Whenever you hear the time period Fukuoka meals, what dish involves thoughts? Should 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 offer you a style of a few of the different native favorites not simply in Fukuoka Metropolis however the remainder of the prefecture, too. Be aware that this checklist is in NO explicit order.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the strategy planning stage, you may as well go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our advisable accommodations and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We’ve a compilation for locations world wide.
Kenzo – Yatai (Fukuoka Metropolis)
For a rustic that has such an internationally revered delicacies, Japan’s avenue meals tradition may be very quiet. However not in Fukuoka. Right here, avenue meals takes heart 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 cellular meals cart or stand stationed on the sidewalk. It often 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 might 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 large 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 have been actually good! We additionally had Hakata ramen, however we didn’t actually take pleasure in it as a lot as the opposite dishes.
One of the best half? These are sometimes inexpensive, at the very least in comparison with correct eating places. Fukuoka’s yatai scene is proof that yow will discover world-class flavors in small, unassuming areas at cheap costs. It will probably get cramped, sure, however that’s the place the wonder lies. A yatai is all the time 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 have been seated subsequent to a shop-owner who shared that he had a Shopee web page and that almost all of his clients have 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 situated proper right here.
This unassuming stall gave me the most effective 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, purple pickled ginger, and sesame seeds. Nevertheless it was dynamite. Most 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 also 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 principally a number of layers of rolled omelette with pollock roe at its core, served with greens and mayonnaise. The mix seems bizarre at first, however all of them work collectively to create a light-weight, well-rounded appetizer. (This was served earlier than the ramen.) The roe added a briny burst to each chew of the gentle and creamy tamago.
We ended the evening with yaki-ramen or fried ramen (¥900), one other native creation, often cooked with greens and purple pickled ginger. I’ve a factor for stir-fried noodles in thick soy-based sauce, so this one is true up my alley. The style is a mix of candy, salty and tangy. My solely grievance was that as a result of it was our final cease that evening, I couldn’t discover sufficient house 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 situated near Tenjin Yatai Mune, simply two stalls aside. Including a French twist to the Japanese yatai idea, Chez Remy seems similar to your bizarre meals cart stationed by the facet of the highway, but it surely 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 instructed you I like unhealthy meals! Every part from the pores and skin to the bone was so gentle. They soften in your mouth, besides the bones, which required a bit chewing. Sure, I did. Every part that went into my mouth from that plate went down. And oh, you possibly can 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 sort 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.
After all, 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 all the time 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 employees grabbing a late-night repair, vacationers photographing their steaming bowls, and workers shouting cheerful greetings in true Fukuoka vogue.
SHIN SHIN HAKATA STATION
Handle: 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
The way to Get There: From Hakata Station, you possibly can simply stroll to the second flooring of Hakata DEITOS.
Ichiran (Fukuoka Metropolis & Itoshima)
If Shin Shin is a neighborhood favourite, vacationers appear to not get sufficient of Ichiran. You might say that it’s the world 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 vigorous, communal vibe, Ichiran’s idea is famously introversive (or introspective, if you’ll). You sit in a small sales space, separated by partitions, targeted fully in your ramen. There’s no small speak, 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 purple sauce within the heart provides simply the correct kick. And whereas locals want smaller and extra inexpensive ramen’ya, for first-timers and vacationers, it’s a ceremony of passage.
Should 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, in addition they have the extra regular desk setup. In addition they serve ramen in bowls of different unorthodox shapes.
ICHIRAN ORIGINAL SHOP
Handle: 5 Chome-3-2 Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0801, Japan
Working Hours: 24/7
Nearest Station: Nakasukawabata Station (Airport Line)
However if you happen to’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 facility, half culinary journey. You possibly can see how the noodles are made, be taught the model’s historical past, and naturally, take pleasure in a recent bowl proper on the supply. Surrounded by timber and serenity, it’s the final word Ichiran expertise.
ICHIRAN NO MORI
Handle: 256-10 Shimamatsuguma, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1306, Japan
Working Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
The way 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 satisfaction of their recent fish, as they need to. However right here at Sushiyatai Uminoiro, it’s additionally in regards to the environment. It turned evident as quickly as we sat dealing with the chef getting ready our sushi, and behind him, a window that completely frames the seaside. I don’t assume I might ever get used to watching the light 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. Each bit is reduce with care and precision, then positioned over a clump of wasabi-flavored rice. (You possibly can choose with out wasabi if you happen to want.) 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 transferring! 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 stated YES! They usually added extra ikura, which was great.
What I cherished 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
Handle: 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
The way 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 in all probability saying it fallacious. It’s known as Tanga Market! [Context: Tanga means “stupid” in Filipino, but it’s pronounced differently.]
And visiting Kitakyushu is unquestionably a “sensible” transfer! There’s rather a lot to see and do right here. If Kitakyushu is a part of your itinerary, take into account a cease right here.
Tanga Market in Kitakyushu’s Kokura district is a time capsule of native life. It’s the place grandmas, workplace employees, and cooks all cross paths. It’s typically known as the “kitchen of Kitakyushu,” and when you stroll by way of its slender 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, but it surely’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. Nevertheless it’s not a novelty. It’s a taste profile that has stood the take a look at of time.
After wandering by way of Tanga, we ended up in Uomachi Gintengai, thought to be the oldest procuring arcade in Japan, or at the very least the primary to ever use the time period ginten-gai (銀天街), which suggests “silver-covered avenue.” Should you want a correct sit-down expertise to a market stall, yow will discover a superb place to eat right here, as it’s lined with eating places, cafés, and izakayas. In truth, it’s right here that we discovered the subsequent merchandise on our checklist.
TANGA MARKET
Handle: 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 actually, 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. All of a sudden, 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 aware of. They arrive out piping sizzling on the pan, finest 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 photograph is 4 (4) servings, with 32 items of gyoza.
We additionally had a small bowl of sliced uncooked mackerel, regionally 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 have been my favorites. They have been savory, wealthy, and deeply satisfying.
KOKURA TETSUNABE SOHONTEN
Handle: 2 Chome-3-12 Uomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0006, Japan
Working Hours: Day by day, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
The way to Get There: From Kokura Station, you possibly can stroll for seven minutes to the restaurant. Alternatively, you possibly can take the Kitakyushu Monorail to Heiwadōri Station. Then stroll for 3 minutes.
Nogata Ganda Bikkuriichi (Nogata)
Nogata Ganda Bikkuriichi is an surprising gem! The identify says all of it. Bikkuri means “shock,” and that’s precisely what this place delivers. Stunning due to the style AND the value.
Inside this complicated, you’ll discover a meals corridor, the place many of the sushi are priced at ¥100 and up apiece, and so they truly style nice! They’re clear and vivid, and actually recent. The yakitori is ¥130 per stick, and the servings are huge, 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 value. Discuss price range journey bliss.
There’s nothing fancy about this place: fluorescent lights, informal counters, and plastic trays. However that’s all a part of the appeal. 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 must be costly or sophisticated. Typically, it’s the informal joints that go away the strongest impression.
It’s extremely native. It’s not alongside the standard vacationer path, a bit removed from Fukuoka Metropolis, Kitakyushu, or another main vacationer attraction. Should 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 if you happen to’re on a highway journey and it’s alongside the way in which, it’s positively value a cease.
NOGATA GANDA BIKKURIICHI
Handle: 611 Ganda, Nogata, Fukuoka 822-0001, Japan
Working Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM
The way 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 an enthralling 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.
In truth, 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 very best crunch, whereas the meat inside stayed moist and flavorful. You possibly can inform they use high quality elements, particularly their meat. The chef even met us after the meal, and he takes satisfaction in each dish.
It’s situated in Yoshii in Ukiha, so it’s finest 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
Handle: 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 often don’t count on 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 stuffed with pies. However when our order arrived, I child you not — it was the most effective 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 have 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, largely agricultural and cultural sights. And if you happen to resolve to discover this a part of the prefecture, take into account stopping by this website.
RINGO TO BUDOU NO KI
Handle: Yamada, Asakura, Fukuoka 838-1306, Japan
Working Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The way 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 situated 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. Typically, they will get fairly creative too, reflecting the altering seasons.
Because it was autumn, we determined to go for seasonal treats that showcased the most effective of the season’s elements.
The one we obtained was so kawaii! It appeared like a cute persimmon as a result of persimmon is a important 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 all the time recognize.
However the standout for us was the Mont-Blanc Daifuku, a limited-time-only masterpiece. It’s a gentle habutae mochi crammed with café au lait–flavored bean paste, topped with Japanese chestnut cream and a candied chestnut. The flavors have been delicate and completely balanced — not too candy, not too daring, simply superbly composed. It was immaculate.
TOKINOSE
Handle: 1 Chome-1-24 Umi, Kasuya District, Fukuoka 811-2101, Japan
Working Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesdays, CLOSED
The way 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)
After all, this checklist received’t be full with out at the very least one drink to scrub all of it down with! Should you assume 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 website right here has been working for 3 years. We have been fortunate sufficient to be toured across the facility by the brewer himself, David Victor, whose enthusiasm might 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 gentle (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 paying homage 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 mould, 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 eventually 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 sincere, 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. Should you’re a beer lover prepared to go the additional mile for it, taking public transportation is feasible. Nevertheless it’s finest visited if you happen to’re on the way in which from Fukutsu or Fukuoka Metropolis to Kitakyushu, otherwise you’re on a highway journey.
FUKUOKA CRAFT BREWING
Handle: 544 Utsura, Okagaki, Onga District, Fukuoka 811-4203, Japan
Working Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Monday to Thursday, CLOSED
The way 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 may as well 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
Handle: 1−1 デイトスアネックス 1F, Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka 812-0012, Japan
Working Hours: Day by day, 11:00 AM – 2:00 AMFUKUOKA CRAFT by EL BORRACHO
Handle: 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 likely one of 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 typically included in lists of the most effective ramen retailers 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 observed instantly about their model of Hakata ramen is that it’s frothy. Normally, 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 delicate bitter aftertaste, which prevents the umami style from overpowering or lingering within the palate, but additionally makes it slightly bit bizarre. I’m not completely bought on it. It tastes good, however I believe I want Shin Shin.
Working Hours: Day by 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 checklist. However someway, after a number of journeys, we by no means obtained round to attempting it. That’s, till our final day, on the airport of all locations.
Inside Fukuoka Airport’s Hakata Meals Corridor, whereas on the lookout 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, but it surely’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 really like entrails, so I can’t imagine I waited this lengthy to lastly attempt it. You possibly can truly discover it somewhere else in Japan, but it surely originated proper right here in Fukuoka. It’s a real native specialty. I’m certain there are higher bowls of motsunabe within the metropolis heart, but it surely’s a heat, tasty introduction to the dish.
To me, motsunabe additionally form of represents Fukuoka as an entire. From the ramen stalls of Nakasu to the countryside cafés of Yoshii, the dishes right here aren’t attempting to impress or intimidate. Quite, they’re attempting to attach with you and have a good time meals not as a luxurious however as a part of every day life. It’s a vacation spot for consuming your coronary heart out in a means that’s unapologetic and genuine, however nonetheless very welcoming and really Fukuoka.
MOTSUNABE RAKUTENCHI FUKUOKA AIRPORT
Handle: 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: Day by day, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The way 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 speak within the feedback part beneath!
The place to Keep in Fukuoka
Town has two main wards — Hakata and Tenjin. These two are dotted with eating places, procuring institutions, and lodging. Many of the sights are discovered on Hakata facet, whereas a whole lot of price range accommodations are situated in Tenjin. Listed here are a few of the accommodations 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 optionally available, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey might be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive price.
Be part of The Poor Traveler Assist Group
✅ You probably have any questions or want journey suggestions, be at liberty to put up them to the TPT Assist 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 part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Assist Group. Be aware that that is totally 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
