Chiba Prefecture has many foods described as B-class gourmet or regional specialties. Among the most energetic and increasingly famous in recent years is Katsuura Tantanmen.
Eating the real dish in Katsuura is undoubtedly best, but souvenir shops also carry a wide range of related products.
Acecook even sells a cup-noodle version, although that can sometimes be found in supermarkets throughout Japan. If choosing a souvenir, it is more interesting to pick something less ordinary.
I previously introduced Katsuura Tantanmen Topping, a condiment for rice. This time, I am reviewing a collaboration with another celebrated Chiba product: peanuts.
I purchased it at Michi-no-Eki Mizunosato Sawara in northeastern Chiba.
Katsuura Tantanmen Peanut-Age (Yamasu)
The package contains five 15 g bags and costs ¥360 including tax.
Katsuura Tantanmen, a B-1 Grand Prix favorite, is one of Chiba’s famous local dishes.
Visit almost any souvenir shop in the prefecture and you are likely to see a Katsuura Tantanmen-related product, so this time I chose the snack version.
A large photograph of bright red, obviously spicy Katsuura Tantanmen dominates the package.
I was also pleased to see the words “Made with peanuts grown in Chiba Prefecture.”
Even within Chiba, many products use peanuts imported from China, so the origin is worth checking.
The best-before period is printed on the back and is approximately 90 days.
The large outer bag contains five small bags, each about the size of a Baby Star Ramen packet.
Each contains 15 g and 90 kilocalories. The single-serving size is convenient.
These red pieces of fried rice cake look visibly spicy.
They are generously coated in Katsuura Tantanmen seasoning.
Taste and Satisfaction: Trying Katsuura Tantanmen Peanut-Age
Now, let’s eat.
The bite-sized pieces are easy to pop into the mouth.
They begin with a light, crisp texture.
Then comes a sharp tingle—more accurately, a powerful electric burst of heat.
The seasoning is not merely hot. A faint sweetness keeps the flavor balanced, and the aroma of bonito comes through clearly.
The peanuts are crushed into small pieces, yet their firm crunch gives them a strong presence.
Their savory richness and toasted fragrance arrive in waves, making it difficult to stop eating.
The chili-oil heat and bold seasoning linger, and they make beer almost impossible to put down.
The stimulation may be a little too strong for children.
For people who love spicy food, however, it is irresistible.
As a souvenir, this kind of clear, powerful impact may be received more enthusiastically than a timid flavor designed to please absolutely everyone.
Thank you for the meal!
We continue to explore Chiba souvenirs, and the page below should also help.
Katsuura Tantanmen Peanut-Age Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Katsuura Tantanmen Peanut-Age |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | Yamasu Co., Ltd. |
| Address | 7-16-2 Kokubunjidai Chuo, Ichihara, Chiba, Japan |
| Expiration Date | Approximately 90 days |
| Place of Purchase | Michi-no-Eki Mizu no Sato Sawara |
| Price | ¥360 |
