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Staff Pick: Dive into Tantan Tsukemen at Asakusa Seimenjo

TOKYO-Food & Drinks

Hey, fellow food explorers! 🌟 Ready to dive into a delicious Japanese dish that’s not as mainstream as ramen but equally mouth-watering? Say hello to tsukemen!


What’s Tsukemen? 🧐

Picture this: you’re in Japan, it’s summer, and the thought of slurping a piping hot bowl of ramen feels like too much. Enter tsukemen, the cool cousin of ramen that’s here to save the day. Tsukemen is essentially a deconstructed ramen where the noodles and broth are served separately. You dip the noodles into a rich, flavorful broth and then slurp them up. Sounds fun, right? It’s interactive, customizable, and oh-so-delicious.


Why Tsukemen? 🤔

Why not? Sure, ramen gets all the love, but tsukemen is like that hidden gem you’ll want to brag about discovering. Here’s why you should give it a go:

  •  Cool and Refreshing: Perfect for those sweltering summer days. The noodles can be served cold, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty broth.
  •  Flavor Explosion: The dipping sauce is concentrated and bursting with umami. Every dip and slurp is an adventure.
  •  Customizable: Like it spicy? Add some chili oil. Prefer a milder taste? Go easy on the dipping. It’s your meal, your way.
  •  Unique Experience: Let’s be honest, how many people back home can say they’ve tried tsukemen? You’ll be the foodie trendsetter among your friends.

Where to Try Tsukemen? 🍜

For me, there is an amazing place to try it, and it is close to our Hostel!

Welcome to Asakusa Seimenjo (浅草製麵所, in english is a kind of “hand made noodles)

Address: here

Monday
Off
Tuesday
11AM–10:30PM
Wednesday
11AM–10:30PM
Thursday
11AM–10:30PM
Friday
11AM–10:30PM
Saturday
11AM–10:30PM
Sunday
11AM–10:30PM

Located in the heart of Asakusa, this place is a noodle lover’s paradise. Here’s why Asakusa Seimenjo should be on your must-visit list:

  • Handmade Noodles: Watch as they craft fresh noodles right before your eyes. It doesn’t get fresher than this!

  • User-Friendly Menu: They offer a digital menu with an English option, making it super easy for non-Japanese speakers to order.

  • Delicious Tapas: Beyond the noodles, they serve an array of mouth-watering tapas like fried octopus, fried calamari, and fried chicken. Perfect for sharing or for those who love to mix and match flavors.

  • Variety of Tsukemen: They offer several types of tsukemen, including miso tsukemen, shoyu tsukemen, and the crown jewel (at least for me) — tantan tsukemen.

What Makes Tantan Tsukemen So Special? 🍜

Tantan tsukemen at Asakusa Seimenjo is a dish that showcases the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Here’s what makes it stand out:

  • Rich, Creamy Sauce: The dipping sauce is made from a blend of sesame paste, peanut butter, and chili oil. This creates a creamy, nutty base with just the right amount of heat.
  • Flavor Explosion: The sauce also includes garlic, ginger, and miso, providing depth and umami that will leave you craving more.
  • Handmade Noodles: Thick, chewy, and perfectly suited for dipping, these noodles are the star of the show.
  • Toppings Galore: Enjoy the delightful crunch of fresh vegetables like bok choy and the savory goodness of minced pork cooked to perfection.


How to Enjoy Your Tantan Tsukemen Like a Pro 🚀
  • Dip, Don’t Dunk: Grab a bundle of noodles with your chopsticks, dip them into the creamy, spicy sauce, and then slurp them up. Each bite will be packed with flavor.
  • Mix and Match: Add a bit of extra chili oil if you like it spicier, or throw in some pickled vegetables for an extra zing (for me, don’t need it, already is perfect)

Final Slurp 🥢

So, next time you’re in Japan, skip the ramen (just this once) and go for tantan tsukemen. It’s a cool, interactive, and delicious way to experience Japanese cuisine. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.