DINING

2025.11.12

【Street Chinese】 I gathered my courage and went into the street Chinese Urafune, and the "leek chashu rice bowl" was incredibly delicious

The long-established street Chinese "Urafune" stands in the downtown area of Bandobashi in Yokohama. I finally made my first visit after hearing that the specialty, leek chashu rice bowl, featuring a heap of leeks and tender chashu, is exquisite behind the yellow sign and red noren.

The yellow sign of the Chinese restaurant "Urakune" that I had been wondering about for a long time.

Bandobashi Station is a station on the Yokohama City Subway Blue Line, used by many people. It offers good access, being about an 8-minute walk to Yokohama Station, while also exuding a nostalgic downtown atmosphere.

In that area, every time I walked along Medical University Street, my eyes were drawn to the impressive yellow sign and red noren of the Chinese restaurant "Urahune." Even though I had passed by several times and was curious about it, I never found the courage to go inside.

From the outside, I couldn't see inside the store, and I wondered if it was only for regular customers, which made me pause. However, as I heard the sounds of a long-established business founded in 1954 and the rumors about their specialty being the scallion-chashu rice bowl, I began to think, "I want to try going through this noren (entrance curtain) at least once."

10:55 AM on a weekday. When I arrive five minutes before opening, there is already one customer ahead of me. "It really is popular," I think, feeling a bit nervous as I join the line.

The restaurant was full as soon as it opened.

At 11 AM when it opened, I entered the store together with the customers who were lined up. As soon as I took my seat, the approximately 20-seat interior quickly filled up. Water is self-service. As soon as I sat down, a cheerful female staff member greeted me with a bright voice. In the kitchen, the sound of a man, presumably the owner, skillfully stirring a Chinese wok echoed.

Outside, there was a whiteboard with the menu written by hand. The words "Today's lunch: Miso ramen & mini fried rice (750 yen)" were displayed. While slightly tempted, since it was my first time, I ordered the most popular dish, "Negi Chashu Don" (830 yen).

Just 3 minutes later, at 11:03, I saw the bowl placed on the table and couldn't help but exclaim.

A mound of green onions and chashu! More impressive than I imagined.

Inside the bowl, there was a mountain of white green onions and thinly sliced chashu that looked like it would spill over. The green onions had a pleasantly crunchy texture, perfectly coated with a doubanjiang-based sauce. A hint of spicy flavor added an accent, making it likely that even those who are not keen on spicy food could enjoy it.

The fragrant scent of roasted green onions, the deliciousness that keeps the chopsticks moving

The chashu is moist and tender, with the sweetness of the fat and the aroma of the green onions harmonizing perfectly. Not too spicy, the lightly piquant flavor lingers, making it impossible to stop eating.

With the rising steam, the aroma of roasted green onions wafts through the air, creating a pleasant sensation that makes you want to take a deep breath. With each bite, the temperature and flavor in the bowl blend together little by little, creating an irresistible feeling.

The Chinese soup and pickles are included as well, providing a perfect palate cleanser for the rich bowl. The soup has a light soy sauce base that enhances the aroma of the green onions while refreshing the palate.

When I tried adding a little vinegar midway, the flavor became milder, and the scent of the green onions lifted gently. I felt there were clever touches that kept the experience enjoyable until the last bite.

Most of the customers in the restaurant are men, all quietly eating their bowls.

For leek lovers across the country, I recommend the satisfaction of volume and aroma. By the time I finished eating, both my stomach and heart were filled, accompanied by a pleasant sense of accomplishment.

Behind the old-fashioned street Chinese exterior, there was the kindness of the Showa era

A yellow sign and a red noren. Behind the slightly flashy exterior, there was an unexpected warmth. Cheerful female staff who greet you warmly, the owner quietly stirring the pot, and the calm expressions of what seemed to be regular customers. All of these represent the warmth of everyday life that has been built up in this town.

To overturn the impression that it was hard to enter, there was a warmth of people inside the shop. Next, I want to pass through this noren again to taste the lunch "miso ramen & mini fried rice."

Urafune
Location: 4-53-16 Shiramyocho, Minami Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Reporting & Text: SYURI

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