Located in the Yushima area of Tokyo, just a short walk from Ueno Station, “Shisen Tantanmen Aun Yushima” (hereafter referred to as “Aun”) is a name known by every enthusiast of tantanmen (the Japanese version of Szechuan dandan noodles)—a legendary establishment.
Today, shops specializing in dandan noodles are not uncommon. However, Aun has been serving customers since a time when such specialty stores were rare, making it a trailblazer in the field.
The dandan noodles at Aun can be divided into two main varieties: white sesame dandan noodles, known for its creamy and mellow flavor, and black sesame dandan noodles, with its unique bitterness and rich depth.
From there, the menu further branches out into three options: dandan noodles with soup, dandan noodles without soup (dry-style), and dandan noodles served with dipping sauce.
“担担つけ麺,” Dandan noodles with dipping sauce 1,150 JPY (tax included)
Aun’s signature “Szechuan dandan noodles with Soup”
The first item to highlight is their signature noodle dish made with white sesame, the “White sesame dandan noodles with Soup”.
“白胡麻担担麺,” White sesame dandan noodles with Soup 1,100 JPY (tax included)
Upon entering the shop, purchase a ticket from the vending machine, then inform the staff of your desired chili oil spice level and numbing sensation from hua jiao (Chinese pepper).
At Aun, both spice and numbing heat levels range from 0 to 5, with the shop’s recommendation being spice level 3 and numbing level 2. There’s also a sixth level available for an additional charge of 100 JPY. If it’s your first visit, the staff recommends starting at spice level 2 and numbing level 2.
The soup for this dish is brimming with rich umami flavor, extracted from chicken bones. To this, a house-made paste, created from a blend of sesame varieties, is added, giving the dish its signature aroma and smooth finish.
The white sesame paste delivers an especially refined, fragrant aroma that is truly exceptional. While the black sesame dandan noodles is equally tempting, if you prefer a creamy and mild richness, the white sesame dandan noodles is a must-try.
Enhancing the flavor is their homemade chili oil and hua jiao, both indispensable to dandan noodles. The chili oil is made in-house with a blend of spices and medicinal herbs, while the Chinese peppers are carefully selected for their intense aroma. Only the most fragrant outer shells of the peppercorns are used, ground fresh daily on-site to ensure peak flavor.
The balance of spiciness, numbing heat, and creamy white sesame flavor makes for a bowl that disappears before you know it.
For those with a bigger appetite, adding a topping of “deep-fried pork” (pākō, Japan’s version of pai gu Chinese pork ribs, often boneless and breaded), is highly recommended.
“パーコー,” deep-fried pork
The deep-fried pork features a crispy batter, but dipping it into the soup before eating is a great way to enjoy it. At Aun, it has a unique curry flavor.
As the soup soaks into the batter, it becomes more spicy and delicious. Together with the juicy umami of the pork, everything blends beautifully as the flavors spread across your palate.
The rich, bitter flavor of the “Black Sesame dandan noodles without Soup”
Next up is the “Black Sesame dandan noodles without Soup.” This dry-style dandan noodles is one of Aun’s signature dishes, and a must-try for any visitor.
“黒胡麻つゆ無し,” Black Sesame dandan noodles without Soup 1,100 JPY
For this dish, flat, thick noodles are used, different from the ones served with soup. These shiny, chewy noodles are topped with zāshan (Japan’s version of the Chinese fermented soybean-based sauce zhajiang, blended with ground meat), dried shrimp, mizuna greens, radish sprouts, and soy-marinated greens.
To eat, thoroughly mix the noodles and toppings with the black sesame sauce at the bottom of the bowl before taking your first bite. Without the soup, the rich flavor and depth of the black sesame paste comes through more directly.
It has a delightful complexity that doesn’t rely on sweetness or intense flavors to impress, featuring a unique bitterness that will surprise and delight your taste buds. The lingering, nuanced aftertaste makes it hard to put your chopsticks down!
The zashan plays an essential role in the dish. Seasoned with the shop’s own blend of tianmian sauce (a Chinese sauce made with fermented wheat flour and soybeans, usually sweetly flavored in Japan) and doubanjiang (a spicy, salty, fermented bean paste that’s a key ingredient in Szechuan cuisine), it achieves a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
For the best experience, stick to the shop’s recommended spice and numbing levels. Restraining these stimulants in your selection will let the unique richness of the black sesame shine through.
For a mid-meal twist, try adding vinegar from the table. The hint of tanginess transforms the dish, bringing out fruity notes and sharpening the overall flavor. Give it a try!
Experience the richness of the “Dandan noodles with dipping sauce”
Finally, we would be remiss not to introduce the “Dandan noodles with dipping sauce,” a favorite among devoted fans. The dipping sauce combines white sesame paste with red miso, creating a rich and flavorful “miso sesame sauce.” The flat, thick noodles match perfectly with the bold flavors of the dipping sauce.
“担担つけ麺,” Dandan noodles with dipping sauce 1,150 JPY (tax included)
As with the other dishes, you can customize the levels of spiciness and numbing heat.
At Aun, they use three different types of chili oil depending on the selected spice level, showcasing their attention to detail. Moreover, the ingredients used in each of the three chili oils are carefully varied to ensure the perfect flavor.
Rather than simply increasing the amount of chili oil to make the dish spicier—which could lead to an overpowering aftertaste—they adjust the types of spices and ingredients for each level. This approach preserves the balance of flavors in the toppings, sauce, and overall dish.
Wood ear mushroom toppings add a satisfying crunch
Their meticulous attention to detail ensures every dish is a masterpiece, leaving customers deeply satisfied. It’s no wonder Shisen Tantanmen Aun Yushima continues to captivate tantanmen fans year after year!
Exterior of Shisen Tantanmen Aun in Yushima
Information
| Store name | 四川担担麺 阿吽 湯島本店 Shisen Tantanmen Aun Yushima |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-25-11 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Yushima Station Short walk from Exit 5
Ueno-hirokoji Station 5-minute walk from Exit A4
Okachimachi Station 5-minute walk from Exit A4 Okachimachi Station 6-minute walk from Okachimachi Station South Exit Okachimachi Station 9-minute walk from Exit 4 |
| Phone number | 03-3834-6350 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | Mon, Wed-Fri. 11:00-14:30, 17:30-21:00 Sat. 11:00-15:00, 17:30-21:00 Sun. 11:00-15:00, 17:30-20:30 |
| Closed | Tuesday (Wednesday in case of national holiday or substitute holiday) |
| Seating | 16 seats 8 counter seats, 8 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://szechuan-aun.com/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of November 2024.
