Hiyashi Chuka
Hiyashi Chuka (冷やし中華) – Japanese Cold Ramen Recipe
Cool down with this refreshing and colorful Japanese cold ramen, it’s perfect for hot summer days!
What Is Hiyashi Chuka?
Have you ever seen the phrase “冷やし中華はじめました” (Hiyashi Chuka Hajime-mashita) at ramen shops in Japan during the warmer months? It means, “We’ve started serving cold ramen!” This sign marks the start of summer in Japan and signals the arrival of one of the country's most beloved seasonal dishes: Hiyashi Chuka, or Japanese chilled ramen.
As the sunny California weather kicks in, I couldn’t help but crave this light yet satisfying dish. It’s an easy and colorful lunch packed with fresh toppings, tangy soy-based sauce, and a refreshing finish of citrusy yuzu juice.
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
Kitchen Tools:
Instructions:
Prepare the toppings
Cut cucumber and ham into thin strips.
Slice tomatoes into wedges.
Beat the egg and cook thin crepes in a non-stick pan. Let them cool, then slice into fine strips.
Cook the ramen noodles
In a pot of boiling water, cook noodles according to package instructions.
Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water. Add ice cubes to chill them quickly.
Make the sauce
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves.
Assemble the dish
Place chilled noodles on a plate.
Arrange cucumber, tomato, ham, and egg crepes on top.
Pour the sauce over the noodles.
Finish with a squeeze of yuzu juice and a sprinkle of 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.
