Yokohama Sanmamen Vegetable Ankake Ramen
Sanmamen is a Yokohama noodle dish topped with a piping-hot, lightly thickened stir-fry of bean sprouts, Chinese cabbage, pork, and other vegetables over soy- or salt-seasoned ramen. Crisp...
At a glance
| Name | Yokohama Sanmamen Vegetable Ankake Ramen (Sanmamen) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Kanagawa |
| Region | Kanto |
| Type | Yokohama thick-sauce ramen |
What is it?
Sanmamen is a Yokohama noodle dish topped with a piping-hot, lightly thickened stir-fry of bean sprouts, Chinese cabbage, pork, and other vegetables over soy- or salt-seasoned ramen. Crisp vegetables and heat-retaining ankake sauce define the bowl.
It contains no Pacific saury despite the similar Japanese sound. Spellings such as 生馬麺 and the name's linguistic origin have competing explanations, so official tourism sources present them as theories.
History and local context
The dish is described as spreading from Chinese restaurants in Yokohama, either before or after World War II, possibly from an economical staff meal using more vegetables than expensive meat noodles.
There is no single fixed recipe. Some shops use soy for both soup and topping, others place a salt-seasoned topping over soy ramen, and vegetables and noodle thickness vary.
How to enjoy it
The ankake topping stays extremely hot. Lift noodles from underneath and eat them with the vegetables, tasting soup and topping separately before mixing them completely.
Add vinegar or pepper only after the first few bites. Sanmamen is found not only in Chinatown but in neighborhood Chinese restaurants across Yokohama and Kanagawa.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Yokohama Sanmamen Vegetable Ankake Ramen from?
It is associated with Kanagawa, in the Kanto region of Japan.
What kind of food is Yokohama Sanmamen Vegetable Ankake Ramen?
This guide classifies it as yokohama thick-sauce ramen. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Yokohama Sanmamen Vegetable Ankake Ramen online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
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