12 Recommended Food Stalls(yataia) in Nakasu and Tenjin! Popular Shops for Ramen and Local Delicacies

Introducing Recommended Food Stalls in Nakasu and Tenjin in a Ranking!

Why not enjoy Hakata tonkotsu ramen and bite-sized gyoza at popular food stalls that are indispensable for sightseeing, savoring the local delicacies of Fukuoka and Hakata?

We also provide information on the history of Fukuoka’s food stalls and some tips for using them.

Check Out the History, Opening Hours, and Rules of Food Stalls in Nakasu and Tenjin

A classic Fukuoka sightseeing experience is enjoying food stalls in Nakasu and Tenjin. Once common across the country, food stalls faced hygiene issues post-WWII and were ordered to close by GHQ in 1950. However, in Fukuoka, stall owners formed an association and negotiated with the health department and the then Ministry of Health, eventually gaining permission to operate in 1955.

Thanks to the efforts of our predecessors, Fukuoka’s food stalls survived. They are popular among tourists for enjoying Fukuoka cuisine such as Hakata tonkotsu ramen, bite-sized gyoza, and yakitori. The charm of food stalls includes cozy seating and lively conversations with strangers.

However, note that many food stalls close on rainy days or during holidays. Check the official SNS of the food stalls for updates.

Family-Friendly “Hakata Yatai Nakasu Jūban” (Nakasu)

Opened in 2017, “Hakata Yatai Nakasu Jūban” is a relatively new food stall. It offers menus in foreign languages and accepts credit cards and QR code payments, making it accessible for tourists from Japan and abroad.

They also provide receipts and invoices, making it suitable for business travelers. The menu’s popularity lies in the ability to enjoy local Fukuoka dishes such as ramen, motsunabe, gyoza, mentaiko, and local beers all at once.

Ramen is a must-try. From the classic Nagahama ramen to hearty chashu ramen and grilled ramen, originally from food stalls, you will be spoiled for choice.

They also have great services for families. Parents visiting with children under elementary school age who order ramen will get a free “children’s ramen” for the kids. It’s the perfect place for families to enjoy Fukuoka food stalls.

Hearty Tempura at a Classic Stall “Yatai Mori” (Nakasu)

Founded in 1973, “Yatai Mori” is a tempura-focused food stall in the Nakasu area. Passing through the noren curtain, you’ll be greeted by the owner with the sounds of sizzling oil and old Japanese enka music.

The showcase is filled with seafood that is grilled and served, along with skewered dishes like pork belly. The grilled mentaiko (spicy cod roe) rice bowl is perfect for the end of a meal.

The must-try dish is their signature tempura. While you can order individual items, we recommend trying a variety with the assorted platter.

Enjoy the crispy tempura while it’s hot. It’s pleasing that the assortment includes a balanced mix of vegetables and seafood. If the timing is right, you can also try the seasonal popular dish, kaki tempura (oyster tempura).

A Must-Try Gyoza Specialty “Take-chan” (Nakasu)

One of the popular stalls in the Nakasu area is “Take-chan.” This food stall, run by a father and son duo who branched off from the long-established Hakata bite-sized gyoza restaurant “Hōuntei,” is beloved by locals and celebrities alike.

Every dish, carefully prepared over time, is delicious. Besides the signature gyoza, other notable dishes include the famous dote-nabe and oden, slowly simmered in white miso. These are must-try items that showcase the meticulous preparation.

If you visit Take-chan, you must try the gyoza. The filling, a mixture of pork, sweet onions, and a hint of garlic, is wrapped in a chewy skin and pan-fried to perfection.

Although each serving of gyoza consists of eight pieces, they are small, making them easy to eat even if it’s your second stop of the night. Many repeat customers seek out this taste, often leading to long lines.

Classic Oden at “Yatai Donryu” (Nakasu)

Run by a welcoming husband and wife, “Yatai Donryu” offers classic menu items like tonkotsu ramen, yakitori, and oden.

Open until 2:30 AM, it’s perfect for a second stop or for a bowl of ramen to finish the night. The rich yet light tonkotsu ramen is ideal for post-drinking.

Alongside tonkotsu ramen, oden is also popular at Donryu. The “oden assortment” includes several types of ingredients such as daikon, konjac, egg, and gyoza tempura.

The oden is cut into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to share, while each person can have their own bowl of ramen. The oden, soaked in flavorful broth, is comforting and has a gentle taste. Especially on cold winter days, it’s a heartwarming delight.

The Originator of Grilled Ramen “Kogane-chan” (Tenjin)

Among Fukuoka’s food stalls, “Kogane-chan” stands out for its long lines. Established in 1968, this popular stall is frequently featured in various media and is beloved by both tourists and locals.

The extensive menu includes oden, yakitori, gyoza, mentaiko tamagoyaki, and dote-yaki (miso-simmered beef tendon). Expect long lines, so come with plenty of time.

The “grilled ramen,” made by mixing boiled noodles with tonkotsu broth and sauce on a griddle, is a signature dish of Fukuoka food stalls. Kogane-chan is the originator of this dish, and many visitors come specifically for it.

Grilling the noodles concentrates the umami and richness of the tonkotsu broth. Despite being ramen, it’s enjoyed as a snack rather than a meal.

Exciting Menu of Around 100 Dishes! “Kiryu” (Tenjin)

Located near the Watanabe-dori 4-chome intersection is “Kiryu.” This food stall, always bustling with customers, offers around 100 diverse menu options.

You might have to wait in line, but the staff frequently chat with you, asking, “Where are you from?” or “What did you see today?” making the waiting time fly by. Delicious food and attentive service are the reasons for its popularity.

The most popular dish at Kiryu is “Mochimochi Gyoza.” These round-shaped gyoza resemble Umegae Mochi, a beloved treat in Dazaifu, a popular tourist spot in Fukuoka. As the name suggests, the skin has a chewy, mochi-like texture, and the juicy meat filling bursts with flavor when you bite into it.

In addition to the staple dishes like grilled ramen and oden, you can enjoy a variety of Western dishes such as ajillo and stuffed cabbage.

Enjoy Fukuoka’s Specialty Gourmet at “Furaikenbou” (Nakasu)

Located along Showa-dori is “Furaikenbou.” This stall is run by a cheerful mother and her son, who serves delicious dishes.

Alongside classic stall menus such as ramen, oden, and charcoal-grilled skewers, you can enjoy Fukuoka’s specialty gourmet dishes like motsu-nabe and grilled mentaiko.

Besides the food, enjoy chatting with the lively mama while sitting around the U-shaped counter.

Among the abundant menu options, the “Thick-Sliced Beef Tongue” is highly recommended. The tender, charcoal-grilled beef tongue is incredibly satisfying.

The flavorful beef tongue is served with an original sauce made of grated daikon and yuzu pepper. The slightly spicy sauce pairs perfectly with alcohol, making it a delightful dish that makes you want to linger longer in the pleasant atmosphere of this stall.

Long-Established Tempura Specialty “Genkai” (Tenjin)

As one of the long-established food stalls in Fukuoka, “Genkai” has been loved since its founding in 1950. This tempura-only specialty store serves freshly fried tempura at just the right pace.

While they offer beer and shochu, they also provide white rice, which is great for those who want a hearty meal.

If you want to enjoy a balanced variety of vegetables, meat, and fish, the “Tempura Assortment” is perfect. This set includes eight recommended tempura items that pair excellently with the original tempura dipping sauce.

The seafood tempura features the bounty of the Genkai Sea, which the stall is named after. Enjoying seasonal items or fish caught by the owner adds to the excitement of discovering what tempura will be served.

Popular Stall Run by a Frenchman “Remi Sanchi” (Tenjin)

In the Tenjin area, known for its unique food stalls, “Remi Sanchi” stands out. Run by French staff, including the manager Remi, this charming stall always buzzes with laughter.

The lively atmosphere pairs well with the unique dishes. The menu includes quiche, gratin, and ajillo, defying the typical image of a food stall. It is particularly popular among women and often has long lines.

One of the staple dishes at Chez Remi is “Escargot,” a traditional dish from the Burgundy region of France. The escargot, cooked with garlic and other spices in

butter, offers a delightful chewy texture.

With a selection of French wines, sparkling wines, and hot wine in winter, enjoy authentic flavors with a glass of wine in hand.

Bartenders Welcome You at “Yatai Bar Ebichan” (Tenjin)

As you pass through the curtain, you’ll be greeted by a bartender in a tuxedo. This is “Yatai Bar Ebichan,” a unique bar among the many diverse food stalls in Fukuoka. With moody background music and a plethora of alcohol bottles, it feels just like a real bar!

They offer around 600 kinds of drinks, including cocktails and Western liquors. They also have mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails), so even those who don’t drink can enjoy themselves.

Besides drinks, pay attention to the food as well. They offer seasonal oden, daily specials, tuna steak, chili beans, and various other snacks, both Japanese and Western.

One recommended dish is the “Camembert Cheese with Marmalade.” The cheese is baked in an oven until it’s melted and gooey, paired with sweet and slightly bitter marmalade for an adult taste. If you’re unsure which drink to pair it with, feel free to ask for recommendations.

Specialized Grilled Ramen “Kenzo” (Nakasu)

Located in the northern part of the bustling Nakasu entertainment district is “KENZO.” This stall, run by a young and lively owner, is popular with locals. It’s also an easy place for first-time visitors to enter.

In addition to their specialty ramen, the menu features staple Fukuoka stall dishes like skewers and seasonal oden, as well as a variety of other delicious options.

The ramen is particularly noteworthy. The soup is made with great care and will not be served if it does not meet the owner’s standards. Among their offerings, the “Grilled Ramen” is especially popular. It is served sizzling on a hot plate, creating a delightful sound as it arrives.

The sweet sauce clings to the thin noodles, delivering a savory and aromatic flavor with each bite. The crispy noodle toppings add a nice texture, and mixing in the egg creates a blissful experience.

Popular with Women: Stylish Yatai “Telas & Mico” (Tenjin)

With its adorable turquoise blue exterior, “Telas & Mico” is a standout food stall. It was created as a sister establishment to a restaurant and pub in Haruyoshi, Fukuoka. Here, you can enjoy international cuisine prepared by chefs who have honed their skills in cities like Paris and London.

The menu includes European-style yakitori and homemade cordial cocktails made with fruits, which redefine the typical image of a food stall.

One of the highlights is the homemade sausage grill made with Itoshima pork, raised in the neighboring Itoshima area of Fukuoka City. The juicy, flavorful sausage is served with grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. The stylish presentation adds to the enjoyment.

In addition to food, they offer desserts and coffee, making it a great place to stop by for a drink or to enjoy as a café after a night out. Its versatility for various occasions is part of its charm.

Enjoy Fukuoka’s Signature Gourmet at Yatai in Nakasu and Tenjin

Food stalls are a must-visit in Fukuoka’s nightlife. Many people hop from one stall to another, ordering a dish or two at each place. This means that even at popular stalls, you might not have to wait as long as expected. If you have a specific stall in mind, don’t give up and give it a try.

Trying a food stall for the first time can be intimidating, but once you muster up the courage to enter, the owner and other customers will warmly welcome you. Enjoy Fukuoka’s gourmet delights at these food stalls.

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