Hiyashi Chuka, also known as Reimen (冷やし中華, 冷麺), is a refreshing Japanese noodle dish made with chilled Chinese-style noodles and a sweet-tangy sauce. Although its name translates to “cold Chinese noodles,” Hiyashi Chuka is a uniquely Japanese creation that has become a beloved summer tradition throughout Japan. It is typically served at ramen shops and restaurants only during the hot summer months, when its cool temperature and light flavor provide welcome relief from the heat.

Made with Chuka Men (中華麺)—the same wheat-based noodles used in ramen—Hiyashi Chuka is topped with colorful strips of meat, egg, and fresh vegetables, then finished with a flavorful dressing. The combination of chilled noodles, crisp toppings, and refreshing sauce makes this dish a perfect choice for warm-weather meals.

What is Hiyashi Chuka?

Hiyashi Chuka is a cold noodle dish that became popular in Japan as a seasonal summer specialty. Unlike traditional ramen, which is served in a hot broth, Hiyashi Chuka features chilled noodles topped with a variety of ingredients and dressed with a light sauce rather than a soup.

The dish is known for its colorful presentation, with toppings arranged neatly over the noodles. Common toppings include shredded egg omelet (Kinshi Tamago), ham, cucumber, tomatoes, and other fresh vegetables. A sweet and tangy soy-based vinaigrette is the most traditional sauce, though creamy sesame-based versions are also widely enjoyed.

Because it is served cold and packed with fresh ingredients, Hiyashi Chuka is a refreshing meal that is especially popular during Japan’s hot and humid summer season.

Ingredients for Hiyashi Chuka

Noodles

We used dried Chuka Men for this recipe. Since Hiyashi Chuka is served without hot soup, the noodles do not continue cooking or softening after they are prepared, making dried noodles an excellent choice. Another advantage is that dried Chuka Men are easy to find at many Asian grocery stores, local supermarkets, and online retailers in the United States.

Dried Chuka Men also have a long shelf life, making them a convenient pantry staple. They are typically packaged similarly to dried udon or soba noodles. Some brands may label them as ramen noodles, but be careful not to confuse them with instant ramen, which comes with seasoning packets and uses a different style of noodle.

Toppings

The toppings for Hiyashi Chuka are highly customizable, but they are typically made up of thinly sliced meats and vegetables. Traditional choices include Kinshi Tamago (thin strips of Japanese omelet), ham, and cucumber.

You can easily substitute or add other ingredients based on your preferences. Steamed and shredded chicken breast is a great alternative to ham, while small pieces of Tonkatsu (Japanese breaded pork cutlet) add extra richness if you don’t mind the additional preparation. Crisp vegetables such as carrots, daikon radish, and lettuce also work wonderfully, adding texture and freshness to the dish.

Sauce

The classic Hiyashi Chuka sauce is a light soy sauce-based vinaigrette that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Similar to a salad dressing, it coats the noodles and toppings without feeling heavy. Its refreshing taste makes it especially appealing on hot days when you may not have much of an appetite.

Another popular variation is a creamy sesame-based sauce, which provides a richer and nuttier flavor while still complementing the chilled noodles.

Extra Condiments

For even more flavor, you can add a splash of extra vinegar at the table to enhance the dish’s tanginess. Karashi, a Japanese hot yellow mustard, is another popular accompaniment that adds a pleasant kick. Unlike Western mustards such as Dijon or yellow mustard, Karashi has a sharper, cleaner heat that pairs beautifully with the chilled noodles.

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