Jan 12, 2017 - 1 min read

Hanasanshou

Where ramen meets authentic Sichuan spices

By Sherilyn Siy

Community writer

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Wood panels and furnitue make for a warm and cozy interior, far from the rushed atmosphere of many ramen joints.

Hanasanshou is kid-friendly. Their okusama set (kid's set) includes a mild, almost sweet, but full flavored soup topped with kids' favorites, and a juice box.

The spiciest noodle on the menu called mala which leaves a tongue numbing sensation. Not for the faint hearted.

The winged gyoza is the perfect accompaniment to ramen. Crispy wings give way to hot succulent meat filling.

For a healthy twist, try the tomato dandanmen -- their bestselling dandanmen enhanced with the sweet tartness of tomatoes.

Authentic Sichuan peppers are used in making the noodle soup. This illustrates how the spices and fragrant oils are slowly incorporated in the cooking process, creating a one of a kind soup base for the noodles.

Saitama is home to a noodle restaurant chain famous for its use of authentic Sichuan spices, which are not easy to find in Japan. Sichuan cuisine is particularly famous for mala – ma (麻) which means "numbing" and la (辣) which means "spicy (hot.)" So called because mala dishes curiously cause tongue numbing. At Hanasanshou, diners can enjoy ramen, dandanmen, and tsukemen (dipped noodles) in broth specially crafted with Sichuan peppers and fragrant oils. Not exactly a fan of spicy food but would still like to try the full-bodied and deep flavors of traditional Sichuan fare? Not to worry. You can select the spice level of your ramen. Hanasanshou is kid and family-friendly. I highly recommend getting their winged gyoza and order additional topping of braised pork, which is one of the tastiest and most tender pork I've ever had. This noodle joint is particularly popular in the winter, when people crave something hot and spicy to warm the belly. Hanasanshou has branches in Sayama, Tsurugashima and Hidaka.