Located about 15 minutes by car from Katsuta Station, 【Chuka Hanten Raiho】 in Nakane, Hitachinaka City, is a Chinese restaurant that has been serving delicious dishes since its establishment in 1977. This cozy town-style Chinese eatery offers classic favorites like ramen and fried rice, which have been beloved in Japan for many years. It's a great place to experience the everyday food culture of Japan at reasonable prices. We highly recommend this restaurant to international tourists who want to enjoy meals that aren't priced like tourist attractions and to those who wish to dine where the locals regularly go.
A casual and welcoming atmosphere of a local diner.
One of the charms of Raihou is its relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy for first-time visitors to feel at home. While it’s not a restaurant specifically designed for tourists, this adds to the comfort of enjoying a meal in a natural setting. Whether you're traveling solo or dining with family and friends, it's a great place to experience the vibe of a local Japanese eatery.
The 800 yen fried rice set is packed with flavor and generous portions!
Our top recommendation is the fried rice set. Priced at 800 yen, it includes fried rice, half a ramen, and even chilled tofu, making it a highly satisfying meal. When the dish arrives, you'll be amazed by the generous portion, thinking to yourself, "Is this really just 800 yen?"
The half ramen that comes with the set features a traditional soy sauce flavor. While the broth is light, it has a wonderful aroma and offers a satisfying experience that doesn't feel like a half portion. It's a taste that can be enjoyed even by those who have been indulging in heavier dishes during their travels.
The fried rice is fragrant and has a light texture, making it less oily. Its gentle saltiness pairs perfectly with half a ramen, encouraging you to keep eating.
We also recommend the mildly sweet and easy-to-eat Mapo Yakisoba!
Additionally, the Mapo Yakisoba that we ordered separately was also impressive. The sweet and flavorful Mapo Tofu clings well to the noodles, ensuring that the taste remains consistent until the last bite. The spiciness is mild, making it an easy dish for international tourists who may not be accustomed to Japanese Chinese cuisine. It's perfect for noodle lovers and those looking to try local flavors!
A satisfying spot to drop by during your sightseeing adventures.
The "Chuka Hanten Raiho" is not a high-end restaurant or a trendy spot. However, it offers a satisfying experience where you can fill your belly for under 1,000 yen, along with flavors that have been cherished by locals for a long time. When you visit the Hitachinaka area and want to enjoy a meal in a relaxed atmosphere, be sure to stop by. You’ll get to experience the simple and warm charm of Japanese town-style Chinese cuisine, as well as a taste of everyday life in Hitachinaka, which is different from typical tourist spots.