Yokohama is known as a treasure trove of delicious food. Among them, "Sanmamen" is a dish that is widely eaten in Kanagawa Prefecture and is on the menu of many Chinese restaurants and is a familiar dish on a daily basis.

This time, we will introduce you to Sanmamen, which originated in Yokohama, including its characteristics, taste, history, and delicious ways to eat it.

What is Yokohama's local gourmet dish "Sanmamen"?

Sanmamen is a local gourmet dish that originated in Yokohama, consisting of noodles topped with a generous amount of thickened vegetable sauce. It is a hearty dish containing meat and several kinds of vegetables, and the vegetable sauce and flavorful soup make it an appetizing dish.

There are no strict rules regarding the ingredients or seasonings used, but the standard ingredients include bean sprouts, Chinese cabbage, and pork.

Depending on the restaurant, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, leafy vegetables, etc. are also used. Each restaurant has a variety of flavors, such as soy sauce and salt.

In Yokohama, Sanmamen with various flavors is served at high-end restaurants and casual eateries, making it a great place to drop in and eat. So how did this Yokohama soul food, Sanmamen, come about?

History and origin of Sanmamen

There are various theories about the origin and kanji of sanmamen, but one theory is that it is written in kanji as "sanmamen."

San (fresh) means "fresh, crunchy texture" and ma (horse) means "to put on top." In other words, Sanmamen means "to put fresh, crunchy ingredients on top of the noodles."

It is said that Sanmamen originated in a Chinese restaurant in the 1950s. Apparently thickened meat soba (loose noodles) was commonly eaten in Yokohama's Chinatown before the war. However, because it was expensive, Sanmamen using vegetables was created as a meal for the chefs.

At the time, it was a simple dish consisting of soy sauce-flavored ramen topped with stir-fried meat, bean sprouts, and Chinese cabbage, all covered in a sauce. However, it became popular because it was filling and kept warm for a long time, and gradually began to be added to the menus of Chinese restaurants in the city.

Recently, the number of restaurants specializing in sanmamen has increased, and it has become a familiar taste of home for Yokohama residents.

How to make Sanmamen

Sanmamen is very simple to make. Stir-fry pork in a heated frying pan, then add bean sprouts, Chinese cabbage, wood ear mushrooms, etc. and stir-fry.

This dish makes the most of the crunchy texture of the vegetables, so the key is to stir fry them quickly over high heat. Once cooked, add soy sauce, Chinese soup stock, sesame oil, etc. to adjust the flavor, thicken with potato starch, and pour a generous amount of vegetable sauce over the ramen to finish.

You can make this dish using whatever seasonal ingredients you have on hand or commonly available bean sprouts, so please give it a try at home.

The delicious way to eat Sanmamen and its appeal

The thick sauce that coats the noodles and the crunchy texture of the sanmamen are irresistible. The deep flavor of the ingredients blends well with the soup, making it so delicious that you won't want to miss the last bite.

Sanmamen is full of charm and can be enjoyed even with a slight change in flavor.

For example, adding pepper brings out the spiciness, giving the mild-tasting sanmamen a spicy kick.Adding vinegar halfway through adds a refreshing sourness to the thick paste, making it even more appetizing.

If you like spicy food, we recommend adding chili oil to enjoy the richness and aroma.

Sightseeing spots around Yokohama

From here, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots around Yokohama. Speaking of Yokohama, there are many sightseeing spots. This time, we will introduce spots around Sakuragicho and Motomachi-Chukagai Station, where there are many restaurants that serve sanmamen.

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, located a 15-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station, is a recommended tourist spot regardless of the season.

The Red Brick Warehouse, built from the end of the Meiji period to the Taisho period as a model warehouse for the country, is a place where you can enjoy shopping, gourmet food, events, and more.

There is a large square outside where various events are held depending on the season. In spring there is a strawberry festival, and in winter there is a Christmas market and an ice skating rink, making it a perfect memory of your trip. Another great point is that you can find souvenirs that are unique to Yokohama.

Another recommended spot is Yamashita Park, which is within walking distance from Motomachi-Chukagai Station.

This waterfront park symbolizes the city's recovery after the Great Kanto Earthquake, and was built on the rubble that had been reclaimed from the city. It opened in 1930, and the beautiful seaside scenery and the view of ships coming and going in the harbor will leave you feeling refreshed.

It is also one of Yokohama's most famous rose viewing spots, with approximately 160 varieties and 1,900 rose bushes blooming in the spring and autumn.
The park is also a great photo spot, with its Plaza of the World, which is modeled after roads stretching to the six continents, and its large staircase reminiscent of Barcelona's Park Güell.

How about taking a walk after your meal?

Access to Yokohama City

From here, we will introduce how to get to Yokohama City. Yokohama Station is easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area, taking about 30 minutes.

If you are traveling by train, it is convenient to use the JR Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, or Shonan-Shinjuku Line. From Shibuya Station, take the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station, which takes about 40 minutes.

You can also get to Yokohama city from all over the country by express bus. The departure and arrival point is Yokohama City Air Terminal at the east exit of Yokohama Station. It's an affordable way to get there while enjoying the feeling of traveling, so be sure to check it out.

Location of Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced Sanmamen, a local Yokohama delicacy.

Sanmamen, created as a part of the chef's staff meals, has a crunchy texture and thick sauce that goes perfectly with the noodles and soup.

It's easy to eat for both adults and children, and has a delicious taste that you'll never tire of. Be sure to give this local gourmet food that has been loved in Yokohama for a long time a try.

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