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Shikairou Chinese Restaurant

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Shikairou Chinese Restaurant

A renowned restaurant where champon and sara udon originated.

3.20 2

Last update :
Supervised by :  Shikairou

Champon was created by adapting a noodle dish from Fujian Province, the first owner’s birthplace, to suit Japanese tastes. Made with locally caught seafood and plenty of seasonal vegetables, it has been loved for more than a century and is now firmly established as a local specialty of Nagasaki Prefecture.

The key to its flavor is a broth made by slowly simmering fresh whole chickens and pork bones. The smooth, milky-white broth is rich in umami and pairs perfectly with the specially made thick noodles. Another specialty alongside champon is sara udon. Shikairou is also said to be the birthplace of this dish, which is characterized by thin, crispy noodles served without broth. Nagasaki locals typically eat it with sauce, and it rivals champon in popularity. By some estimates, there are more than 1,000 restaurants serving champon and sara udon in Nagasaki City alone. With so many options, choosing a restaurant may be difficult, but for a first taste, head to Shikairou Chinese Restaurant, where these dishes originated.

Highlights

  • Champon and sara udon, created by adapting noodle dishes from Fujian Province.
  • Both are firmly established as signature local dishes of Nagasaki Prefecture.
  • The secret to the flavor is a broth made by slowly simmering fresh whole chickens and pork bones.
  • Eating sara udon with sauce is the Nagasaki way.

Photos

  • Champon filled with ingredients from both land and seaPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

    Champon filled with ingredients from both land and seaPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

  • Sara udon is served on a shallow plate because it has no brothPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

    Sara udon is served on a shallow plate because it has no brothPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

  • The restaurant interior offers wonderful views through its windowsPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

    The restaurant interior offers wonderful views through its windowsPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

  • The Champon Museum on the second floor of the restaurant (admission free)Photo courtesy of Shikairou

    The Champon Museum on the second floor of the restaurant (admission free)Photo courtesy of Shikairou

  • The impressive restaurant building stands out in the neighborhoodPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

    The impressive restaurant building stands out in the neighborhoodPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

  • The restaurant during the Meiji and Taisho erasPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

    The restaurant during the Meiji and Taisho erasPhoto courtesy of Shikairou

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you offer vegetarian options?
A

No, we do not.

Q

May I take photos of the food?
A

Yes, as long as the photos are not for commercial purposes, such as media coverage.

Q

Are electrical outlets available for charging devices?
A

No, they are not.

Q

Is takeout available?
A

No, takeout is not available.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    Champon is personally one of my favorite dishes. Its biggest feature is the generous amount of vegetables, with cabbage, bean sprouts, and other vegetables served with pork, seafood, and springy noodles. It's filling and has plenty of variety. Fried foods are common in Japanese cuisine, and if they start to feel a little heavy after eating too much, champon is a very good alternative. It's a steaming bowl of noodles with lots of vegetables and flavors that don't feel too heavy.

  • 王小鈞
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    If you're visiting Nagasaki, I highly recommend making a trip to Shikairou. It's near Oura Cathedral and about a 2-minute walk from the Oura Cathedral streetcar stop, so it's pretty easy to find. The restaurant has an elevator that takes you directly to the dining room on the fifth floor, so you don't have to climb the stairs. That's really convenient for anyone who's been walking all day while traveling.
    I highly recommend getting a window seat, where you can eat while looking out at the ocean. The atmosphere is very relaxing and has a bit of Nagasaki's distinctive port-city charm.
    My first thought when the champon arrived was, “This is loaded!” It was packed with vegetables, seafood, and other toppings, and the portion was quite generous. I thought I'd be really full after finishing it, but even after eating the whole bowl, I still wanted a little more.
    If you want to try one of Nagasaki's signature local dishes, champon is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!
    And taking your time eating by a window with an ocean view makes the whole dining experience even better.

Details

Name in Japanese
中華料理四海樓
Postal Code
850-0921
Address
4-5 Matsugaemachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Phone
095-822-1296
Closed on
Irregular holidays
Hours
11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (last order at 7:30 p.m.)
Price Range
¥1,500 and up
Access
About a 1-minute walk from Ouratenshudo tram stop on the Nagasaki Electric Tramway
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa