Sannomiya Ikkanrou Main Store

Founded in 1954 in Kobe’s Arata Town as a small, local Chinese eatery, Sannomiya Ikkanrou has grown into a beloved institution—especially famous for its signature butaman (steamed pork buns), created by the original head chef. Over time, these juicy buns have become nothing short of soul food for the people of Kobe.

The filling is made from carefully selected domestic pork and sweet, flavorful onions, while the soft and chewy dough is crafted using a custom blend of several types of flour. In addition to the classic size, options include “Chibi Butaman” (mini pork buns), “Piri Pao” (spicy buns mixed with gochujang), and limited-edition seasonal flavors. Amazingly, the shop makes 8,000 to 10,000 pork buns by hand every day.
A major attraction is the live pork bun-making demonstration, a tradition started by the previous generation. As customers wait, they can enjoy the immersive experience of watching the ingredients being wrapped in dough and steamed right before their eyes.

The shop’s first floor is for takeout, while the second floor houses a dine-in area (currently under renovation as of March 28, 2025, with possible changes to the restaurant format upon reopening). The eat-in menu features not only butaman but also a full lineup of Chinese comfort foods like ramen, champon, fried rice, and rice bowls. Dishes like shrimp shumai and boiled dumplings are perfect with a glass of Shaoxing wine or beer.