Part 6/8:

The Edo period saw a shift as sumo transitioned toward entertainment rather than martial training. This change allowed for the rise of culinary companions like chanko nabe that supported the rigorous diets of sumo wrestlers. Gradually, chanko nabe became well-established in the culture, with former wrestlers often operating restaurants that specialize in the dish.

A Personal Taste Experience Through Chanko Nabe

In a recent tasting, the flavors of chanko nabe were described as complex and rich, with the broth imparting quintessentially Japanese tastes reminiscent of miso soup and traditional dashi. The texture of the shirataki noodles is uniquely gelatinous, creating a distinctive mouthfeel that diverges from more conventional noodles.