Chankonabe

Chankonabe is a hearty Japanese stew famously consumed by sumo wrestlers to aid in weight gain. This delectable dish typically begins with a broth made from dashi or chicken, enhanced with the flavors of sake or mirin. There is no rigid recipe for chankonabe, allowing for a variety of proteins such as chicken, fish, tofu, or beef, complemented by vegetables like daikon radish and bok choy.

Rich in protein, chankonabe is served in large portions and is often paired with beer and rice to increase caloric intake. Any remaining broth is repurposed, making an excellent base for somen or udon noodle soups.

In sumo culture, chankonabe is traditionally served according to rank, with senior wrestlers and guests having the first choice of ingredients.

This dish is not limited to sumo stables; it is also a popular item in restaurants, particularly those owned by retired sumo wrestlers who have mastered the recipe. Some establishments exclusively use chicken during sumo tournaments to symbolize wrestlers standing firmly on two legs, akin to a chicken.

The first chankonabe restaurant, Kawasaki Chanko, opened in 1937 in Tokyo's Ryogoku district, an area renowned for its numerous sumo stables. Today, chankonabe remains a cherished dish deeply connected to the rich traditions of sumo wrestling.