Chinchinken Ueno: A 70-Year Legacy in Tokyo’s Bustling Street
Tokyo’s Ueno district is a blend of history and modernity, where the bustling Ameyoko Shopping Street offers a glimpse into post-war Tokyo. Among its many treasures lies Chinchinken, a Chinese restaurant that has stood the test of time, with over 70 years of history. Known for its delicious fare and welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant not only offers a memorable dining experience but also provides a voice-enabled menu for non-Japanese-speaking guests.
A Journey Through Time: Chinchinken’s Origins in Ueno
Chinchinken’s humble beginnings trace back to the post-war era when Ueno was still recovering from the chaos. The restaurant started as a modest ramen stall outside Ueno Station, where the founder catered to the busy station workers. Thanks to a friendly tip from a Japan National Railways employee, Chinchinken moved to a more permanent location at Ueno 6-chome, evolving into one of the neighborhood’s most beloved Chinese eateries.
Today, the restaurant remains a family-run business, with the third generation of owners preserving its legacy while introducing modern touches, such as a user-friendly voice menu system that makes it easy for international tourists to order without hassle.
Signature Dishes of Chinchinken
Noodle Soup
One of the most beloved dishes at Chinchinken is their noodle soup, which boasts a hearty combination of pork, cabbage, bean sprouts, and carrots. The broth, rich in umami, highlights the natural sweetness of the cabbage without overwhelming the palate. This dish offers a comforting, well-balanced meal without relying on overpowering flavors like shrimp or black fungus.
Fried Rice
Chinchinken’s fried rice is another popular choice. Cooked with precision, it features perfectly seasoned char siu (Chinese BBQ pork) and an ideal balance of fluffy egg and rice, all stir-fried in premium pork lard. This simple yet flavorful dish is a testament to the skill and tradition that goes into every plate.
Dumplings
The dumplings at Chinchinken stand out due to their thick, chewy skin, which holds a flavorful, juicy filling. Each bite bursts with a satisfying combination of meat and fresh vegetables, perfectly paired with soy sauce or vinegar for a delightful taste experience.
Cold Noodles for Summer
During the summer, Chinchinken’s cold noodles are a must-try. With a tangy sauce and refreshing ingredients like cucumbers and thinly sliced meats, this dish is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. The springy noodles and flavorful dressing offer a delightful contrast to the season’s heat.
A Nostalgic Dining Experience in Ueno
Dining at Chinchinken is not just about the food; it’s about soaking in the atmosphere of Ueno’s lively streets. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with friends or savoring a solo dining experience, the restaurant’s location offers an authentic slice of Tokyo life. You can sit by the window, watch passersby, and immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of the Showa era.
With the added convenience of the voice-activated menu, even travelers with little knowledge of Japanese can enjoy a seamless dining experience. The menu, translated and voiced in multiple languages, ensures that everyone can fully appreciate the rich history and delicious offerings of this Ueno treasure.
Why Chinchinken Stands Out in Tokyo’s Competitive Food Scene
Chinchinken is more than just a restaurant; it’s a time capsule that offers a blend of tradition and modernity. Its long-standing commitment to serving quality Chinese cuisine while adapting to the needs of its diverse clientele makes it a standout in Tokyo’s competitive food scene. Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring Ueno, Chinchinken is a must-visit destination that guarantees a memorable dining experience.
Ueno Chin Chin Ken – Restaurant Information
- Budget: Lunch/Dinner under ¥1,000
- Cuisine Type: Chinese Cuisine, Ramen, Dumplings
- Phone: 03-3832-3988
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a public holiday, closed the following day)
- Address: 6-12-2 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo
- Access:
- 3-minute walk from JR Ueno Station
- 5-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station
- 190m from Keisei Ueno Station
- Child-Friendly: Yes
- Payment Method: Cash only
- Smoking Policy: Smoking allowed in all seating areas
點擊日文字會有語音喔🔊
店舗とのコラボレーションで、無料の音声メニューを作成いたします。ご興味のある方はぜひご連絡ください！goodxssss@gmail.com
Excuse me
Menu, please!
Order, please
This one, please
Thank you for the meal
Water, please
How do I eat this?
A small plate, please
May I take a photo?
Excuse me, please change the grill net.
Check, please
Where do I pay?
How much is it?
Can I use a credit card?
I will pay in cash
May I have the receipt, please?
語音菜單，輕鬆點餐。
Order easily with our voice menu
Noodles
麺
Ramen
ラーメン
Shio Ramen
塩ラーメン
Bamboo Basket
ざる
Wonton
ワンタン
Salted Wonton
塩ワンタン
Wonton Noodles
ワンタンメン
Salted Wonton Noodles
塩ワンタンメン
Noodle Soup
湯麺
Miso Ramen
みそラーメン
Fried Noodles
炒麺
Stir-Fried Liver and Chinese Chives Noodles
レバニラ炒麺
Liver and Chinese Chives Soup Noodles
レバニラ湯麺
Five Ingredients Noodles
五目麺
Char Siu Noodles
チャーシュー麺
Salted Chashu Ramen
塩チャーシュー麺
Chilled Chinese Noodles
冷やし中華
Topping
トッピング
Char Siu
チャーシュー
Wonton
ワンタン
Bamboo Shoots
メンマ
Egg
タマゴ
Garlic
ニンニク
Green Onion
ネギ
Large Portion of Noodles
麺大盛り
Extra Vegetables
野菜大盛り
Rice
飯
Fried Rice
焼き飯
Gyoza Rice
餃子ライス
Stir-fried Vegetables with Rice
野菜炒めライス
Stir-Fried Meat and Vegetables Rice
肉野菜炒めライス
Stir-Fried Meat and Chives Rice
肉ニラ炒めライス
Stir-Fried Liver and Chinese Chives Rice
レバニラ炒めライス
Ginger Pork Rice
しょうが焼きライス
(Single items only ¥200 each.)
Rice
ライス
Half Portion of Rice
半ライス
Large Rice
ライス大盛り
Extra Vegetables
野菜 大盛り
Menu
菜単
Gyoza
ぎょうざ
Char Siu Assortment
チャーシュー盛り
Steamed Pork
蒸し豚
Green Onion Char Siu
ネギチャーシュー
Bamboo Shoots
メンマ
Mustard Dressed Salad
からし和え
Chinese Cabbage Kimchi
白菜キムチ
Zha Cai
ザーサイ
Pickled Vegetables
おしんこ
Homemade Char Siu (Roast Pork)
自家製燒豚
Enjoy Chinchinken Yakiniku at home, crafted with a cherished recipe passed down through generations.
Rib
バラ
Minimum order: 5 slices.
To enjoy, simply grill or heat in a frying pan or oven for an even more delicious flavor.
Block
ブロック
【Pre-order Required】
Can be cut to your preferred size; suitable for various dishes.
No preservatives used. Please keep refrigerated.
Draft Beer
生ビール
Small
小
Medium
中
Bottled Beer
瓶ビール
Highball
ハイボール
Highball
ハイボール
Chuhai & Sour
酎ハイ・サワー
Chuhai (Shochu Highball)
酎ハイ
Lemon Sour
レモンサワー
Oolong Highball
ウーロンハイ
Tea Highball
お茶ハイ
Matcha Highball
抹茶ハイ
Jasmine Highball
ジャスミンハイ
Pickled Plum Sour
梅干しサワー
Shochu
焼酎
Mitake (Sweet Potato)
三岳(芋)
Nikaido (Barley)
二階堂(麦)
Japanese Sake
日本酒
Japanese Sake
日本酒
Hakkaisan
八海山
Chinese Alcohol
中国酒
Straight
ストレート
On the Rocks
ロック
Sparkling Water Mix
炭酸割
Shaoxing Wine
老酒
Shaoxing Wine
紹興酒
Plum Wine
梅酒
Plum Wine
梅酒
Soft Drink
ソフトドリンク
Cola
コーラ
Orange Juice
オレンジジュース
Oolong Tea
ウーロン
Green Tea
グリーンティー
Matcha
抹茶
Jasmine Tea
ジャスミン茶
Sparkling Water
