Fukuoka is a city in the southern island of Kyushu, Japan. It is a peculiar city in more than one way; one of the most popular ways to enjoy Fukuoka’s food is by visiting the Yatai, or street food stalls, that pop up every night along the sidewalks and riversides.
Yatai are small, mobile carts that can seat up to ten customers at a time. They offer a variety of dishes, from noodles and skewers to dumplings and pancakes. The atmosphere is cosy and lively, as people chat with the chefs and fellow diners while devouring the traditional dishes.
Yatais offer a wide variety of dishes, but the most popular and iconic one is tonkotsu ramen, a pork bone broth ramen that originated from Hakata, a district in Fukuoka. The rich and creamy soup is paired with thin and straight noodles and topped with sliced pork belly, flavoured eggs, green onions, bamboo shoots, and seaweed. You can customise your ramen by choosing the firmness of the noodles, the amount of oil and garlic, and the spiciness level.
Another famous dish that you can find at yatai is mentaiko, or spicy cod roe. Mentaiko is a symbolic food of Hakata and is made by marinating fish eggs with chilli peppers and other seasonings. Mentaiko has a unique and addictive texture that pops in your mouth and a spicy and flavourful taste that goes well with rice. If you are looking for something more adventurous, you might want to try motsunabe, a hot pot dish made with beef or pork offal. The offal (internal organs of an animal used as food) has a chewy and tender texture and absorbs the flavour of the broth. Motsunabe is usually eaten with champon noodles at the end, which soak up the remaining soup.
Other dishes that you can enjoy at yatais include gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), oden (boiled fish cakes and vegetables in dashi broth), tempura (deep-fried seafood and vegetables), and more. You can also find some seafood dishes, such as squid, octopus, clams, and snails. Of course, you can also order some drinks to go with your food, such as beer, sake, shochu (distilled liquor), or soft drinks.
These food shops are scattered across the city, but there are two main areas where they are concentrated: Tenjin and Nakasu. Tenjin is the downtown area of Fukuoka, where you can find many shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Nakasu is an island between two rivers, where you can find many nightclubs and karaoke bars. Both areas are well connected by bus or subway.
Yatais usually open around 6 p.m. and close around 2 a.m., but some may open earlier or close later depending on the day and the season. Each yatai can seat around 10 people, and you may have to wait in line to get a seat at the popular ones. The yatai owners are friendly and welcoming and will often chat with their customers. You can also interact with other customers sitting next to you owing to the fact that you have to sit next to complete strangers, creating a close-knit and lively atmosphere.
Yatais are not just restaurants but also an opportunity to explore Fukuoka's culture and meet locals. To avoid any trouble, be respectful of the yatai rules. Some yatais have signs or menus stating their rules, such as the minimum order per person, smoking policy, payment method, etc. Make sure to follow them accordingly. It is better to order one dish at a time at yatais because they have limited space and resources. By doing so, you can enjoy your food while it's hot and fresh.