Gifu Local Cuisine: Keichan

Alright, folks, let’s head over to Gifu Prefecture for a real local treat: “Keichan”! This is a hearty and flavorful chicken stir-fry that’s got a ton of regional and family variations. It’s a dish that tells a story of resourcefulness and local pride, so get ready to dig in!

Dish Name: Keichan

• Region / Location: Gujo City, Gero City, and southern Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture.
• Primary Area of Tradition: Gujo City, Gero City, and southern Takayama City.
• Main Ingredients: Chicken, cabbage, onions, and a special sauce.

How It’s Eaten / Served

Keichan is made by stir-frying chicken and vegetables like cabbage, bean sprouts, and seasonal veggies with a special sauce on a griddle or in a jingisukan (Genghis Khan) pot. The sauces and preparation methods vary by region, family, and restaurant. You’ll find miso-based, soy sauce-based, and salt-based versions, each with its own unique flavor profile. That’s part of what makes Keichan so much fun to explore!

Cultural Background and Preservation

Though the flavors vary, “Keichan” refers to chicken and vegetables seasoned with a special sauce and stir-fried. It’s said that Keichan originated around 1950, inspired by Genghis Khan (jingisukan), a dish eaten in some parts of Gifu Prefecture. Local butcher shops and izakayas (Japanese pubs) began to create their own versions around the 1960s, leading to the diverse range of Keichan dishes found throughout the region.

Historically, Keichan started as a way to use chickens raised at home once they stopped laying eggs, providing a valuable source of protein. Back then, it was considered a special dish for celebratory occasions.

The name “Keichan” is believed to come from “Keichan (鶏ちゃん),” similar to how grilled pork offal is called “Tonchan (豚ちゃん),” or from “Keijan (鶏醤),” a combination of “chan (ちゃん),” meaning to mix, and “jan (醤),” meaning sauce.

While it used to be a dish for special occasions when chicken was a precious ingredient, Keichan is now an accessible local dish made with readily available ingredients and seasonings. You can enjoy it year-round in homes and many restaurants.

In the Meihou area of Gujo City, the “Meihou Keichan Research Group” has created a map showcasing restaurants where you can enjoy local Keichan. They also promote it at local events and festivals, contributing to tourism in Gujo City. Keichan is even featured at national food events.

To make it easy to enjoy at home, chicken marinated in special sauces is sold at local farmers’ markets, restaurants, and online.

Additional information:

• Jingisukan (ジンギスカン): Genghis Khan, a Japanese grilled mutton dish.
• Izakaya (居酒屋): A Japanese pub.
• Tonchan (トンチャン): Grilled pork offal.