Once you hear the time period Fukuoka meals, what dish involves thoughts? In case you answered ramen, I’m certain you’re not alone. In spite of everything, Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, the broth of which is created from pork bones. It might be its most iconic meals export, however there’s positively extra to Fukuoka’s meals scene than noodle soup.
On this article, we’ll share ramen suggestions, and we’ll additionally provide you with a style of a few of the different native favorites not simply in Fukuoka Metropolis however the remainder of the prefecture, too. Word that this listing is in NO specific order.
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Kenzo – Yatai (Fukuoka Metropolis)
For a rustic that has such an internationally revered delicacies, Japan’s avenue meals tradition could be very quiet. However not in Fukuoka. Right here, avenue meals takes middle stage and might be the largest attraction, as evident within the variety of yatai within the metropolis.
However wait, what precisely is a yatai?
A yatai (屋台) is a cell meals cart or stand stationed on the sidewalk. It normally opens within the early night, serving patrons who’ve simply gotten off work, and closes within the early morning. Greater than half of all of the yatai in Japan will be present in Fukuoka. Right here, the evening is ushered in by the lights, aroma, and conversations seeping from dozens of yatai.
Most of them serve mouthwatering bowls of Hakata ramen! However different stalls provide a wide range of different dishes like oden, yakitori, tempura, and seafood. You’ll discover excessive concentrations in two areas: close to Tenjin Station and in Nakasu, the small island between Hakata and Tenjin. Through the years, we’ve tried a number of yatai in these areas, hopping from one to a different.
On our most up-to-date go to, we landed at Kenzo, a yatai recognized for serving an impressively extensive number of Japanese dishes. Our prime picks? The mentaiko (spicy cod roe) that completely captures Fukuoka’s native taste, the horumonyaki (grilled offal) that’s chewy, smoky, and surprisingly addictive, and the ever-reliable yakitori skewers, crisped superbly over charcoal. We additionally obtained to attempt two of their fried ramen dishes, and each had been actually good! We additionally had Hakata ramen, however we didn’t actually get pleasure from it as a lot as the opposite dishes.
One of the best half? These are sometimes reasonably priced, a minimum of in comparison with correct eating places. Fukuoka’s yatai scene is proof that you will discover world-class flavors in small, unassuming areas at affordable costs. It will probably get cramped, sure, however that’s the place the wonder lies. A yatai is at all times intimate. Every can accommodate barely a dozen clients, and also you sit and eat shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers subsequent to you. Most just lately, we had been seated subsequent to a shop-owner who shared that he had a Shopee web page and that the majority of his clients had been from the Philippines. Moments like these make a meal at a yatai each a eating expertise and a social affair.
Tenjin Yatai Mune (Fukuoka Metropolis)
Tenjin Yatai Mune is one other yatai that I’ve fond reminiscences of. My pal Irene, who resided in Fukuoka on the time, introduced me to this humble meals stall on the south finish of Tenjin Station. It’s positioned proper right here.
This unassuming stall gave me the very best low cost ramen I had within the metropolis. The dish was quite simple. It was only a bowl of Hakata ramen topped with skinny slices of pork, pink pickled ginger, and sesame seeds. But it surely was dynamite. Lots of the ones I had tried earlier than this was a bit bland for my style, however this broth was wealthy and flavorful, and the sesame seeds added a pleasant end. And it was solely ¥700.
Fukuoka can be common for mentaiko (salted or spiced pollock roe), which originated in Korea and was delivered to Japanese shores in 1949 by Busan-born Toshio Kawahara. So simply to have a style of it, I ordered mentai tamagoyaki (¥900), which is mainly a number of layers of rolled omelette with pollock roe at its core, served with greens and mayonnaise. The mix appears bizarre at first, however all of them work collectively to create a lightweight, well-rounded appetizer. (This was served earlier than the ramen.) The roe added a briny burst to each chew of the comfortable and creamy tamago.
We ended the evening with yaki-ramen or fried ramen (¥900), one other native creation, normally cooked with greens and pink pickled ginger. I’ve a factor for stir-fried noodles in thick soy-based sauce, so this one is correct up my alley. The style is a mix of candy, salty and tangy. My solely criticism was that as a result of it was our final cease that evening, I couldn’t discover sufficient area in my tummy for it, however I nonetheless managed to complete it. As a result of expertise. LOL.
Working Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Nearest Stations: Tenjin Station
Chez Remy – Yatai (Fukuoka Metropolis)
Sure, a yatai serving French meals! Who would have thought?
It’s is positioned near Tenjin Yatai Mune, simply two stalls aside. Including a French twist to the Japanese yatai idea, Chez Remy appears similar to your bizarre meals cart stationed by the facet of the street, however it whips out plate after plate of French delicacies like garlic butter escargot (¥850) and mussels in wine (¥750), and French-Japanese fusion items.
My pal Irene and I break up the six items of escargot. The butter didn’t overpower the snail meat, which was tender. I additionally ordered pork knuckles with mustard as a result of I informed you I like unhealthy meals! The whole lot from the pores and skin to the bone was so comfortable. They soften in your mouth, besides the bones, which required a bit chewing. Sure, I did. The whole lot that went into my mouth from that plate went down. And oh, you’ll be able to have a glass of glowing wine too (¥600 on the time)!
Working Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Nearest Stations: Tenjin Station
Shin Shin (Fukuoka Metropolis)
We will’t discuss ramen in Fukuoka with out mentioning Shin Shin, beloved by locals and guests alike. This ramen store has a number of branches scattered across the prefecture, and we obtained to attempt two, in Tenjin and at Hakata Station.
Their pork bone ramen or tonkotsu ramen (¥930-1110) is wealthy however not heavy, the type that feels silky in your tongue. The broth has that excellent depth, very hearty, umami-packed, and simply salty sufficient to make you slurp continuous.
In fact, we couldn’t cease at ramen. Each go to, we additionally ordered their yakisoba and gyoza, each of which completely complemented the principle bowl. The yakisoba (¥890) got here out smoky with simply the correct chew, whereas the gyoza (¥520-590) are Fukuoka-style, bite-sized, and had that crisp, golden backside that’s each dumpling lover’s dream. And since curiosity at all times wins, we even tried their champon (¥940) on one other go to, a seafood noodle dish that’s extra creamy and vegetable-y, displaying Shin Shin’s vary.
It’s not simply the meals that makes Shin Shin memorable; it’s the power. You’ll see suited workplace staff grabbing a late-night repair, vacationers photographing their steaming bowls, and workers shouting cheerful greetings in true Fukuoka style.
SHIN SHIN HAKATA STATION
Deal with: 1-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Find out how to Get There: From Hakata Station, you’ll be able to simply stroll to the second flooring of Hakata DEITOS.
Ichiran (Fukuoka Metropolis & Itoshima)
If Shin Shin is an area favourite, vacationers appear to not get sufficient of Ichiran. You could possibly say that it’s the international ambassador of Fukuoka ramen, with a number of branches not simply all through Japan however overseas, too. They’ve shops in Hong Kong, Taipei, and even New York, and sure, we’ve tried them in all these cities, too.
Not like Shin Shin’s full of life, communal vibe, Ichiran’s idea is famously introversive (or introspective, if you’ll). You sit in a small sales space, separated by partitions, centered totally in your ramen. There’s no small discuss, no distractions: simply you, your chopsticks, and a tempting bowl of pork bone broth and skinny noodles. The broth is savory and flavorful, the noodles skinny and agency, and the spicy pink sauce within the middle provides simply the correct kick. And whereas locals choose smaller and extra reasonably priced ramen’ya, for first-timers and vacationers, it’s a ceremony of passage.
In case you’re an Ichiran fan, don’t miss the possibility to dine on the Ichiran Unique Store. You possibly can name it the HQ of all Ichiran. Other than the personal cubicles, additionally they have the extra standard desk setup. Additionally they serve ramen in bowls of different unorthodox shapes.
ICHIRAN ORIGINAL SHOP
Deal with: 5 Chome-3-2 Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0801, Japan
Working Hours: 24/7
Nearest Station: Nakasukawabata Station (Airport Line)
However should you’re an Ichiran SUPER-fan, make the pilgrimage to Ichiran no Mori in Itoshima. It’s greater than a ramen restaurant. It’s half museum, half manufacturing unit, half culinary journey. You possibly can see how the noodles are made, study the model’s historical past, and naturally, get pleasure from a recent bowl proper on the supply. Surrounded by bushes and serenity, it’s the final word Ichiran expertise.
ICHIRAN NO MORI
Deal with: 256-10 Shimamatsuguma, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1306, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Find out how to Get There: From Hakata Station, take the Airport Line to Kyūdai-Gakkentoshi Station. Then switch to Kyushu College Line 2A Bus (九州大学線2A) to Ichiran Forest Itoshima Cease (一蘭の森 糸島)
Sushiyatai Uminoiro (Fukutsu)
Sushi locations take delight of their recent fish, as they need to. However right here at Sushiyatai Uminoiro, it’s additionally concerning the ambiance. It grew to become evident as quickly as we sat dealing with the chef making ready our sushi, and behind him, a window that completely frames the seashore. I don’t suppose I may ever get used to watching the mild waves roll by as a plate of glistening nigiri is ready earlier than you.
We had their omakase set, which consists of 10 items of sushi, miso soup, a small bowl of greens, and a cup of chawanmushi, a clean, savory steamed Japanese egg custard with dashi.
However in fact, the principle star right here is the sushi. Every bit is lower with care and precision, then positioned over a clump of wasabi-flavored rice. (You possibly can choose with out wasabi should you choose.) The tuna was so tender, the ocean bream (tai) had that clear, briny brightness, the ika or squid had that pure sweetness, and the abalone was nonetheless shifting! The tenth piece was served in a bowl, topped with a beneficiant portion of ikura or salmon roe. They even requested if we wished extra, and naturally, I mentioned YES! They usually added extra ikura, which was fantastic.
What I liked most about Uminoiro is the calm. That is what sushi was meant to be — no conveyor belts, no gimmiks — simply sushi, sea, and stillness. And oh, I purchased bottles of yuzu and kabosu sauces, too!
SUSHIYATAI UMINOIRO
Deal with: 4 Chome-10-10 Nishifukuma, Fukutsu, Fukuoka 811-3219, Japan
Working Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM; Tuesdays, CLOSED
Find out how to Get There: From Hakata Station, take the Sonic-Nichirin-Hyuga Line to Fukuma Station. Then stroll for 28 minutes or take a cab to Sushiyatai Uminoiro.
Tanga Market (Kitakyushu)
Sure, you learn it proper, however you’re most likely announcing it flawed. It’s known as Tanga Market! [Context: Tanga means “stupid” in Filipino, but it’s pronounced differently.]
And visiting Kitakyushu is unquestionably a “clever” transfer! There’s loads to see and do right here. If Kitakyushu is a part of your itinerary, think about a cease right here.
Tanga Market in Kitakyushu’s Kokura district is a time capsule of native life. It’s the place grandmas, workplace staff, and cooks all cross paths. It’s usually known as the “kitchen of Kitakyushu,” and when you stroll by way of its slim lanes, you’ll perceive why. The air is thick with the scent of grilled fish and soy sauce, and each few steps, there’s one thing scrumptious to catch your consideration.
One of the crucial intriguing native specialties right here is nukadaki, a standard dish of fish marinated and simmered in nuka (fermented rice bran). It sounds rustic, however it’s additionally an ideal instance of Japan’s genius for turning simplicity into depth. The fish is tender and infused with a savory, miso aroma. But it surely’s not a novelty. It’s a taste profile that has stood the check of time.
After wandering by way of Tanga, we ended up in Uomachi Gintengai, considered the oldest procuring arcade in Japan, or a minimum of the primary to ever use the time period ginten-gai (銀天街), which implies “silver-covered avenue.” In case you choose a correct sit-down expertise to a market stall, you will discover a very good place to eat right here, as it’s lined with eating places, cafés, and izakayas. The truth is, it’s right here that we discovered the subsequent merchandise on our listing.
TANGA MARKET
Deal with: 4-2-18 Uomachi (魚町) / 4-2-8 Uomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu Metropolis, Fukuoka 802-0006, Japan
Working Hours: They differ by retailer, however typical opening is 10:00 AM to five:00/6:00 PM. Closed or various retailer hours on some days.
Nearest Station: Kokura Station
Kokura Tetsunabe Sohonten (Kitakyushu)
If there’s one factor that completely captures Fukuoka prefecture’s knack for hearty but unpretentious meals, it’s the tetsunabe gyoza. These pan-fried dumplings are served scorching on a small iron plate.
We tried it at Kokura Tetsunabe Sohonten, and truthfully, it was love at third chew. At first, I assumed, “Okay, these are good, a bit extra dough than filling.” However then the second piece got here, and the third, and I started to understand it extra. Instantly, the plate was empty. That’s how sneaky this dish is. It hooks you quietly and fully.
Their signature gyoza are smaller than the sizes we’re extra conversant in. They arrive out piping scorching on the pan, greatest loved with a glass of beer or highball in hand. The distinction of textures is what makes it addictive: the crisp pores and skin, the juicy filling, the slight smokiness from the iron plate. A serving is eight (8) items at ¥680, however a minimal of two servings is required per order. This plate within the picture is 4 (4) servings, with 32 items of gyoza.
We additionally had a small bowl of sliced uncooked mackerel, domestically known as saba (¥700), and served with soy sauce and vinegar sauce. We additionally tried their salted pork tongue (¥660) with shallots and nukadaki (¥600), which on this case was mackerel in miso marinade. The saba and nukadaki had been my favorites. They had been savory, wealthy, and deeply satisfying.
KOKURA TETSUNABE SOHONTEN
Deal with: 2 Chome-3-12 Uomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0006, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Find out how to Get There: From Kokura Station, you’ll be able to stroll for seven minutes to the restaurant. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take the Kitakyushu Monorail to Heiwadōri Station. Then stroll for 3 minutes.
Nogata Ganda Bikkuriichi (Nogata)
Nogata Ganda Bikkuriichi is an sudden gem! The title says all of it. Bikkuri means “shock,” and that’s precisely what this place delivers. Shocking due to the style AND the worth.
Inside this advanced, you’ll discover a meals corridor, the place a lot of the sushi are priced at ¥100 and up apiece, and so they really style nice! They’re clear and shiny, and actually recent. The yakitori is ¥130 per stick, and the servings are massive, not the three-piece staples at izakayas. They’re accessible in shoyu and shio choices, however each are smoky, juicy, and freshly grilled proper in entrance of you.
As if that wasn’t sufficient, as we explored extra of the place, we discovered a stall promoting ramen (¥400; ¥500 if with chashu). And I swear, it tastes nearly like Ichiran (very comparable profile) however for lower than half the worth. Discuss funds journey bliss.
There’s nothing fancy about this place: fluorescent lights, informal counters, and plastic trays. However that’s all a part of the attraction. It’s the place locals go, and everybody appears to be smiling. You possibly can order piece by piece, or simply give in to temptation and go full-on feast mode as we did!
Locations like Bikkuriichi remind you that good meals doesn’t have to be costly or difficult. Generally, it’s the informal joints that go away the strongest impression.
It’s extremely native. It’s not alongside the same old vacationer path, a bit removed from Fukuoka Metropolis, Kitakyushu, or every other main vacationer attraction. In case you’re taking public transportation, it could possibly take a whole lot of effort and time, and it’s laborious to place it in an itinerary. However should you’re on a street journey and it’s alongside the way in which, it’s positively price a cease.
NOGATA GANDA BIKKURIICHI
Deal with: 611 Ganda, Nogata, Fukuoka 822-0001, Japan
Working Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Find out how to Get There: From Hakata Station or Kokura Station, take the Kagoshima Line to Kurosaki Station. Then swap to Chikuho Denkitetsudo to Ganda Station. Then stroll for 18 minutes.
Juhachi Yoshii (Ukiha)
Yoshii is a captivating little city recognized for its white-walled storehouses and well-preserved Edo-period streets. And right here, you’ll discover Juhachi Yoshii, a countryside restaurant, lauded for its duck and pork dishes. Vins doesn’t eat duck, so we caught with its pork specialties.
The truth is, even their sukiyaki (which is historically beef) is pork! Skinny slices of pork simmered in a sweet-savory broth with tofu, greens, mushrooms, and noodles. It’s our first pork sukiyaki ever, and it was superb. Every chew was tender and comforting.
Then got here the tonkatsu. Tremendous thick, extremely juicy pork cutlet, fried to golden perfection. The crust had that ideally suited crunch, whereas the meat inside stayed moist and flavorful. You possibly can inform they use high quality substances, particularly their meat. The chef even met us after the meal, and he takes delight in each dish.
It’s positioned in Yoshii in Ukiha, so it’s greatest to go to this as a lunch or dinner cease whereas exploring Yoshii City or if Yoshii is already part of your itinerary.
JUHACHI YOSHII
Deal with: 102-5 Yoshiimachi Fukumasu, Ukiha, Fukuoka 839-1332, Japan
Working Hours: Monday to Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 AM – 09:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 09:00 PM; Sundays, CLOSED
Nearest Station: Chikugo-Yoshii Station. Then stroll for 10 minutes.
Ringo To Budō No Ki (Asakura)
We spent a morning selecting apples, persimmons, and grapes right here at Ringo To Budō No Ki. I normally don’t anticipate a lot from cafés at vacationer spots, however whoa! This cozy café blew me away.
Once we entered, I used to be already mesmerized by their show case filled with pies. However when our order arrived, I child you not — it was the very best apple pie of my life!
Granted, I haven’t tried that many apple pies, however this one set the bar ridiculously excessive. The crust was flaky, the filling had simply the correct steadiness of candy and tart, and the apples had been so clean and silky. However once more, I haven’t tried that many apple pies, so don’t belief my phrase for it. Go attempt it your self subsequent time you’re in Fukuoka!
Anyway, there was one thing poetic about consuming an apple pie after selecting apples ourselves.
You’ll find this café in Asakura, not inside Fukuoka Metropolis or Kitakyushu, however nonetheless a part of Fukuoka Prefecture. You’ll discover a whole lot of locations to see right here in Asakura and close by Ukiha, principally agricultural and cultural sights. And should you determine to discover this a part of the prefecture, think about stopping by this web site.
RINGO TO BUDOU NO KI
Deal with: Yamada, Asakura, Fukuoka 838-1306, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Find out how to Get There: From Hakata Station, take the Kagoshima Line to Futsukaichi Station. Swap to Bus 40 certain for Haki and get off at Sanrensuisha-no-sato cease. Stroll for 14 minutes to the orchard.
Tokinose (Umi)
Our subsequent cease is positioned simply subsequent to Umi Hachimangu Shrine. That is Tokinose, a store promoting wagashi (conventional Japanese sweets). Wagashi is available in all shapes and colours, using varied strategies. Usually, they’ll get fairly creative too, reflecting the altering seasons.
Because it was autumn, we determined to go for seasonal treats that showcased the very best of the season’s substances.
The one we obtained was so kawaii! It appeared like a cute persimmon as a result of persimmon is a major ingredient. It’s known as Aki Kitashi, a jyouyo manjyu or yam-based candy bun, crammed with bean paste and dried persimmon from Ichida, wrapped in a layer of persimmon yokan (bean jelly).
There was one other deal with that appeared like a tiny candy potato, known as Hokkori. It’s crammed with candy potato and wrapped in a purple candy potato batter with a whisper of cinnamon. Each these items weren’t too candy, which I at all times respect.
However the standout for us was the Mont-Blanc Daifuku, a limited-time-only masterpiece. It’s a comfortable habutae mochi crammed with café au lait–flavored bean paste, topped with Japanese chestnut cream and a candied chestnut. The flavors had been delicate and completely balanced — not too candy, not too daring, simply superbly composed. It was immaculate.
TOKINOSE
Deal with: 1 Chome-1-24 Umi, Kasuya District, Fukuoka 811-2101, Japan
Working Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesdays, CLOSED
Find out how to Get There: From Hakata Bus Terminal, take Bus 32 certain for Kami Umi. Get off at Umi Hachiman-mae Bus Cease. It’s simply in entrance of the shrine. Journey time is 38 minutes.
Fukuoka Craft Brewing (Okagaki)
In fact, this listing gained’t be full with out a minimum of one drink to clean all of it down with! In case you suppose Japan’s all about sake, wait till you go to Fukuoka Craft Brewing in Okagaki. The corporate has been round for about eight years, however the brewery web site right here has been working for 3 years. We had been fortunate sufficient to be toured across the facility by the brewer himself, David Victor, whose enthusiasm may convert even non-beer drinkers into followers.
After getting acquainted with the entire brewing course of, it was time for beer tasting, beginning with a sampler of 4 beers (¥1500).
The Session IPA was mild (at solely 3% alcohol), nearly juice-like till that nice bitterness kicked in. The Hazy IPA, cloudy and golden, had a tropical aroma and a barely stronger punch at 6% alcohol. The Triple IPA was richer, hoppier, and boasted a daring 9%. And the Imperial Stout, with its roasted malt, was darkish, full-bodied, and harking back to espresso and chocolate however smoky and punchy at 10% alcohol.
However what impressed us most was their willingness to experiment. The Rice Flower Ale, brewed with koji mildew, had a sake-like sweetness and was very refreshing. Then there was the wild card, the Sea and Tomato Mexican Ale, impressed by micheladas, a Mexican beer cocktail with lime, tomato juice, and spices. It began with a briny, clam taste, then the tomato kicked in, and at last a spicy warmth crept up your throat. It’s unusual, courageous, and good — like beer and salsa in a single glass. It’s an acquired style, to be trustworthy, and I believe I acquired it instantly.
The brewery is only a bit indifferent from different sights, so that you may discover it out of the way in which if it’s the one place you’re visiting within the space. In case you’re a beer lover keen to go the additional mile for it, taking public transportation is feasible. But it surely’s greatest visited should you’re on the way in which from Fukutsu or Fukuoka Metropolis to Kitakyushu, otherwise you’re on a street journey.
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING
Deal with: 544 Utsura, Okagaki, Onga District, Fukuoka 811-4203, Japan
Working Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Monday to Thursday, CLOSED
Find out how to Get There: From Hakata Station, take the Kagoshima Line to Ebitsu Station. Then switch to Bus 6 波津線 and alight at Uchiura. Then stroll for 12 minutes to the brewery.
However you too can get a style of their merchandise in Fukuoka Metropolis, particularly at FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU at Hakata DEITOS Annex, very near Hakata Station. It’s additionally served at Fukuoka Craft by El Borracho within the metropolis’s Daimyo District.
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING with COMATSU
Deal with: 1−1 デイトスアネックス 1F, Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka 812-0012, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 11:00 AM – 2:00 AMFUKUOKA CRAFT by EL BORRACHO
Deal with: 1 Chome−11−4 どんぱビル, Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka 810-0041, Japan
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Saturday to Sunday, 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Hakata Issou (Fukuoka Metropolis)
Hakata Issou is among the most well-known hakata ramen locations within the metropolis. It has two branches: one close to Hakata Station and the opposite in Nakasu, the island in between Hakata and Tenjin. It’s usually included in lists of the very best ramen outlets by varied publications. Their hakata ramen makes use of premium native pork and agency noodles topped with seaweed, pork stomach, and inexperienced onions.
One factor I seen instantly about their model of Hakata ramen is that it’s frothy. Generally, Hakata ramen’s inventory is the kotteri sort, which is creamy, cloudy and wealthy. However this one has a skinny layer of froth on prime. It additionally has a refined bitter aftertaste, which prevents the umami style from overpowering or lingering within the palate, but in addition makes it somewhat bit bizarre. I’m not completely bought on it. It tastes good, however I believe I choose Shin Shin.
Working Hours: Every day, 7:00 PM – 4:30 AM
Nearest Stations: Nakasukawabata Station, Hakata Station
Motsunabe Rakutenchi (Fukuoka Airport)
We’d seen motsunabe throughout Fukuoka: on indicators, in guidebooks, in each native suggestion listing. However by some means, after a number of journeys, we by no means obtained round to making an attempt it. That’s, till our final day, on the airport of all locations.
Inside Fukuoka Airport’s Hakata Meals Corridor, whereas searching for a dinner place earlier than our flight, we noticed a department of Motsunabe Rakutenchi, one of many metropolis’s most beloved hotpot chains, and determined to make it our farewell meal. And what a goodbye it was.
Motsunabe (¥1790) is a Fukuoka specialty hotpot made with beef or pork offal, simmered in a flavorful broth with cabbage, garlic chives, and chili peppers. The offal may sound intimidating, however it’s tender and deeply flavorful, absorbing all of the goodness of the broth with out the stink or funky aftertaste. It jogged my memory a lot of our very personal nilaga, however richer and fuller, and with innards and extra chives.
I like entrails, so I can’t imagine I waited this lengthy to lastly attempt it. You possibly can really discover it elsewhere in Japan, however it originated proper right here in Fukuoka. It’s a real native specialty. I’m certain there are higher bowls of motsunabe within the metropolis middle, however it’s a heat, tasty introduction to the dish.
To me, motsunabe additionally sort of represents Fukuoka as an entire. From the ramen stalls of Nakasu to the countryside cafés of Yoshii, the dishes right here aren’t making an attempt to impress or intimidate. Fairly, they’re making an attempt to attach with you and rejoice meals not as a luxurious however as a part of each day life. It’s a vacation spot for consuming your coronary heart out in a approach that’s unapologetic and genuine, however nonetheless very welcoming and really Fukuoka.
MOTSUNABE RAKUTENCHI FUKUOKA AIRPORT
Deal with: ゲートラウンジエリア, 739 国際線旅客ターミナルビル 3階 Fukuoka Airport, Aoki, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka 812-0851, Japan
Working Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Find out how to Get There: After passing by way of Fukuoka Airport Immigration and Safety checks, stroll straight till you see Hakata Meals Corridor. Enter it and also you’ll discover it within the nook to your left, near the Udon store.
Which of the dishes we featured have you ever tried? And that are you most excited to attempt for the primary time? Let’s discuss within the feedback part beneath!
The place to Keep in Fukuoka
The town has two main wards — Hakata and Tenjin. These two are dotted with eating places, procuring institutions, and lodging. A lot of the sights are discovered on Hakata facet, whereas a whole lot of funds resorts are positioned in Tenjin. Listed here are a few of the resorts that we tried just lately:
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Seek for extra Fukuoka Motels!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-compulsory, however we extremely suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey will be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, think about PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced price.
Be a part of The Poor Traveler Help Group
✅ You probably have any questions or want journey ideas, be happy to publish them to the TPT Help Group. The members are very useful. This Fb assist group has been round for a very long time, and lots of members have discovered journey buddies by way of it. You possibly can be a part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Help Group. Word that that is completely different from The Poor Traveler Fb web page.
Updates Log
2025 12 4 – First uploaded
Edited by: Asta Alvarez
Images by: Yosh Dimen and Vins Carlos