Hello, I am a ramen-loving traveler. In this issue, we would like to introduce you to Ramen Noodle Stop Tantan, a restaurant hidden away in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, known only to those in the know. Located at 2345 Kamishinden, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture (992-0118), this restaurant is famous for its "Jigoku Ramen" (hell ramen), which is a must-visit for those who love spicy ramen, and I had a chance to enjoy the gap between spicy and delicious. If you like spicy food, this will surely be a memorable one.
Atmosphere and Access
Ramen Noodle Stop Tantan is a log house-style building, easily accessible from downtown Yonezawa and the hot spring resort area.
It was relocated and opened at its current location in August 2021, with the background of being a ramen specialty restaurant affiliated with Imari Shigeru, which previously operated as an izakaya. ([turn0search2])
Another major attraction of this restaurant is that it is open for morning rah-rah, with information that its hours of operation are weekdays: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, and weekends and holidays: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Parking is available, and the restaurant is equipped with counter and table seating, making it easy to enter even if you are alone.
Upon entering the restaurant, one finds a spacious structure surrounded by log-style wood. The sounds of boiling noodles and the aroma of soup wafting through the air heighten one's anticipation. When you take a seat and open the menu, you will first see words such as "Jigoku Ramen," "Yonezawa Ramen," and "Aizu Yamashio Ramen.
Finally, meet "Jigoku Ramen"!
The signature menu item at this restaurant is, by far, the most popular. ramen from hellThe spiciness can be selected. The spiciness can be selected from the following levels: "1-chome (small spiciness)," "3-chome (medium spiciness)," "5-chome (big spiciness)," and "hell (super spiciness).
Reading the reviews, one can feel the passion of those who challenge the spiciness. One blogger reported, "Even at 3-chome (medium spicy), I could choke," and "bright red soup with stir-fried vegetables and minced chicken, covered with chili and chili oil.
I tried the "Hell" this time. The bowl arrived shortly after I ordered, and it was bright red to the naked eye. It consisted of a layer of chili peppers and raayu floating on the surface of the soup, a pile of stir-fried vegetables, and medium-thick noodles.
First, a sip. Wow, it's spicy. The heat gradually rises from the bottom of the soup, and your body naturally reacts. However, there was a richness that seemed to come from the miso base, giving it a "spicy flavor" that was more than just hot. The reviewer also wrote, "The gentle richness and the stimulation of the chili pepper intertwine well.
Slurp the noodles and eat the stir-fried vegetables, breaking them up with your chopsticks. The noodles are firm, medium-thick, and filling. I was convinced that "if you like hot sauce, you will want to choose this dish. Sweat beads on your forehead are a reminder of your trip to Japan.
However, I felt it was spicy even though I have a tolerance for spicy food. I understand why the reviewer said, "Be prepared for 5 chome (very spicy) or more.
Even so, the satisfaction of finishing the dish was exceptional. This is because after overcoming the spiciness, the structure and flavor of the ramen were waiting for us. The balance between the noodles, ingredients, and broth transcended the framework of being extremely spicy and became a "delicious ramen. The review score of 3.8 also confirms this.
Other Menu & Things to do
Of course, the hot and spicy is not the only attraction of this restaurant.
- Yonezawa Ramen: Light soy sauce-based ramen, recommended for beginners as it is typical of the local Yonezawa area.
- Aizu Yama-Shio Ramen: Salt ramen made with mountain salt from Aizu, Fukushima. Good for warming up before tackling the spiciness.
- Side menu: A variety of hearty dishes such as gyoza (dumplings), sauced pork cutlet bowl, half bowl of rice, etc. are also available.
The fact that "morning ramen" is available also makes the plan of leaving early in the morning and having the first meal of the trip at this restaurant attractive. If you are traveling to the nature-rich Yonezawa area, sweating ramen in the morning will be a good memory.
Visiting Tips and Notes
- Choose spiciness carefully.If you are a beginner, we recommend that you start with "1-chome".
- Sweat and hydration measuresThe hot and spicy food is very hot and you will sweat easily afterwards, so it is a good idea to have a beverage ready.
- How to choose the time of dayDuring busy times (around lunchtime), there may be a wait time. It is also a good idea to take advantage of the morning hours.
- Parking and AccessParking available. The log house style store is easy to find.
- Payment Method: Some reviews stated "no credit cards". It is safe to have cash ready.
To top it off: the appeal of the noodles beyond the intense spiciness.
The hellish ramen experience at "Ramen Stop Tantan" was impressive to me in that it did not end with just "eating spicy ramen. The heat, the stimulation, the sweat, and the lingering feeling of "satisfaction" at the end. The taste of sweat on a trip is also very special.
If you are planning to travel to the Yonezawa area, or if you are in the mood for a "spicy day! If you are planning a trip to Yonezawa area, or if you are in the mood for spicy food, please visit this restaurant. Whether you are a fan of spicy food or just want a little challenge, there is sure to be something to satisfy you.
Be sure to visit someday!
Location Information:
Ramen Noodle Stop, Tantan
Address: 2345 Kamishinden, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-0118
Phone: 0238-33-9776