What is chashu?

What is Chashu?

Chashu (チャーシュー) is derived from the Chinese char siu but prepared differently in Japan. Rather than being oven-roasted and glazed like Chinese char siu, Japanese chashu is braised in a closed pot with soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sake, and sugar, giving it a glossy, tender texture. It's commonly served sliced on ramen but also appears as a main in donburi (rice bowl) dishes.

Taste and texture

Rich, slightly sweet, and deeply savory. The pork belly has alternating layers of lean meat and fat; the fat becomes translucent and soft after braising. The soy-mirin glaze coats each slice.

Typical ingredients

• Pork belly
• Soy sauce
• Mirin
• Sake
• Sugar
• Green onion (in the braise)
• Ginger

Common allergens to ask about

The following allergens are commonly present in Chashu. Ingredient lists vary by restaurant — always confirm with your server if you have dietary restrictions.

• Soy
• Wheat (soy sauce may contain wheat — check if gluten-free is needed)

How it's served

Chilled, then sliced 5–10 mm thick and placed on ramen or rice. Some restaurants torch the top slice for a caramelized finish. Served warm from the bowl in ramen applications.

Order it if you like…

Order it if you enjoy braised pork, pork belly, or anything slowly cooked in a soy-based sauce. It's one of the most reliable proteins on a Japanese menu.

Similar dishes

Tonkotsu Ramen · Gyudon · See all dishes in the dictionary

Reading the menu that lists Chashu

Use ChefBear to scan the menu and see every dish — including Chashu — with a photo, description, and a recommendation for your taste. For a full guide to Japanese menus, see how to read a Japanese menu.

Frequently asked questions

Is chashu the same as char siu?

Related but different. Chinese char siu is roasted in a hot oven and has a sticky red glaze. Japanese chashu is braised, pale brown, and softer — the fat stays intact rather than caramelizing on the outside.

Can I order extra chashu at a ramen shop?

Yes. Most ramen shops offer extra chashu (チャーシュー増し, chashu mashi) as an add-on. Some shops have a chashu don (rice bowl with chashu) on the menu as well.

Is chashu served hot or cold?

Typically room-temperature or slightly chilled when added to the bowl, then warmed by the hot broth. Some shops lightly torch the pork to warm it before serving.