What Is Tenmenjan (Sweet Flour Paste)?
Tenmenjan (甜麺醤) is a thick, dark sauce known for its mild sweetness and rich umami flavor.
It plays a key role in Japanese-style Chinese cooking—especially in popular dishes like Mapo Tofu, beef with sweet miso-style sauce, and hoisin-style stir-fries such as Hoikoro.
In Japan, it’s a pantry essential for recreating “Chuka Ryori” (Japanese-Chinese fusion), which is slightly different from traditional Chinese or Korean cuisine.
If you’ve been searching “Where Tenmenjan Donki Guam”, you’re most likely trying to recreate these Japanese-Chinese flavors at home.
Tenmenjan is what gives many dishes that familiar sweet, savory taste that you find in Japanese-style Mapo Tofu or pork-and-cabbage stir-fries.
💡 Tip: Japanese-Style vs Chinese-Style Mapo Tofu
Chinese-style Mapo Tofu is typically very spicy and uses ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns, doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste), and minced beef or pork. It’s bold, oily, and numbing.
Japanese-style Mapo Tofu is a milder adaptation. It’s usually less spicy, has a slightly sweet flavor, and often uses Tenmenjan (sweet bean paste) for seasoning. It’s also common to add miso or soy sauce, and the overall taste is more kid-friendly and family-oriented.
Unlike Korean doenjang, which has a strong, fermented taste, or Chinese hoisin sauce, which is often thinner and sometimes spicier, Tenmenjan is milder and smoother.
Its flavor is savory-sweet, making it kid-friendly and versatile.
It blends well with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce—ideal for family dishes that need depth without overpowering spice.
Comparison Table: Chinese vs Japanese Style Tenmenjan
| Category | Chinese-style Tenmenjan | Japanese-style Tenmenjan (e.g. YOUKI) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Wheat flour, koji, salt, sugar | Miso (soybeans), sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce |
| Origin | China (mainly northern regions) | Japan |
| Typical English Label | Sweet Flour Paste / Sweet Bean Sauce | Soybean Paste / Miso-Based Sauce |
Why It’s Easy to Miss Tenmenjan at Donki Guam
I looked everywhere and still couldn’t find it…
If you’re looking for Tenmenjan at Donki Guam, don’t be surprised if you don’t immediately spot it.
While the front of the bottle clearly says 甜麺醤 (Tenmenjan) in Japanese and kanji, the English label—usually a sticker on the back—might say Tenmenjan ,Soybean Paste, or even Sweet Flour Paste.
This variation in English labeling can be confusing, especially for shoppers who don’t read Japanese or Chinese.
Even experienced home cooks may walk right past it without realizing what it is.
The Tenmenjan sold at Donki Guam is from the Japanese brand YOUKI—and it’s quite different from the traditional Chinese version.
YOUKI’s Tenmenjan is made from ingredients like miso, sugar, vegetable oil, and soy sauce, with allergens including wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
Because miso is the base, the English label often calls it Soybean Paste rather than Sweet Flour Paste.
In contrast, the traditional Chinese-style Tianmianjiang—originating from northern China—is made from wheat flour fermented with koji, salt, and sugar.
That’s why Chinese products are more likely to be labeled Sweet Flour Paste in English.
Where to Find Tenmenjan at Donki Guam
So where exactly is Tenmenjan in Donki Guam?
If you’ve been searching the Chinese or Korean aisles, you’ve probably been in the wrong place.
Here’s the exact route
Go to the Japanese seasonings section.
You’ll see Japanese soy sauce, mirin, and bottled sauces grouped together.
Look for the area with Japanese pasta sauces, like mentaiko and carbonara sauce packets.
- Tenmenjan is placed next to the Japanese pasta sauces—not in the Chinese or Korean condiment section.
- It’s a small bottle with mostly Japanese text on the front, and an English “Soybean Paste” sticker on the back.
- The brand is YOUKI, a well-known Japanese seasoning company.
As of June 2025, Donki Guam carries only one brand of Tenmenjan — YOUKI — a trusted product made in Japan.
The current price is around $3.99, making it an affordable addition to your pantry.
Once you know that Tenmenjan lives in the Japanese pasta and seasoning area, not the Chinese or Korean aisles, it becomes much easier to find.
Save this page before your next Donki run so you don’t have to wander around again.
Simple and Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Tenmenjan
Now that you know where to buy Tenmenjan at Donki Guam, here are some easy ways to use it at home.
These recipes are perfect if you want Japanese-style Chinese flavors without hunting for rare ingredients.
①Japanese-Style Mapo Tofu Made with Tenmenjan
A mild and flavorful twist on the classic Sichuan dish.
Using Tenmenjan gives it a sweet, savory depth that’s perfect for family dinners.
Here’s a helpful YouTube video by a well-known Japanese chef that shows exactly how to make this dish.
The video includes English subtitles, so it’s easy to follow—check the link below for reference:
The key to the flavor is sautéing Tenmenjan and chili paste at the beginning to bring out their aroma.
Here’s a rough outline of the recipe:
- Stir-fry ground pork or beef.
- Add minced garlic, Tenmenjan, and chili paste, and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in Chinese-style soup stock and add cubed tofu, then simmer gently.
- Add a starch slurry (e.g., potato starch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce.
- Optionally, finish with a drizzle of chili oil for extra depth and heat.
Next! Introducing Hoikoro — the Japanese “rice thief.” Once you try it, you’ll understand why we can’t stop eating rice with it. ↓↓↓
