A Numbing New Addition to Nakau’s Autumn-Winter Tantan Udon
Nakau Co., Ltd., a Zensho Holdings group company headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, which operates the Nakau chain of rice bowls and Kyoto-style udon, will launch its new Shibikara Mala Tantan Udon (痺辛麻辣担々うどん, pronounced shibikara mala) from 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The regular size is priced at ¥690 including tax.
Every year, Nakau offers its popular Tantan Udon as the weather turns chilly in autumn and winter. The new Shibikara Mala Tantan Udon builds on that classic, letting diners enjoy even more numbing heat and rich flavor. Crisp shredded white leek and the lingering, addictive heat of spices make it one to watch for anyone craving a more intense kick.
What Is Shibikara Mala Tantan Udon?
A spicy sesame broth built on bonito and kombu dashi
The base is a dashi made from bonito and kombu, enriched with smooth sesame paste and chili oil to create an aromatic, savory-spicy broth. True to Nakau’s roots in Kyoto-style udon, this tantan soup is grounded in the umami of Japanese dashi. It is paired with Nakau’s own chewy, springy udon noodles.
Topped with 7-spice mala sauce and shredded white leek
The bowl is topped with crisp shredded white leek (shiraga negi) and a mala sauce made with seven spices, including cumin, star anise and sansho pepper. The rich sesame tantan broth gains a gentle bite from the leek, plus the tingling heat and deep richness of the mala sauce, resulting in an addictive, authentic Sichuan-style bowl. Expect a rich aroma of spices rising with the steam and a stimulating heat that lingers long after each bite.
Want more tingle? Add extra mala sauce for ¥30
For those who want even more numbing heat and depth, extra mala sauce is available for ¥30 (tax included). It is served on the side, so you can add as much as you like for a more intense flavor.
Onsen Tama Tantan Udon and Tantan Soba Also on the Lineup
The tantan series also includes Onsen Tama Tantan Udon, topped with a soft-cooked onsen egg made from carefully selected eggs. The product summary also lists soba versions of all three styles: Shibikara Mala Tantan Soba, Tantan Soba and Onsen Tama Tantan Soba. Every item comes in small, regular and large sizes, so you can choose your noodle type and portion to suit your appetite.
Menu and Prices (Tax Included)
Udon
- Shibikara Mala Tantan Udon: Small ¥530 / Regular ¥690 / Large ¥790
- Tantan Udon: Small ¥420 / Regular ¥580 / Large ¥680
- Onsen Tama Tantan Udon: Small ¥530 / Regular ¥690 / Large ¥790
Soba
- Shibikara Mala Tantan Soba: Small ¥630 / Regular ¥790 / Large ¥910
- Tantan Soba: Small ¥520 / Regular ¥680 / Large ¥800
- Onsen Tama Tantan Soba: Small ¥630 / Regular ¥790 / Large ¥910
Topping
- Mala sauce: ¥30 (served on the side)
Sales Details
- Launch: From 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Locations: Scheduled to be sold at 446 Nakau restaurants (as of October 20, 2026)
- Key prices: Shibikara Mala Tantan Udon (regular) ¥690, Tantan Udon (regular) ¥580, Onsen Tama Tantan Udon (regular) ¥690
- Notes: All prices include tax. Prices differ at some locations.
The press release does not specify an end date. Beyond dining in, the release also suggests enjoying the dish at home.
Editor’s Note
Comparing regular sizes, Shibikara Mala Tantan Udon costs ¥110 more than the classic Tantan Udon (¥580) and the same as Onsen Tama Tantan Udon at ¥690. On the soba side, Shibikara Mala Tantan Soba is ¥790 for a regular, again ¥110 more than Tantan Soba (¥680). Go for Shibikara Mala if you want numbing heat, or Onsen Tama Tantan if you prefer a bowl topped with egg, and pick whichever suits your mood.
A Sichuan-style tantan udon fragrant with spices is a perfect match for the chilly autumn and winter months. From October 28, stop by your nearest Nakau and try the new Shibikara Mala Tantan Udon.
Source: press release by 株式会社ゼンショーホールディングス (PR TIMES, in Japanese)