Hiyashi Chuka
Hiyashi Chuka (冷やし中華) – Japanese Cold Ramen Recipe
Cool down with this refreshing and colorful Japanese cold ramen — perfect for hot summer days! Hiyashi Chuka is one of Japan’s most iconic summer noodle dishes, made with chilled ramen noodles, crisp vegetables, savory toppings, and a tangy soy-based sauce.
If you’ve ever visited Japan during summer, you may have noticed signs outside ramen shops saying “冷やし中華はじめました” (Hiyashi Chuka Hajime-mashita), which means “We’ve started serving cold ramen!” Seeing this sign always feels like the official start of summer in Japan.
As the weather warms up here in California, I start craving simple cold noodle dishes like this. Hiyashi Chuka is light, refreshing, colorful, and easy to customize with ingredients you already have at home. The combination of chewy noodles, fresh vegetables, savory ham, fluffy egg crepes, and citrusy sauce makes it one of my favorite quick summer lunches.
What Is Hiyashi Chuka?
Hiyashi Chuka, which translates to “chilled Chinese,” is a Japanese cold ramen noodle dish typically enjoyed during the summer months. Despite the name, it’s considered a classic Japanese seasonal comfort food.
The dish likely originated in the early 20th century as a refreshing alternative to hot ramen during Japan’s humid summers. It quickly became popular for its colorful presentation and balanced flavors. Most versions include chilled ramen noodles topped with sliced cucumber, tomato, egg crepes, and ham, all served with a tangy soy-vinegar dressing.
Today, Hiyashi Chuka is commonly found in ramen shops, convenience stores, and home kitchens throughout Japan during summer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for hot summer days
Light yet satisfying
Easy to customize with toppings
Ready in about 30 minutes
Refreshing soy-vinegar sauce with yuzu flavor
Great for lunch or easy dinners
Tips for the Best Hiyashi Chuka
Chill the Noodles Well - The colder the noodles, the more refreshing the dish tastes. Rinse thoroughly and use ice water if possible.
Use Fresh Seasonal Toppings - Cucumber and tomatoes add freshness and crunch, but you can also add corn, shrimp, chicken, or kani (imitation crab).
Don’t Skip the Acid - The soy-vinegar sauce gives Hiyashi Chuka its signature refreshing flavor. Yuzu juice adds a bright citrusy finish.
Hiyashi Chuka Variations
One of the best things about Hiyashi Chuka is how customizable it is.
Try adding:
Shredded chicken
Shrimp
Kani (imitation crab)
Corn
Wakame seaweed
Bean sprouts
Japanese mayonnaise
Chili oil or karashi mustard
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
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.
FAQ
What noodles are used for Hiyashi Chuka?
Fresh ramen noodles work best, but frozen or dried ramen noodles can also be used.
Can I make Hiyashi Chuka ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the toppings and sauce ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Assemble just before serving.
Is Hiyashi Chuka healthy?
Hiyashi Chuka is lighter than traditional hot ramen because it doesn’t use heavy broth. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and can easily be customized with protein.
What does “Hiyashi Chuka Hajime-mashita” mean?
It means “We started serving cold ramen!” and is a classic seasonal sign displayed outside ramen shops in Japan during summer.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the ham and use toppings like tofu, mushrooms, or extra vegetables.
You May Also Like This Recipe
Try my refreshing summer noodle recipe - Cold Tomato Tuna Somen
Looking for another chilled Japanese dish? - Sesame Noodle Soup (Nyu-men)
Pair this with a refreshing Japanese summer drink - Iced Yuzu Citrus Tea
Try another easy Japanese lunch recipe - Egg Drop Udon (Tamago Toji Udon)
