There are many reasonably priced and delicious foods in Kyushu compared to Tokyo, and I would highly recommend milkshakes in Nagasaki.
What is a milkshake? Many people may be wondering.
Nagasaki’s milkshake is an iced dessert that originated in Nagasaki City in the late Taisho and early Showa periods, and is said to have been first made with crushed ice to help beat the intense summer heat.
It is interesting to note that unlike those from other areas, Nagasaki’s milkshakes are not silky and liquid, but rather frozen desserts that are served with a spoon.
So, in this article, I will explain about milkshakes in Nagasaki, their history, points of attraction, recommended famous stores and sightseeing spots in the area, including my own experiences.
I would be very happy if you could help me get to know Nagasaki’s milkshakes.
How did milkshakes themselves come about in the first place?
Milkshakes were born in the United States at the end of the 19th century.
The history of milkshakes is closely linked to the invention of the electric mixer, and early milkshakes were made by shaking crushed ice, milk, sugar, and flavoring by hand.
The invention of the bottom-motor blender in 1922 gave birth to the modern frothy milkshake, which rapidly grew in popularity with the widespread use of electric mixers.
Milkshakes were introduced to Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and initially became a part of Western cuisine.
From the 1950s to the 1960s, milkshakes experienced a resurgence in popularity along with the boom in Western sweets and Western-style beverages, and many coffee shops began serving them.
How are milkshakes in Nagasaki different from those in other parts of Japan?
The Nagasaki milkshake is an iced dessert that originated in Nagasaki City in the late Taisho and early Showa periods.
It is believed that the first coffee shop in Kyushu, Tsuruchan, invented the milkshake with crushed ice to make it easier to beat the intense heat in Nagasaki.
Unlike the common beverage milkshake, the Nagasaki milkshake is an “edible” dessert. It is made by mixing eggs, sugar, condensed milk and shaved ice into a sherbet-like consistency, and is also known as “eating milkshake.
Its distinctive feature is the style in which the milkshake is frozen once and then served crispy.
As a food culture born from Nagasaki’s hot climate, it has become an indispensable dessert, especially in summer.
The fact that it is so easy to make and is often made in ordinary households may be the reason why milkshakes in Nagasaki have developed in their own way…
Three Attractions of Milkshakes in Nagasaki
I have summarized some of the attractions of Nagasaki’s milkshakes.
Crunchy texture and unique way of eating
Unlike most “drinking” milkshakes, Nagasaki’s milkshakes are a frozen dessert that is eaten with a spoon.
It is characterized by its crunchy texture made with plenty of coarse ice, and has become a “Nagasaki gourmet’s story” that surprises people outside of Nagasaki Prefecture.
This cool dessert is an exceptional way to relieve your body after a long day of walking around Nagasaki’s streets, which are full of hills and stairs.
Along with its crunchy texture, the smoothness of the dessert, which melts easily in the mouth, is also one of its charms.
Rich yet refreshing taste
The Nagasaki milkshake combines the richness of milk with the sweetness of egg yolks and condensed milk, and the addition of ice gives it a refreshing aftertaste.
It is characterized by its rich yet refreshing sweetness, and its cool and elegant sweetness fills the mouth.
Each store uses a different blend of ingredients, hidden flavors, and coarseness of ice, allowing each to enjoy its own unique flavor.
There is also the pleasure of exploring the different ratios, textures, and flavors at each store.
Various variations and evolution
In addition to the traditional milkshake, each store in Nagasaki also offers a popular menu of variations using various fruits such as bananas and mangoes.
Many stores offer a variety of flavors such as green tea, cocoa, and orange, which go well with fruits.
The long-established coffee shop “Dohachosen” offers a photogenic dish with a volume that overflows the glass, while “Umino” offers a milkshake cocktail with alcohol and an adult-oriented arrangement.
Furthermore, Nagasaki souvenirs such as langdosha, which reproduce the flavor of milkshake, are now available, making Nagasaki a food culture that continues to evolve while preserving its traditions.
Indeed. It is very interesting that there are so many variations and that they are made with alcohol…
My recommendation for the best milkshake stores in Nagasaki
In this article, I will introduce some of the best milkshake stores in Nagasaki and their recommended menus.
My recommendation for the best milkshake store in Nagasaki
My recommendation for the best milkshake store in Nagasaki
Tsuruchan
✅ Recommended Points
- Founded in 1925 (Taisho 14), Tsuruchan is known as Kyushu’s oldest coffee shop and is the birthplace of Nagasaki milkshakes.
- The first owner invented the “Nagasaki-style (eating) milkshake” and began selling it in 1928.
- It used to be a summer tradition, but is now served throughout the year.
- The restaurant is popular among tourists from Japan and abroad and is known as the originator of two Nagasaki gourmet specialties: turkey rice and milkshakes.
✅ Recommended menu
- Original Nagasaki style milkshake (720 yen)
- The basic recipe is a mixture of sugar, egg yolks, condensed milk, and milk, mixed with shaved ice.
- While refreshing and not too sweet, the condensed milk and egg yolk give it a robust richness.
- This dessert is a must for summer in Nagasaki, but if the volume is too much for you, half-size (420 yen) is also available.
- If you can’t handle the volume, there is a half-size version (420 yen) available. The authentic taste of the restaurant’s retro atmosphere makes it a must-try.
Antique Cafe & Dining Dohassen
✅ Recommended Points
- Founded in 1976, Antique Cafe & Meal Dohassen is one of Nagasaki’s representative retro cafes.
- It is an old-fashioned coffee shop with antique decorations, and is a nationally recognized gourmet spot that has appeared in the movies “Pekoros no Haha ni Aini ni Tsuite” (I’m Going to See My Mother in Pekoros) and “Bananaman no Sekkarugurumi” (Banana Man’s Gourmet).
- The interior has the atmosphere of a Showa-era coffee shop, a “classic space for adults” where you can relax with modern jazz music while admiring the antiques displayed throughout the store.
✅ Recommended menu
- Milkshake (690 yen)
- Copper 8 Sen’s milkshake is served in a refreshing faceted glass, looking like an irido-cloud.
- Made with egg yolks and condensed milk, it is popular for its rich yet refreshing sweetness.
- The thick milkshake, which also contains rough, skinny ice cubes, has just the right amount of sweetness, making it the perfect summer treat.
- In addition to the original milkshake, you can enjoy many other variations such as cocoa, pineapple, green tea, banana, and orange shakes.
Shououken Cafe Seviriya
✅ Recommended Points
- Located on the second floor of the main Shououken store next to Nagasaki City Hall, Café Seviriya is a coffee shop run by a long-established sponge cake specialty store founded in 1681.
- With a bright red carpet and lamps hanging from the ceiling, it is a calm space where you can enjoy a stylish atmosphere with a somewhat retro feel.
- From the exotic atmosphere of the store, you can enjoy a view of the streets of Nagasaki with its streetcars and buses, and spend a relaxing time forgetting about the time.
✅ Recommended menu
- Milkshake (900 yen)
- This Nagasaki specialty milkshake is made with carefully selected eggs and sugar, the same ingredients used in Shououken’s sponge cakes.
- Each one is handmade to order, so it takes a little time, but it is worth the wait.
- The coarsely shaved ice gives it a cool texture that can be enjoyed not only in summer, but all year round.
- We also recommend the “Castella Set,” which allows you to taste Shououken’s castella as well.
- The milkshakes are made with high-quality ingredients from a sponge cake store with a history of more than 300 years, and are characterized by their elegant sweetness.
Oh. Not only the milkshakes, but also the atmosphere of the coffee shop is unique, so it’s really hard to decide which one to choose…
Column: What is the secret ingredient of Nagasaki milkshakes?
The most important secret ingredient in Nagasaki milkshakes is condensed milk.
In addition to the basic ingredients – milk, egg yolk, and sugar – condensed milk makes the texture smoother and the milk flavor richer.
The richness and sweetness of the condensed milk matches perfectly with the refreshing texture of the ice, creating the unique Nagasaki milkshake flavor.
Each store’s recipe is said to be a secret, but the amount of condensed milk and the balance between the condensed milk and sugar lead to the differences in taste among stores.
The “vanilla essence” used to add flavor is also an important secret ingredient, and although it is only a small amount, it reduces the raw egg smell and adds an elegant aroma.
In addition, some stores are particular about the size of the ice, and use coarsely crushed ice to create a unique crunchy texture.
Each store uses different ratios of ingredients, hidden flavors, and sizes of crushed ice to create different tastes and textures, making it possible to enjoy different tastes of the same Nagasaki milkshake at different stores.
Heh. The traditional recipe that each store keeps is the fruit of wisdom born in the hot summer of Nagasaki…
Recommended places to stop by in Nagasaki while dining
Here are three recommended places to stop by in Nagasaki during your meal.
✅ Mount Inasa
Mt. Inasa is a symbol of Nagasaki City and is a popular tourist spot from its 333-meter-high summit, offering a spectacular view of Nagasaki City and the port.
The night view in particular is recognized as one of the “World’s New Three Great Night Views” and is known as the “10 Million Dollar Night View.
Inasa is accessible via a ropeway or a slope car that began operating in 2020. On a clear day, visitors can see not only the Nagasaki city center, but also Unzen, Amakusa, and the Goto Islands.
There is an observatory and restaurant at the top of the mountain, the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful view after having a Nagasaki milkshake.
The Inasa Restaurant “ITADAKI” opened in July 2021, where you can enjoy the spectacular view with food prepared by a chef returning from New York.
