Hiyashi chūka facts for kids
Hiyashi chūka topped with ham, eggstrips, tomato and menma
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| Alternative names | Reimen |
|---|---|
| Type | Chinese noodle |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Main ingredients | Chilled ramen noodles |
Hiyashi chūka (冷やし中華, literally "chilled Chinese") is a super refreshing Japanese dish. It's made with chilled ramen noodles and lots of colorful toppings. People in Japan love to eat it especially during the hot summer months. It's like a cool, tasty salad but with noodles!
What is Hiyashi Chūka?
Hiyashi chūka means "chilled Chinese" in Japanese. It is a type of Japanese noodle dish that uses ramen noodles. But instead of being served hot in a soup, these noodles are served cold. They come with a special sauce and many different toppings.
In some parts of Japan, like the Kansai region, people might call this dish reimen. This also means "chilled noodle." In Hokkaidō, it is sometimes called hiyashi rāmen, which means "chilled ramen." No matter the name, it is always a cool and delicious meal.
Popular Toppings
The toppings for Hiyashi chūka are usually very colorful. They are also served cold. This makes the dish look exciting and taste fresh. Common toppings include:
- Thin slices of meat, like ham, boiled chicken, or barbecued pork (called Char siu).
- Strips of tamagoyaki, which is a sweet Japanese egg omelette.
- Fresh summer vegetables, such as crisp cucumber and juicy tomatoes.
- Menma, which are fermented bamboo shoots.
- Beni shōga, which is pickled ginger, often used as a small side.
All these toppings are cut into thin strips. This makes them easy to mix with the noodles and the sauce.
The Special Sauce
The sauce used for Hiyashi chūka is called a tare sauce. It is poured over the noodles and toppings. There are two main kinds of tare sauce:
- One type is made mostly from soy sauce and rice vinegar. This gives it a tangy and savory flavor.
- The other popular type is made from sesame seeds and mayonnaise. This sauce is called ゴマだれ (gomadare). It has a richer, creamier taste.
Both sauces are delicious and help bring all the flavors of the dish together.
See also
In Spanish: Hiyashi chūka para niños
