Nagasaki Hikado

At a glance

NameNagasaki Hikado (Hikado)
PrefectureNagasaki
RegionKyushu & Okinawa
TypeFinely diced fish or chicken and vegetable soup thickened with sweet potato

What is it?

Hikado simmers small, evenly diced daikon, carrot, shiitake and fish or chicken in soy-seasoned broth, then stirs in grated sweet potato to thicken the winter soup naturally.

History and local context

The name is linked to Portuguese picado, meaning chopped. A stew influenced by missionaries and port traders was adapted away from imported meats toward Nagasaki vegetables, poultry and fish.

How to enjoy it

Serve very hot once the sweet potato turns the broth silky, stirring to prevent sticking. Dice ingredients evenly, cook fish or chicken fully and add grated potato gradually because it thickens quickly.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Nagasaki Hikado from?

It is associated with Nagasaki, in the Kyushu & Okinawa region of Japan.

What kind of food is Nagasaki Hikado?

This guide classifies it as finely diced fish or chicken and vegetable soup thickened with sweet potato. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Nagasaki Hikado online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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