If you ask our regulars what to order on a first visit, Tantanmen comes up more than almost anything else on the menu. It's not the flashiest bowl we make, but it might be the most quietly perfect — and if you haven't tried it yet, here's exactly what makes it worth ordering.
Where Tantanmen Comes From
Tantanmen is the Japanese adaptation of Sichuan dan dan noodles — originally a dry, spicy noodle dish from China, reimagined in Japan as a soupier, sesame-forward ramen. The result keeps the nutty, savoury backbone of the original while taking on the comforting, broth-heavy character of Japanese ramen.
What's Actually in the Bowl
At machi, our Tantanmen is built around three things working together:
- A nutty sesame broth — the defining feature of the dish, rich and slightly toasty, built to coat the noodles rather than sit thin and watery.
- Minced chicken — simmered until it's savoury and well-seasoned, adding texture and protein without weighing the bowl down.
- A shoyu egg — soft, marinated, and a little indulgent, the classic ramen topping that ties the whole bowl together.
Why the Sesame Broth Works So Well
Sesame is one of those ingredients that manages to be rich without being heavy — it adds body and a toasty depth to the broth without the broth ever feeling greasy. That's part of why Tantanmen tends to be the ramen people come back for again and again: it's comforting enough for a cold day, but balanced enough that you don't feel weighed down after finishing the bowl.
Tantanmen vs. Our Other Ramen Bowls
If you're deciding between ramen styles, here's a quick way to think about it: Tantanmen is nutty and moderately spiced, our Yasai ramen is a lighter, vegetable-forward option in a clean chicken broth, and our Spicy Miso ramen turns the heat up further with a beef-and-chicken-infused broth for guests who want something bolder. Tantanmen sits comfortably in the middle — flavourful and a little spicy, without demanding a high spice tolerance to enjoy it.
How to Order It
Tantanmen is available on its own (43 AED) or as part of our Ramen Love Affair lunch set, paired with takoyaki and a fruit iced tea if you're visiting between 12 noon and 3:00pm.
A Note on Allergens
Because it features sesame, wheat noodles, egg, and soy, Tantanmen isn't suitable for guests avoiding any of those ingredients — if that's you, our team can walk you through other options on the ramen and rice sections of the menu.
Ready to try it? Find Tantanmen under the Noodles & Soup section of our Menu page, or ask Sumi in the chat widget for a recommendation before you visit.