If you're exploring Japan and find yourself in Kobe, don't miss Kobe Chinatown, known locally as Nankinmachi. This bustling district is packed with food stalls, casual eateries, and specialty shops offering a delicious introduction to Japan's take on Chinese cuisine. This guide covers some of the local favorites and signature dishes to try out when you visit.

Butaman

Butaman is a Japanese take on the classic Chinese pork bun, and this street food is loved for its soft, fluffy exterior and juicy, flavorful filling. Roushouki is one place to try these delicious savory goodies, and since they've been operating since 1915, they're often referred to as the birthplace of pork buns in Japan. The shop is known for its simple, no-frills approach – there’s usually a line, but service is quick, and most people eat standing nearby or take their order to-go.

1 Chome-3-7 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0022. 10am to 6.30pm daily. https://roushouki.com/counter/

Gyoza

Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, gyoza are a street food favorite in many parts of Japan. However, if you want a specific taste of the local area, head to Ganso-Gyozaen, where they specialize in Kobe beef gyoza for an elevated dumpling experience. Their Instagram account pays homage to the guests from all corners of the globe that stop in here, and you can follow along at @gansogyozaen.

2 Chome-8-11 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023. 11:45am to 3pm, and 5pm to 8.30pm daily. https://ganso-gyozaen.com/

Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, are a popular Chinese dish made of thin dough wrappers filled with seasoned meat and a flavorful broth. They're steamed and typically eaten hot, with a small bite taken first to release the soup inside. While there are a number of places to enjoy soup dumplings in Chinatown, YunYun is widely considered to be one of the best places to indulge – especially because of their their Shanghai style crispy-bottom.

1 Chome-3-17 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023. 11am to 6pm daily. https://www.k-yunyun.jp/

Daidoko Taiwan Tanpao is another popular spot, and as the business name suggests, the focus here is on Taiwanese-style soup dumplings. They have a a couple of types available—including a crab variant—and are often praised for their affordability, with six pieces for 550 JPY at the time of writing.

1 Chome-3-13, Daido Building 1F, Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0023. 11am to 5pm on weekdays, 11am to 6pm on weekends. https://daidoko.net/

Goma Dango

When it comes to budget-friendly sweet treats, goma dango is up there with the best. These deep-fried sesame balls have a golden, crispy shell coated in fragrant sesame seeds and a chewy interior filled with sweet red bean paste. If you're the kind of foodie who appreciates aesthetic eats, Tenshido is one place you must visit – they have goma dango that can be topped with a custard-filled hedgehog, or a chocolate mousse-filled bear. Points for cuteness, without a doubt!

1 Chome-2-2 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0022. 9am to 6pm on weekdays, 9am to 7pm on weekends. https://www.tenshido-kobe.jp/

Kakuniman

In contrast to butaman which contains a minced pork filling, kakuniman is a bao-style bun filled with a chunk of braised pork belly. The pork is slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, and it has a richer, meatier feel. There are several good places to give this classic a try in Kobe Chinatown, including Hoei, which is famous for its original kakuni "burger". The combination of rich kakuni and pillowy soft bao bread delivers excellent savoriness in a portable format.

2 Chome-3-1 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0022. 10am to 6pm daily. https://www.houei-kobe.jp/

Candied fruit

Candied fruit (known as tanghulu in some parts of the world) has definitely had its moment in the sun over recent years, with ASMR-style videos of the crispy, crackling sugar shell gaining traction all over social media. Mikiya has been in the candied fruit game for decades, with their Nankinmachi store operating since 1947—and with that kind of track record, you know their stuff is good. Various fruits are available, with shine muscat grapes, strawberries, tangerines, and pineapples just some of the options for patrons to choose from. Their Instagram account is a great place to see what's on offer before you visit.

1 Chome-3-16 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023. 10am to 6pm on weekdays, 10am to 7pm on weekends.

Peking Duck Wraps

Peking duck wraps are one of the most popular street food snacks in Kobe Chinatown, and these handheld bites feature slices of roasted duck tucked into a thin flour pancake, often with hoisin sauce and crisp cucumber or scallion for contrast. Inspired by the traditional Beijing dish, the wraps here are adapted for quick, casual enjoyment while walking through the bustling streets. One place to get your hands on them is at Kaho Nankinmachi, a well-known spot that draws steady crowds for its flavorful duck and great portion to price ratio.

2 Chome-4-3 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0022. 11am to 9.30pm daily. https://kobe-kaho.com/

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but as you can see, Kobe Chinatown is full of sweet and savory gems worth seeking out. The best advice? Come hungry, pace yourself, and don't be afraid to line up!