One of our favorite parts of building 50Hertz is discovering where our Sichuan peppers end up.

This month, we're excited to share our latest collaboration with Akahoshi Ramen in Chicago — and how a simple conversation turned into a sold-out dinner celebrating Sichuan pepper.

Photo: Akahoshi Ramen in Chicago's Logan Square, one of the city's most acclaimed ramen destinations and the setting for our latest collaboration.

A few months ago, we noticed that Akahoshi Ramen, one of Chicago's most acclaimed ramen shops, had been consistently ordering our Sichuan peppers for years. We were curious.

What was a Japanese ramen shop doing with so much Sichuan pepper?

So we reached out.

Chef and owner Mike Satinover — known to many ramen fans as Ramen Lord — told us they'd been using our peppers since opening in 2023, most notably in their signature Soupless Tantanmen, their take on the Sichuan classic, dandan noodles.

Photo: Extra-thick noodles, savory pork soboro, sesame, and the bright citrus aroma and signature tingle of 50Hertz Sichuan peppers make Akahoshi's Soupless Tantanmen unforgettable.

When I visited Chicago this spring, the conversation quickly turned to ramen, Sichuan pepper, and introducing people to new flavors.

By the end of the afternoon, we had an idea.

Why not celebrate Sichuan pepper together?

Tingly Ramen Night

A few weeks later, that idea became reality.

Akahoshi hosted a special one-night dinner celebrating the incredible versatility of Sichuan pepper — and all 70 tickets sold out almost immediately.

The evening began with a Mango MáGrita rimmed with green Sichuan pepper that left lips buzzing in the best way.

For the appetizer, guests enjoyed a Japanese rice cracker topped with fresh local tomatoes, cream cheese, Thai basil, and a generous sprinkle of coarsely crushed red Sichuan peppers.

The main event was Mike's Green Tantanmen — rich and hearty, yet bright and tingly, showcasing just how beautifully Sichuan pepper can complement ramen.

To finish, guests were treated to a silky Sichuan pepper pudding with strawberry gel and corn cake, a dessert that surprised many by showing just how well Sichuan pepper can shine in sweet dishes.

The best part wasn't that the dinner sold out. It was watching guests experience Sichuan pepper in ways they never expected —from cocktails and appetizers to ramen and dessert.

A huge thank you to Mike and the entire Akahoshi team for welcoming us so warmly. We couldn't have imagined a better way to celebrate Sichuan pepper together.

Bring the tingle home

Inspired by Tingly Ramen Night?

Whether you're finishing ramen, dumplings, eggs, grilled vegetables, seafood, or even experimenting with cocktails like the Mango MáGrita, our Red & Green Sichuan Pepper Oils make it easy to bring authentic Sichuan pepper flavor into your own kitchen.

From everyday meals to creative experiments, we hope these oils inspire you to discover the bright, citrusy, and unforgettable tingle of Sichuan pepper in your own cooking.

Thank you for being part of the 50Hertz family and for helping us introduce more people to the incredible world of Sichuan pepper.

We can't wait to see how you bring the tingle to your own table.