Soupless Dan Dan Noodles

About Soupless Dan Dan Noodles

In Japan, Dan Dan Noodles are typically served in a rich soup, but in Sichuan Province, China—the birthplace of Dan Dan Noodles—the traditional style is soupless. Sichuan cuisine is known for its concept of "seven flavors" (qi wei), which includes 1: numbing (ma), 2: spicy (la), 3: sweet (tian), 4: salty (xian), 5: sour (suan), 6: bitter (ku), and 7: aromatic (xiang). Dan Dan Noodles are celebrated for showcasing all of these flavors in harmony.

Hiroshima’s version of Soupless Dan Dan Noodles (汁なし担々麺, shiru-nashi tantanmen) highlights the spiciness of chili oil paired with the numbing sensation of Sichuan pepper (hua jiao). It typically features fine or medium-fine low water content noodles, which perfectly capture the flavorful sauce. Toppings can include minced meat with miso, green onions, and creative additions like soft-boiled eggs, Chinese cabbage, or celery, with many specialized shops offering their own unique variations.

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