Fukuoka (Hakata) Foods you should try 

Ramen noodles with pork bone soup

Fukuoka is known for its pork bone soup ramen.

A well-known and highly recommended place is Ichiran, which has locations in Nakasu, Tenjin, and Canal City (a commercial complex).  If you want to know about Fukuoka ramen, click here, and you will jump to the article  “Fukuoka Ramen Noodles for Foreign Visitors.”

Ichiran Ramen

Mizutaki Chicken Pot Dish

This is a very famous dish in Fukuoka. Chicken is the main ingredient, and it is typically enjoyed with ponzu (a mix of soy sauce and citrus juice).

Mentaiko spicy cod roe 

If you want to eat Mentaiko with rice, you should visit “Ganso Mentai Ju,” which is near Acros. Be prepared for a long wait, as it is very popular.

Yakitori skewered gilled chicken 

Yakitori shops in Fukuoka serve not only chicken but also pork, fish, vegetables, and more. The three most commonly ordered items are Bara (pork rib), Zuri (gizzard), and Kawa (chicken skin). Many people say that Kawa is the best. In Fukuoka, Yakitori shops often serve Kawa rolled, a style unique to the city.

Gyoza dumplings 

Fukuoka’s gyoza dumplings are smaller than those found elsewhere but are very popular.

Motsunabe  Motsu (organ meat) Pot Dish

This dish is extremely famous throughout Japan as one of Hakata’s (Fukuoka’s) specialties. Motsu (organ meat) in soy sauce or miso soup is very tasty and affordable!

Udon noodles

Made from flour, udon noodles are popular in Fukuoka, and locals enjoy them as much as ramen. I recommend the shop Karo-no-Uron (かろのうろん). The old-fashioned building attracts many people, but be aware that photography inside the shop is not allowed. Besides this shop, udon restaurants are widely available.

 (At Karo-no-Uron, the recommended topping is burdock tempura, called Goboten.)

Gomasaba, raw mackerel dipped in soy sauce with sesames

This dish can be ordered at any izakaya (drinking house) in Fukuoka City. Raw mackerel, or Saba, is unique to Fukuoka, as it is typically not eaten raw elsewhere due to its quick spoilage. I personally love this dish.

One good sweets souvenir of Fukuoka

One delightful souvenir is Hiyoko! It is a manju (sweet bun) filled with sweet paste and shaped like a chick. So cute!

You may find it too adorable to eat, but you can find Hiyoko in any souvenir shop in Fukuoka.

Not Fukuoka specialties but good Japanese food

Sushi in belt-conveyor sushi restaurants 

Sushi restaurants in Japan offer more than just sashimi sushi; they also serve a variety of toppings on rice, including cooked fish, meat, salad, and more. While sashimi sushi represents the true essence of sushi, many international versions do not meet this standard. If you’ve tried sashimi on your trip, you should definitely visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Japan to experience authentic sushi.

 Tempura

Tempura is usually quite expensive, but there is a great and affordable option: Hirao, located in the basement of Acros. There’s often a long line, but you can expect to get your food within about an hour.

Okonomiyaki

It’s surprising that this delicious dish hasn’t gained more recognition overseas. Okonomiyaki is similar to a pancake but includes a variety of ingredients such as pork, seafood, cabbage, and more, all topped with a special sauce. It’s a must-try!