No. 46 If you're recommending Chinese food to an Indian friend who loves Nagasaki, is Ringer Hut heresy?
The other day, an Indian friend of mine who loves Nagasaki dearly said to me,
"I want to eat Nagasaki-style Chinese food!"
That is what they said.
At that moment, the Battle of Sekigahara—a decisive clash between the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown faction and the Ringer Hut faction—began in my head.
But let me think about it calmly.
In Nagasaki, a city that has embraced cultures from all over the world, including Portugal, China, and the Netherlands, arguing over what is "authentic" and what is "heresy" doesn't really feel like Nagasaki at all.
After all, Champon is a symbol of a culture that mixes things together.
If that's the case, wouldn't an Indian who loves Nagasaki eating Champon at Ringer Hut also be a wonderful form of international exchange?
In fact, I want to be grateful.
Grateful that they came to love Nagasaki from a country so far away.
Grateful that they took an interest in a foreign port town.
And above all, grateful that their eyes light up in front of a bowl of Champon.
Perhaps world peace doesn't start at international conferences, but rather on the other side of the steam rising from a bowl of Champon.
Although, if he were to say,
"It needs more spice"
and pull out some garam masala, that would be a different story.
That is the only moment when the people of Nagasaki would be quietly shaken.
However, five minutes later,
"You know, that's actually surprisingly good..."
I have a feeling someone would say that.
That is the kind of city Nagasaki is.
It is broad-minded, a little easygoing, and welcomes people from all over the world.
I am sincerely grateful to everyone around the world who loves Nagasaki.
Cheers to the friendship that lies beyond a bowl of champon.
#Nagasaki #Champon #RingerHut #NagasakiLove #IndiaAndJapan #InternationalExchange #FoodCulture #Humor #TravelMemories #Gratitude #TheWorldIsConnectedByTheDiningTable #Nagasaki #Champon #RingerHut #FoodCulture #JapanAndIndia #TravelWriting #Gratitude #Friendship #Humor #FoodConnectsPeople