Chanko Nabe

About Chanko Nabe

Ryogoku, known as the heart of sumo wrestling, is home to the famed Ryogoku Kokugikan arena and is revered as the sacred ground of Chanko Nabe (ちゃんこ鍋).

Chanko Nabe (Chanko Nabe) is a traditional hot pot dish commonly consumed in sumo stables. The term "chanko" originally refers to all homemade meals prepared by sumo wrestlers called "chanko-bans" in the stables, but the most iconic dish in this category is the hot pot we now call Chanko Nabe.

This hot pot is carefully crafted to provide a balanced and nutritious meal to build the wrestlers' strong physiques. Many sumo stables have their own secret recipes, adding unique flavors to the dish.

Chanko Nabe typically falls into two main styles: one resembling a light chiri nabe (hot pot) and the other a richer yose nabe. It can also be categorized further into four types: water-based like chiri nabe, broth-based such as torisoppu (chicken soup), salt-based like yose nabe, or miso-based, including regional variations like oyster miso nabe. Notably, among sumo stables, around 80% of fish-based Chanko Nabe leans toward chiri nabe, while chicken stew-style torisoppu is also a frequent favorite.

This delicious and versatile dish is a perfect way to experience the hearty flavors of sumo cuisine!

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