Cafe, a historic location the place Neapolitan spaghetti and seafood doria have been first served, presents a traditional Western-Japanese meals expertise. With elegant interiors and views of the bay, it’s the right place to get pleasure from a bit of culinary historical past. The unique recipes are nonetheless ready right here, making it a vacation spot for meals lovers and historical past buffs alike.
Gyokusentei (玉泉亭)

This long-established Chinese language restaurant in Naka Ward is called the birthplace of sanma-men. Now in its third era, Gyokusentei maintains its authentic fashion of cooking, utilizing recent greens and a hearty broth that defines the dish. The comfortable, no-frills environment provides to the allure, and regulars swear by the consistency and nostalgic style.
Kiyoken (崎陽軒)

A Yokohama establishment, Kiyoken is legendary for its shiumai bento, out there at most practice stations within the space. The flagship retailer presents recent variations and seasonal differences of meals, whereas the museum and kitchen tour present perception into the corporate’s long-standing reputation. Its dedication to custom and style makes it a neighborhood icon.
Yokohama Beer Umaya no Shokutaku

Connected to the Yokohama Beer brewery, this informal restaurant serves freshly brewed beers together with hearty fare reminiscent of charcuterie platters, grilled meats and seasonal specials. The country setting and native vibe make it an incredible place to unwind after sightseeing. It’s particularly common with craft beer followers who need to strive Japanese brewing with a Yokohama twist.
Takeaway
Greater than only a port metropolis, Yokohama is a culinary playground steeped in historical past, tradition and creativity. Whether or not you’re indulging in retro Western-style dishes, slurping down ramen born in Chinatown, or sampling native craft beer, town presents one thing distinctive for each palate. No journey right here is full with out tasting the tales and flavors that make Yokohama a real pioneer in Japanese meals tradition.
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