When visiting Miyajima, most travelers look forward to seeing the iconic floating torii gate, exploring Itsukushima Shrine, and experiencing the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
But sightseeing is only one part of the Hiroshima experience.
Lunch is the perfect opportunity to discover another side of the region—its unique local food culture.
If you love noodles and bold flavors, one Hiroshima specialty you shouldn’t miss is Shirunashi Tantanmen, Hiroshima-style soupless spicy noodles.
What Is Shirunashi Tantanmen?
Shirunashi Tantanmen literally means “tantan noodles without soup.”
Unlike regular ramen, the noodles are served with a flavorful sauce rather than a bowl of broth.
One of its defining characteristics is the aroma and tingling sensation of Japanese sansho pepper.
Before eating, mix the noodles thoroughly so that the sauce and seasonings coat every strand.
The combination of savory flavor, spice, and fragrant sansho creates a distinctive taste that has become one of Hiroshima’s popular local noodle specialties.
A Different Side of Hiroshima’s Food Culture
When people think about Hiroshima food, the first dishes that often come to mind are oysters and Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki.
But Hiroshima also has a rich noodle culture.
Local favorites include:
Trying different noodle dishes is a great way to experience Hiroshima beyond the usual tourist favorites.
Why Try Shirunashi Tantanmen for Lunch?
After spending the morning walking around Miyajima, you may want something flavorful and satisfying for lunch.
Shirunashi Tantanmen is an excellent choice.
Because there is no large bowl of soup, the flavors of the sauce, noodles, and sansho pepper come through directly.
Mix everything together before your first bite and enjoy how the flavor develops with every mouthful.
If you enjoy spicy food, it’s especially worth trying.
The Unique Flavor of Sansho Pepper
One of the most memorable elements of Hiroshima-style Shirunashi Tantanmen is sansho.
Japanese sansho pepper is different from chili pepper.
Rather than simply adding heat, it provides a fresh aroma and characteristic tingling sensation on the tongue.
Combined with the savory sauce and noodles, it creates the distinctive spicy and numbing flavor associated with Hiroshima-style soupless tantanmen.
Enjoy Hiroshima’s Local Noodles Near Miyajima
After sightseeing on Miyajima—or before taking the ferry—you can enjoy Hiroshima’s local noodle culture at Hiroshima Ramen Momiji.
The restaurant is located inside etto at Miyajimaguchi, making it convenient for travelers visiting Miyajima.
In addition to Shirunashi Tantanmen, the menu includes:
- Hiroshima Ramen
- Hiroshima Oyster Ramen (White)
- Hiroshima Oyster Ramen (Red)
- Hiroshima Tsukemen
- Vegan Miso Ramen
This means groups can choose different Hiroshima noodle dishes and experience several local flavors together.ima Oyster Ramen became one of the highlights of their trip.
Which Hiroshima Noodle Should You Try?
If you’re not sure what to order, think about the flavor you’re looking for.
For a classic Hiroshima ramen experience:
Try Hiroshima Ramen.
For a creamy local specialty:
Choose Oyster Ramen (White), featuring a creamy miso tonkotsu broth.
For something rich and spicy:
Try Oyster Ramen (Red).
For a refreshing noodle dish:
Choose Hiroshima Tsukemen.
For spicy noodles with aromatic sansho:
Try Shirunashi Tantanmen.
Each one offers a different way to discover Hiroshima’s noodle culture.
Add Hiroshima Food to Your Miyajima Experience
Miyajima gives travelers the chance to experience some of Japan’s most beautiful scenery and historic landmarks.
But don’t let your trip end with sightseeing alone.
Trying a local Hiroshima dish adds another memory to your journey.
If you’ve already tried oysters or Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, make Shirunashi Tantanmen your next Hiroshima specialty.
Its combination of savory sauce, spicy flavor, and fragrant sansho makes it a noodle dish unlike ordinary ramen—and a delicious lunch to enjoy during your Miyajima trip.It’s the perfect lunch to complete your Miyajima adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Hiroshima Shirunashi Tantanmen?
Shirunashi Tantanmen is a soupless noodle dish known in Hiroshima for its savory sauce, spicy flavor, and aromatic Japanese sansho pepper.
Q. Is Shirunashi Tantanmen ramen?
Not exactly. While both are noodle dishes, Shirunashi Tantanmen is served without a bowl of soup. The noodles are mixed thoroughly with sauce and seasonings before eating.
Q. Is Shirunashi Tantanmen spicy?
Yes. It has a spicy flavor, but one of its most distinctive characteristics is the tingling sensation and aroma of Japanese sansho pepper.
Q. How should I eat Shirunashi Tantanmen?
Mix the noodles thoroughly with the sauce and toppings before eating. This helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
Q. Where can I eat Shirunashi Tantanmen near Miyajima?
Hiroshima Ramen Momiji is located inside etto in Miyajimaguchi and serves Shirunashi Tantanmen along with several other Hiroshima noodle specialties.
