๐ข Great in Tokyo — Taste Hiroshima’s “Shirunashi Tantanmen” Right Here in Tokyo (King-Ken)
Tokyo offers a true Hiroshima-style noodle experience. King-Ken, born in Hiroshima, serves authentic “shirunashi tantanmen”—a soupless spicy noodle built on aged soy paste, homemade chili oil, and freshly ground peppercorns. Its Tokyo branches, including Shiba Park, reproduce the original’s sharp aroma and numbing spice so precisely that you can feel Hiroshima’s spirit without leaving the city.
Last updated: 2025-11-09
Introduction
King-Ken originated in Hiroshima as a specialist in shirunashi tantanmen. The blend of aged soy paste, aromatic chili oil, and freshly ground sanshล 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. ๐
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?
๐ข 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.
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