When you visit a ramen shop in Japan, do you just order ramen? Most locals go for a ramen set—a satisfying combo like ramen with fried rice and gyoza, or ramen with crispy fried chicken and white rice. It’s not just about noodles—it’s about the full experience!
And speaking of rice… have you ever tried Tenshinhan? Nope, not the bald guy with a third eye from Dragonball! 😆 This Tenshinhan is a delicious Japanese dish: a fluffy omelette packed with crab, served over warm rice and topped with sweet-and-sour sauce. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
Let me introduce the version from Rairaitei—once you see it, you’ll definitely want to try it!
Rairaitei
Rairaitei is a popular ramen chain with locations all across Tokyo and western Japan. Known for its rich Kyoto-style ramen with velvety pork back fat, it’s a go-to spot for hearty noodle lovers. I’ve already written about their ramen in another post—check out if you haven’t yet!
But today, let’s talk about something different: Tenshinhan. This crab omelette rice dish is a hidden gem on their set menu, and it’s just as satisfying as their noodles!
Tenshinhan 天津飯
Just look at the picture—doesn’t it look mouthwatering? Steaming hot white rice is topped with a fluffy omelette, then coated in a glossy, savory sauce. The star of the dish is definitely the omelette. It’s soft and rich, but here’s the surprise: inside, you’ll find bits of red pickled ginger! They add a punch of aroma and a sharp, tangy kick that makes the flavor pop.
The omelette has a slightly bold taste, which is beautifully balanced by the smooth, gentle sauce poured over it. The sauce is hot and runny, with a soy-sauce base and chopped scallops that add depth. You’ll also find green onions tucked into the omelette, giving it a fresh crunch.
The sauce is a little rich and heavy, so the plain white rice underneath is the perfect match—it soaks up all that flavor and makes every bite satisfying!
If you order both ramen and Tenshinhan, you might end up too satisfied—but hey, that’s part of the fun of trying ramen the Japanese way! At Rairaitei, the Tenshinhan isn’t too big—it’s just the right size to enjoy alongside your noodles.
Japanese food is often described as having bold yet subtle flavors—not too salty or overpowering. But ramen tends to be on the saltier side, and Rairaitei’s Tenshinhan is no exception. It’s flavorful and rich, and after finishing the set, you might find yourself reaching for a glass of water!
Summary
To be honest, I used to think Tenshinhan was Chinese food—just look at the name! That’s why I hesitated to write about it. But after learning more, I discovered it’s actually a Japanese creation, inspired by Chinese flavors but born right here in Japan.
It’s fascinating how a dish can look and sound so Chinese, yet be completely Japanese. Many people—even in Japan—assume it’s authentic Chinese cuisine. I wonder what Chinese visitors think when they try it. Does it taste familiar, or does it feel like a totally new Japanese-style dish?
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