Sumo Jaya Otsuka

Despite having lived in Japan for many years, (and I mean many!), I’d never experienced the famous food of the sumo wrestlers ﾐ chanko-nabe. I assumed it must be fattening, but much to my surprise, chanko-nabe turned out to be one of the best-balanced and healthiest meals I’ve ever had. Nabe means pot, and chanko is sumo-speak for meal. As there are no hard-and-fast rules about what goes into the pot, the flavoring of this simmered meal varies from city to city and restaurant to restaurant. The landmark of sumo culture that is “Sumo Jaya Otsuka” has been run for the last 32 years by none other than the charismatic kimono-clad okami, Otsuka-san. Her husband was a sumo wrestler, and in the past many of the sport’s legends, including Chiyonofuji, Akebono and Konishiki have all dined here. They even have special stools made of huge tree stumps for the big boys to sit comfortably! The interior is wall-to-wall sumo decor and memorabilia; even the floor of the ground level is made from a former dohyo (sumo ring) used at the Kyushu Basho. But back to the food. Pictured here is the single portion yokozuna chanko-nabe. Farm-fresh vegetables, sliced pork, chicken chunks, minced chicken, salmon, and more are simmered in a light chicken broth that has a tingling touch of black pepper. As you reach the bottom of the pot a waitress will bring you noodles to soak up the sauce. You’ll see that the ‘one portion’ size is easily enough for two mortals. Chanko-nabe is delicious, healthy and also surprisingly great value. Check it!

1-19-3 Takasago, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

(092) 531-9100