The sesame
Sesame paste gives the broth its creamy texture and toasted flavour. It coats the noodle and softens the heat.
Spicy ramen · Marseille
Tantanmen in Marseille
Tantanmen is the ramen that warms you up: a broth coated with sesame, a chilli oil that builds slowly, spiced minced meat and firm noodles. At Iwao, it's built to order, facing the open kitchen, in a Tokyo-alley setting steps from the Old Port.
What it is
Tantanmen, sesame and chilli
Born from Sichuan's dan dan mian and reinvented in Japan, tantanmen is a ramen with a bold personality: sesame paste that gives the broth its creamy roundness, a chilli oil (rāyu) that sets the heat without forcing it, and simmered minced meat for a savoury base. At Iwao, the balance is struck at plating — enough sesame to coat, just enough chilli to keep you going, a house-drawn broth to carry it all. Nothing is built in advance: the bowl leaves for your table the second it is ready.
A true ramen-ya
Tantanmen is as much lived as eaten
In Marseille, you come to Iwao for the bowl, but you stay for the atmosphere. You slurp your noodles at the counter, under the red lanterns, surrounded by posters and manga, with the buzz of the open kitchen in the background. Tantanmen finds its natural setting here: a hot, generous bowl eaten fast, in a Tokyo alley rebuilt steps from the Opéra.
The bowl, broken down
Three elements, one balance
Tantanmen rests not on one ingredient but on their accord. Here is what happens in every bowl served at Iwao.
The chilli
The chilli oil (rāyu) builds gradually, sip after sip. We dose it to warm, never to burn: flavour before performance.
The meat & broth
Simmered, seasoned minced meat lays down the savoury base, carried by a house-drawn broth. Firm noodles hold it all together.
Good to know
Coming for tantanmen at Iwao
- Address27 rue Sainte, 13001 Marseille (1ᵉʳ)
- Phone+33 4 91 54 08 27
- Opening hours
Tuesday · 19:00 – 22:30
Wednesday → Saturday · 12:00 – 14:30 / 19:00 – 22:30
Sunday · 19:00 – 22:30
Closed on Monday.
- Terrace
Around 15 outdoor seats
Our tip
Tantanmen is best in small sips, returning often to the noodles to temper the heat. Tell us at ordering if you want it milder or bolder, and do book: the evening service fills up fast.
Explore
Also worth a look
Tantanmen is just one bowl among others: here is the rest of the house.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is tantanmen?
It's a Japanese sesame-and-chilli ramen, descended from Chinese dan dan mian. It combines a creamy sesame broth, a chilli oil and spiced minced meat over firm noodles. At Iwao, it's built to order, facing the open kitchen.
Is tantanmen very spicy?
It's bold, not burning. The chilli builds slowly across the sips and stays carried by the sesame that softens it. At ordering, tell us if you'd like it milder or bolder: the team adjusts the intensity.
How do you eat tantanmen properly?
In small sips, alternating noodles, broth and meat, and returning often to the noodles to temper the heat. Slurp the noodles firmly: the air cools them and spreads the sesame aroma. The bowl is eaten in seven to ten minutes, while it is piping hot.
Where can you eat tantanmen in Marseille?
At Iwao, 27 rue Sainte, in the 1st arrondissement, a few minutes’ walk from the Old Port and the Opéra district. Tantanmen is among the ramen on the menu, all drawn and built in-house.
Do I need to book to eat tantanmen at Iwao?
It is strongly recommended, especially in the evening and at weekends when the room fills quickly. You can book online through the dedicated tool or by phone.
Stage clear — table booked
Book your table
The counter and dining room fill up fast, especially in the evening. Book in seconds and come taste a real tantanmen, piping hot, built in front of you.
Continue → book your table
Or by phone: +33 4 91 54 08 27