Chanko nabe

TOKYO FOOD

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Chanko nabe is known as the traditional food of the sumo world. It's origins date back to the Edo period. There a various explanations as to its origin, including the fact that it was adopted from a cooking method in China using a pot called a "chankuo" and the fact the sumo wrestlers calling the stable cook "chan," which eventually became affectionately known as chanko. There are two typical types of chanko nabe recipes: one that cooks ingredients such as chicken, seafood, and vegetables in water, and another in a chicken broth. In recent years, the number of restaurants specializing in chanko nabe run by retired sumo wrestlers has increased, so it has become possible to enjoy a variety of tastes.