Chankonabe (ちゃんこ鍋) is a Japanese nabe, famously eaten as part of the diet of sumo wrestlers. Packed full of protein and served in large quantities, the aim of the dish is weight-gain. As such the stock is very rich, and at times it’s almost like drinking gravy. You’ll definitely become a chunk-o-nabe if you eat too much of it! Like other Japanese hotpots, chankonabe is ideal to eat in the Winter months, to help warm you up.
What goes into a chankonabe?
Similar to sukiyaki (すき焼き), this dish can also be prepared ‘as you like it’, with ingredients often selected based on what is available.
Example ingredients might include:
- Dashi
- Chicken broth
- Mirin or sake
- Meat (either chicken or beef) or fish
- Tofu
- Spinach
- Bok choy
- Cabbage
Where can I try chankonabe?
The best place to try this dish is in Ryōgoku, Tokyo, a place surrounded by several sumo stables and the Ryōgoku Kokugikan (両国国技館), the home of sumo wrestling tournaments.
Restaurants in Ryōgoku, Tokyo
Based in the UK and want to try chankonabe?
What is a nabe?
Nabe (鍋), or nabemono (鍋物), refers to different kinds of Japanese hot pot. These stews are usually very simple to make and best represent the famed Japanese umami (旨味), or savory, flavour.
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A Japan-enthusiast from the UK, with a particular interest in history and the language, as well as cycling, writing and rock climbing.
