Chashu Don

While originally from Cantonese cuisine, Japanese chashu differs in that it is braised and marinated with a teriyaki-like flavour. It is most commonly served with ramen, but can also be enjoyed in dishes such as donburi or fried rice. Chashu is typically rolled before cooking, creating a beautiful swirl pattern when sliced. The end cuts are often used to prepare chashu don or chashu fried rice — simple, hearty meals traditionally served to ramen shop employees, known in Japanese as makanai meshi (まかない飯). Some of these makanai dishes have since gained popularity and found their way onto menus across Japan.