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Hiroshima-Style Shirunashi Tantanmen at King-Ken — Hiroshima Spice Recreated in Tokyo

🟢 Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.

Hiroshima-style shirunashi tantanmen (soupless spicy noodles) from King-Ken — chewy wheat noodles, creamy meat sauce, fragrant chili oil, and numbing sanshō pepper, all recreated in Tokyo under supervision from the Hiroshima main shop.

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Shirunashi tantanmen topped with green onions, Tokyo (King-Ken), glossy chili oil

Introduction

King-Ken originated in Hiroshima as a specialist in shirunashi tantanmen. The blend of aged soy paste, aromatic chili oil, and freshly ground sanshō pepper creates a vivid balance of heat and fragrance. With locations in Tokyo—such as Shiba Park—the restaurant recreates the Hiroshima-born recipe under direct supervision from its main shop, letting visitors experience this “mix-to-finish” noodle culture in the capital.

What to Try

The signature bowl is Shirunashi Tantanmen (Level 2 spice). Mix it about thirty times before eating to evenly coat the noodles with sauce and oil, unlocking layers of flavor. Add a hot spring egg to mellow the heat, or finish with a scoop of rice (“oji-meshi”) to absorb the remaining sauce—an authentic Hiroshima touch. 🍚

How to Order

Buy a meal ticket at the vending machine near the entrance and hand it to the counter staff. Choose your spice level (1–4) and toppings like chopped green onion or a hot spring egg. English menus are available, so even first-time visitors can order smoothly. You can simply say, “Shirunashi Tantanmen, two-spice, please.” A drizzle of vinegar on the table brightens the flavor toward the end.

Tokyo or Trip?

🟢 Great in Tokyo — The Hiroshima original, faithfully served in Tokyo.

King-Ken brings the authentic Hiroshima-style experience to Tokyo with supervision from its main shop. Travelers can fully enjoy the famous numbing and spicy noodles without leaving the capital—then visit Hiroshima next time to explore the hometown flavor in person.

🍜 Craving more noodle adventures?

This is just one of the many amazing styles you can find here. Discover rich Tonkotsu, classic Shoyu, and more in our complete guide:
👉 A Local's Guide to Japanese Ramen Styles in Tokyo

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About "Taste of Japan"

Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.

Why Togoshi-Ginza?

This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.

My Wish as a Local

I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.

The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"

Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.

This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.

Our Rating System:
  • 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
  • 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
  • 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.
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Location: 日本、広島県

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