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Japanese Ramen & Izakaya · Minneapolis, MN

Tanpopo Menu Minneapolis — Ramen, Izakaya & Japanese Small Plates

Tanpopo brings Japanese ramen and izakaya cooking to Minneapolis, MN, with house-made broths, hand-folded gyoza, and an approachable menu that works equally well for solo diners, date nights, and casual group meals. The kitchen starts each morning folding gyoza by hand and overnight the tonkotsu simmers for 12 hours — small-batch cooking that shows up in every bowl.

RamenIzakayaJapaneseMinneapolisNoodles
Jump to full menu Cheapest items
Sample · $$

Signature items

Miso Ramen$16
Tonkotsu Ramen$17
Chicken Karaage$12
Gyoza (6 pc)$9
Katsu Curry$16
Jump to: Menu Highlights Ramen Guide Starters & Sides Rice & Mains Best Value Picks How We Compare About Tanpopo FAQs

Starters & Izakaya Plates

Tanpopo's izakaya roots show up clearly in the starter lineup. Order the gyoza and karaage for the table while the ramen bowls are being finished — both arrive quickly and are built for sharing.

  • Gyoza ($9) — pan-seared to golden crisp, ponzu dipping sauce on the side
  • Karaage ($12) — double-fried thigh meat, stays crunchy even after a few minutes
  • Takoyaki ($10) — octopus balls with the full condiment treatment
  • Agedashi Tofu ($9) — silken tofu in warm dashi, vegetarian-friendly
  • Edamame ($5) — best-value starter; charred option available on request
5Ramen Bowls
6Izakaya Starters
$5Lowest Starter Price
12hTonkotsu Broth Cook Time

Rice Dishes & Mains

Katsu Curry — $16

Panko-breaded chicken cutlet over steamed rice, smothered in rich Japanese curry sauce with pickled red ginger. The comfort food centerpiece of the non-ramen section — arrives on a wide plate and looks as good as it tastes.

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl — $15

Grilled chicken thigh glazed with house teriyaki sauce, served over steamed rice with sesame spinach and pickled cucumber. A clean, lighter alternative to ramen — popular with regulars who visit multiple times per week.

Seasonal Donburi — $14–$16

A rotating rice bowl that changes based on what the kitchen is working with. Recent rotations have included pork belly chashu bowl and salmon teriyaki bowl. Ask your server what is on today — it is always worth trying.

Mochi Ice Cream — $6

A three-piece mochi selection in mango, strawberry, and green tea. Light, sweet, and perfectly sized for a cool finish after a rich bowl of ramen. The best-value dessert on the menu by some margin.

Best Value Picks at Tanpopo

Five dishes that deliver the most for your dollar — from $5 starters to the lowest-priced ramen bowls.

  1. 1EdamameSalted & charred — best value at the table$5
  2. 2Shoyu RamenLightest broth, lowest bowl price$15
  3. 3Vegetable RamenVegan kombu-shiitake dashi$15
  4. 4Gyoza (6 pc)Hand-folded, pan-seared — great for sharing$9
  5. 5Mochi Ice CreamThree-piece finish, ideal value dessert$6

Tanpopo vs. Minneapolis Ramen Shops

How Tanpopo stacks up against other Japanese restaurants in the Twin Cities metro.

TanpopoIchiddo RamenZen Box Izakaya
Broth Made In-HouseYesYesYes
Izakaya Small PlatesYesLimitedYes
Vegetarian RamenYesYesNo
Price Range (bowls)$15–$17$14–$18$16–$20
Katsu CurryYesNoNo
Takeout / DeliveryYesYesYes

About Tanpopo

Tanpopo — the Japanese word for "dandelion" — has been a staple of Minneapolis's Japanese dining scene for years, earning loyal regulars through its honest, unpretentious approach to ramen and izakaya cooking. The kitchen makes broths daily; the tonkotsu simmers overnight for 12 hours, and gyoza are folded by hand each morning before service.

The dining room seats around 60 in a warm, wooden space decorated with Japanese lanterns and classic izakaya signage. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming — families, couples, and solo diners all feel equally at home. Weekend evenings fill fast; arriving before 6 pm or calling ahead for groups of four or more is the move.

Tanpopo has expanded its vegetarian and vegan offerings substantially in recent years, making it one of the more inclusive ramen destinations in the Twin Cities. The kombu-shiitake vegetable broth took years to develop and has since become a menu mainstay that draws dedicated plant-based regulars alongside the tonkotsu crowd.

Full priced menu

Tanpopo — complete menu with prices

All items and current prices. Menu data reviewed May 2026. Prices and availability may vary — confirm with the restaurant.

Common questions

Tanpopo Minneapolis — frequently asked questions

Ramen choices, vegetarian options, gluten-free accommodations, reservations, takeout, and more — answered.

What is the best ramen at Tanpopo?
The Miso Ramen ($16) is the most popular bowl — a rich blend of white and red miso tare with chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, nori, and scallion. The Tonkotsu ($17) is the richest option for serious broth lovers. Both are perennial crowd favorites.
Does Tanpopo have vegetarian or vegan ramen?
Yes — the Vegetable Ramen ($15) uses a kombu and shiitake dashi broth that is fully plant-based, topped with silken tofu, seasonal vegetables, and sesame oil. The Edamame, Seaweed Salad, and Agedashi Tofu are also plant-based or vegetarian options.
Can I get gluten-free ramen at Tanpopo?
Tanpopo can accommodate gluten-free requests with tamari in place of soy tare and a rice noodle substitution. Let your server know when ordering. Always confirm cross-contamination policies on the day, as the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Does Tanpopo take reservations?
Tanpopo is primarily walk-in, but calling ahead for groups of 4 or more is recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when the dining room fills quickly. Check their website or call directly for current reservation availability.
Is takeout available at Tanpopo?
Yes — Tanpopo offers phone and online takeout ordering. Ramen broths travel well in sealed containers, though noodles are best eaten within 20 minutes of pickup. The kitchen will pack broth and noodles separately on request.
What are the best izakaya starters to order?
The Gyoza ($9) and Chicken Karaage ($12) are the top sellers — both fried to order and arrive quickly, making them perfect while waiting for ramen. For lighter options, the Seaweed Salad ($7) and Edamame ($5) are great share plates.
How long does the tonkotsu broth take to make?
Tanpopo's tonkotsu broth simmers for approximately 12 hours overnight, rendering pork bones until the liquid turns creamy and rich. Because it is made in finite batches daily, arriving early on weekends is recommended to ensure your first-choice bowl is available.
Is Tanpopo family-friendly?
Absolutely — Tanpopo's casual atmosphere and approachable menu make it a great choice for families. The teriyaki chicken bowl and edamame are popular with younger diners. The restaurant is seated, so smaller children are welcome with a booster seat.

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