Kyoto’s KARA-1 Reigning Champion’s Spicy “Tantanmen” – (Authentic) Chinese Food, Kirinen

I’m not particularly good with spicy foods, but I definitely want to try the tantanmen that won the KARA-1 Grand Prix!
Kirinen is also known for its delicious non-spicy menu as well, so it’s safe to try for those who dislike spiciness too.

Tantanmen (spice level 2) 900 yen, The spice levels range from 1 to 5.

Kirinen uses four types of togarashi and doubanjiang (chili bean paste) to create its spice, but apparently, the spice level 5 version also contains plenty of ghost pepper, which is said to be ten times spicier than habaneros!

The toppings are niku miso, bok-choy, sliced green onion, and ito togarashi (strands of dried chili).
I didn’t feel too much of the spice while eating the soup, but a few moments after, the spiciness overwhelmed me so much that I thought I might faint! The level 2 spice is this spicy?!

Still, there was sweetness, richness, and umami within the spiciness. The broth was chicken stock based, and it was a refined and gentle soup despite the spiciness.
It’s a type of deliciousness you’ll want to try more of right after eating it!
I kept going back for more despite the overwhelming spiciness.

The medium-thickness crinkly noodles went very well with the soup.

The plentiful niku miso is incredibly rich and full of umami. Delicious!
The heat warmed me up, and partway through eating I started to sweat a little bit.

By the way, if and only if you order the 5th level of spiciness, you can take a commemorative photograph with the mascot of Muko City’s “Extremely Spicy Street,” Karakki. If you aren’t afraid of the heat, you should try it!
This is Karakki. You can see him in front of JR Mukomachi Station!