Situated on the northern shores of Kyushu, Fukuoka is a harbor city that boasts deep historical values and futuristic Western culture. Together with the oceanic breeze, it provides the locals and tourists the best of both worlds in terms of scenic views, exciting activities, and most importantly – FOOD. Also known as the gold mine of gourmet in Japan, visitors can find themselves lost in the world of delicacies as they are spoilt for choice. Ranging from traditional ramen to novelty sweets, Fukuoka is a city that will not disappoint your taste buds. Tourists can even bring home gastronomical satisfaction in the form of tasty souvenirs that fill the streets of Fukuoka. Read on to learn about the must-try foods in Fukuoka, Japan.
1. Ramen, Fukuoka style: Hakata Ramen at Ichiran
Experience the traditional bread and butter of Fukuoka with their special take on ramen, the Tonkotsu ramen. With a strong broth made with pork bone, it sets itself apart from other styles of ramen, promising a powerful flavor that will leave you satisfied. In fact, if you still have the broth, you can get a refill of noodles at a low price of 300 JPY (2.90 USD)! This is offered in many restaurants and will surely leave you full and satisfied.
This great deal is also provided by Ichiran, one of the most well-known restaurant brands in Japan and definitely Fukuoka. They always have a long queue of customers, waiting to savor the tasty pork broth cooked to perfection with their original secret sauce despite having many branches across the country. Ichiran provides a unique dinner experience that sets them apart from other restaurants. After ordering the food, customers are led to individual counter seats, separated from their companions to enjoy the meal, allowing them to fully indulge in their perfect bowl of ramen and be free of distractions. A combination of a unique experience and traditional ramen will definitely make your visit worth it!
一蘭 Ichiran
Address: 5-3-2 Nakasu, Hakata-ward, Fukuoka-city
Opening Hours: Open 24/7 all year round.
2. Dive into the origins of Kyushu ramen with Kurume Taiho Ramen
An even more traditional style of ramen compared to the Hakata ramen, this style gives the consumer a stronger taste of Fukuoka’s history by providing an even stronger pork broth. By including even the pig head and fried pig lard, the Tonkotsu broth thickens and is sure to give you a breathtaking flavor.
At Taiho Ramen, the iron pot the restaurant uses to cook the broth has never been empty. The pork broth also known as “Yobimodoshi Soup” is filled with layers of flavor and history as it simmers over time from the past to the present, giving you the rich and satisfying flavor. Take pride as you sip in Japan’s traditional history with every spoonful of Taiho’s amazing pork broth that blends well with a good serving of noodles and meat.
久留米 大砲ラーメン Kurume Taiho Ramen
Address: 11-8, Torihokamachi, Kurume-city, Fukuoka Prefecture
Opening Hours: 11am - 11pm. Closed on New Year’s Day.
3. Sharing is caring with authentic Fukuoka-style hotpot at Hakata Motsunabe Hakkei
If you are with a group of friends, family or simply wish to enjoy the spirit of sharing food, there is no better option than Motsunabe. It is typically a stew served in a hot pot with beef or pork intestines as the star of the stew. Beautifully seasoned with soy sauce, garlic and chili pepper, the flavorful stew will be sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Hakata Motsunabe Hakkei offers Motsunabe in different flavors which include soy sauce, miso and salt. While they all provide intriguing flavors, soy sauce has remained the most popular choice among visitors. Be ready to chow down on the large serving of guts, vegetables and a hearty chicken stock soup and it will surely wow you! This mouth-watering hotpot will make the meal with your travel companions an enjoyable and delicious feast for sure.
博多もつ鍋 八慶 Hakata Motsunabe Hakkei
Address: 8-164, Kamishirouzu, Kasuga-city, Fukuoka Prefecture
Opening Hours: 5 pm - 11:30 pm
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4. Bask in street festivities and delicacies at the local Nakasu Street Stalls!
Just like many other countries, Fukuoka also has its own take on night markets. Commonly called Yatais, or mobile restaurants, they take over the streets at dusk in major streets, transforming the business districts into food havens. These restaurants serve up a variety of dishes, ranging from ramen to yakitori and even Italian cuisine! Enjoy the local culture first hand with different delicacies as it is common for the friendly proprietors and even fellow customers to strike up a conversation and have a good meal together.
Located between the Hakata River and Naka River, the Nakasu area becomes one of the biggest nightlife spots in Japan at night. The streets offer snacks like yakitori and tempura to filling meals like ramen and pasta. You can have a hearty time with good food, some alcohol and an enjoyable chat with the master of the stall. However, be sure to remain respectful to the stall owners and practise basic courtesy in your conversations or if you would like to take pictures. Mutual respect often goes a long way together with good company!
Nakasu Street Stalls
Address: Nakasu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-city
Opening Hours: 6 pm - 2 am (varies for different stalls)
5. The pastry that represents Fukuoka: Hakata Torimon
One of Fukuoka’s signature food is definitely the Hakata Torimon. Staying true to Fukuoka being a blend of historical Japanese culture and modern Western influence, it is a pastry that combines the best of both worlds. The rich butter and milk are put together with traditional sweet beans, leaving you craving for more. This manju has proved itself to be one of the must-eat in Fukuoka and even makes a good souvenir to bring back. Recommended to be purchased on the last day, you can also get it at the Fukuoka Airport should you not want to have the hassle of visiting the main store.
博多 通りもん Hakata Torimon
Address: Deitos shopping mall in JR Hakata Station, 1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-city
Opening Hours: 8 am - 9 pm
6. Enjoy the sweetness of Fukuoka with the Hakata no Hito
Not losing to the manju is the Hakata no Hito. A favorite sweet among locals, it brings out the delicious flavor of eggs and highlights the delicate sweetness of the red bean jelly all in a simple thumb-sized pastry. Literally translated to “Lady of Hakata”, it is definitely a no-brainer that it is one of Fukuoka’s best pastry and worthy to represent the city. If you have spare change left at the airport, there is no doubt this pastry is a worthy investment to bring home as a souvenir for family and friends alike.
博多の女 Hakata no Hito
Address: Deitos shopping mall in JR Hakata Station, 1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-city
Opening Hours: 8 am - 9 pm
7. Specialty and traditional Name-Daifuku with unique flavors at Nagoshi
What is a Japanese dessert without the occasional dose of matcha and sakura? At Nagoshi, you will have these cravings satisfied along with many others with their wide spread of different flavors. A Daifuku, traditionally a rice cake stuffed with sweet bean jam and fresh cream, is now given a modern twist by Nagoshi. They feature Japanese flavors like matcha and sakura daifukus as well as Western flavors like chocolate pudding, a reflection of Fukuoka’s spirit of fusion.
なごし Nagoshi
Address: 3-5-27 Obatake, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-city
Opening Hours: 10 am - 7 pm
8. Fukuoka’s best condiment, dish and even souvenir, Mentaiko!
Every foodie that loves Japanese food would definitely have heard of mentaiko and this happens to be a specialty product of Fukuoka! Pollock roe that is slowly marinated in chili pepper sauce, it brings out the flavor of Japanese cuisine. From having it with just rice balls to accompanying salmon platters, it is definitely a dish one would enjoy.
Fukuoka’s mentaiko is known for its freshness and high quality, putting it at the top of its class. It is a frequent condiment to most dishes in Fukuoka and if you enjoy it, you can easily buy them raw at stalls to bring home as a souvenir for friends or for yourself to replicate the Fukuoka taste at home! A popular mentaiko factory outlet known to locals is Kanefuku, which goes through painstaking processes to cultivate an acquired taste many will enjoy.
かねふく 工場直売店 Kanefuku factory store
Address: 1-5-17, Higashihama, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-shi
Access: 10-minute walk from Hako-zaki Miyamae Subway Station, Hakozaki Line
Opening Hours: 10 am - 6 pm
9. Explore Fukuoka's street food delights with a local foodie (from USD 111.0)
Boasting iconic dishes such as Hakata ramen and mouthwatering gyoza (dumplings), Fukuoka’s fame as a food lover’s paradise is well-deserved. But with so many well-known street food stalls, choosing where to eat can be overwhelming. Join a local food enthusiast on a captivating two-hour tour that unveils the hidden gems of Fukuoka’s culinary scene.
Your guide will lead you to a few cherished stalls favored by the locals, allowing you to savor a delightful array of food and soft drinks at the iconic yatais or mobile food stands. While you can relish classics such as gyoza, yakitori (skewered meat), and ramen, these stalls can also surprise you with offerings of French and Italian cuisine.
Yatai Street Food Experience in Fukuoka
Duration: 2hours
10. Discover hidden bars and street food treasures (from USD 119.0)
Imagine discovering the hidden gems cherished by locals, ranging from traditional izakayas (pubs) to contemporary Okinawan hangouts. Your journey begins with a tantalizing banquet at the first stop where you will indulge in the savory delights of Takoyaki (minced octopus fry) and yakisoba (fried noodles), all thoughtfully paired with refreshing draft beer. Then, elevate your culinary journey at the second stop, where Nakatsu fried chicken and another drink of your choosing - be it beer, gin, or a highball, await your discerning palate.
Still, the night is far from its conclusion. The third venue beckons with yet another one-hour all-you-can-drink extravaganza, boasting a delightful array of choices.
Fukuoka After Dark: Bar Hopping and Street Food Adventure
Duration: 3hours
11. Taste local flavors with a local guide (from USD 169.0)
This immersive dining experience offers you the chance to savor mouthwatering delights at a restaurant cherished by locals. You can even opt for a customized dinner tour by exploring yatai (mobile) food stands of your choice and other hidden gems.
What truly sets this experience apart is your local expert guide. They aren’t just knowledgeable about Fukuoka, they’re passionate foodies as well. As you embark on this gastronomic journey, you’ll enjoy a delectable spread of food and refreshing beverages at the restaurant.
But that’s not all. Your guide will lead you to secret culinary havens that often go unnoticed by most travelers. Best of all, this exceptional experience is available for groups of a maximum of five people, making it an intimate food tour.
Fukuoka Food Tour: Try Regional Dishes with a Local Guide
Duration: 3hours
Don’t miss out on Fukuoka’s unique style and taste!
Fukuoka is rich in not only culture, sights and shopping, but has also certainly proved to be a powerhouse in food as well. With their distinct taste and style, Fukuoka also offers a wide variety of food that will delight your bellies and leave you itching for more. This city also provides many tasteful souvenirs that tourists could easily purchase at the Fukuoka Airport, making sure you leave the city content and full.
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