Chiba Prefecture has remarkably different personalities from one area to another.
Its souvenirs also reflect each locality so clearly that exploring them never becomes boring.
This time I tried something connected with Katsuura Tantanmen—although it was not actually a bowl of ramen.
Katsuura Tantanmen from Chiba won recognition through the B-1 Grand Prix and has become famous throughout Japan.
When I found a product that seemed to offer an easy taste of that local dish at home, I immediately bought it.
I found it at Michi-no-Eki Ichikawa, which opened in 2018.
Katsuura Tantanmen Topping by Sawarabi
A 110-gram jar costs ¥602.
The label explains the history and character of Katsuura Tantanmen.
It also says the product is supervised by the “Nekketsu Katsuura Tantanmen Sendan.” This is a civic group from Katsuura, and even its name—which suggests a passionate, hot-blooded team—sounds energetic.
The photograph of Katsuura Tantanmen is surrounded by flames, making the contents look extremely spicy. I wondered whether the actual flavor would match that image.
The best-before date appears on the side of the jar. Mine was good for about three months from purchase.
Let us open it.
Many finely chopped ingredients are visible beneath the bright red chili oil.
Trying Katsuura Tantanmen Topping with White Rice
I spooned some over freshly cooked rice.
The sweetness of onion, the satisfying texture of minced meat, and the rich heat of chili oil spread through the mouth. It pairs exceptionally well with rice.
Garlic adds another powerful layer, instantly transforming a plain bowl into a bold and filling meal.
I had actually eaten Katsuura Tantanmen once before, but to be honest, I did not enjoy it very much at the time.
It was years ago at a ramen-themed venue in Odaiba. The soup was lukewarm and the flavor weak, although that may have been a problem with the preparation rather than the dish itself.
A disappointing ramen lunch can affect the mood for the entire day, so even though it happened about seven years ago, I still remember it.
Because television continued to feature Katsuura Tantanmen, I remained skeptical and wondered whether the attention was exaggerated.
This jar, however, has made me want to give the dish another chance in Katsuura itself.
Next time, I want to visit its home city and eat a truly authentic, delicious bowl of Katsuura Tantanmen.
This topping is also highly versatile. It can be stirred into soup, spooned over tofu, or mixed into fried rice, among many other uses.
It was extremely delicious.
Thank you for the meal.
For a collection of souvenirs from across Chiba Prefecture, see the page below.
Katsuura Tantanmen Topping Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Katsuura Tantanmen Topping |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | Sawarabi Co., Ltd. |
| Address | 781 Kozuka, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan |
| Expiration Date | Approximately 3 months |
| Place of Purchase | Michi-no-Eki Ichikawa |
| Price | ¥602 |
