Author

 

From the University of Central Florida, working as an intern at Fukuoka City Hall to introduce Fukuoka tourist information.

Coming from the United States, I noticed that meals in Japan, and especially in Fukuoka, are not only a way to eat, but a cultural experience full of historical significance, meaningful interactions, and unspoken rules.
 

Fukuoka’s food reveals a completely different approach to how food is presented, prepared, and enjoyed compared to the U.S. Throughout this article, you will learn about the delicious dishes Fukuoka is proudly known for, while reflecting on the unique differences that exist between American and Japanese food culture.

Japan is home to plenty of regional specialties; however, Fukuoka will always stand out with its handful of iconic dishes that define the culture behind local food.  If you’re planning on visiting in the near future, the following foods are must-try items that Fukuoka serves proudly, and that tourists crave long after their visit.

Within Fukuoka’s food scene, Tonkotsu Ramen (Hakata Ramen) takes the crown as the most well-known and liked dish from here. It consists of a rich pork-bone broth that is the perfect mix of creamy, savory, and full of flavor that never gets old. Unlike other ramen specialties, it is paired with thin, firm noodles that never feel too little or too much. While Fukuoka is the mother of Ichiran, a viral chain for Tonkotsu ramen, it is also home to a more local chain, Shin Shin. A lot of people who come to visit are not aware of this go-to spot for residents; however, I strongly recommend giving it a try, as it offers a truly authentic taste of Hakata-style ramen.

Mizutaki is a heart-warming dish that dates back to the Meiji era. It is a traditional chicken hot pot that consists of simmering high-quality chicken, vegetables, and tofu that is boiled in a light broth. Apart from this dish being both delicious and nutritious, it is a storytelling dining experience that offers a unique way of flavoring chicken broth. The staff will make the dish in front of you, as you taste the broth in between each added ingredient. They start off by adding the chicken, then meatballs that sweeten the broth, and lastly the vegetables that lighten the flavor. It is an immersive night as you continuously experience the change in the flavor of the broth, and it is very easy to eat as it is light on the stomach. Since it is such a big dish, the remaining broth is either enjoyed as a rich soup or turned into a porridge-like texture after adding rice to it. This specialty is highly recommended to be enjoyed communally, and is a perfect meal for cold evenings or a relaxed group meal.

A local favorite that might spark curiosity in travelers is Motsunabe. This is another famous hot pot dish that features beef or pork intestines. Similar to mizutaki, it is enjoyed in a group setting as it is served as a flavorful broth with the intestines cooked with cabbage, garlic chives, and chili. It started after World War II, just like Yatai, as a humble, post-war working-class meal that is now one of Fukuoka’s signature foods. Although it might be hair-raising to try, it is a highly recommended dish to share if you’re feeling adventurous.

Another specialty with deep roots in Fukuoka is a dish brought from Korea in the 1940s, Mentaiko, or spicy cod roe. Introduced by Toshio Kawahara, the man who opened the first mentaiko shop in Fukuoka, it has since then become a culinary symbol of the city. Served in rice balls, pasta, tamago, and even ramen (as a topping), it is packed with umami that tastes a little salty, but most definitely worth a try if you enjoy bold and briny flavors. You can also gift it as a souvenir, as it is sold packaged in many restaurants and markets.

These four dishes come together to form the culinary gem that Fukuoka is. Each one holds a story, a history, and a flavor that makes the city shine.

Yatai Food Stalls are a culinary experience that most tourists want to try since they are deeply rooted in Fukuoka’s culture. While the U.S. has food trucks, normally people order their food and eat it while standing, or go to a nearby table. Food trucks are also usually seen at festivals, school events, concerts, or any special outdoor event. However, in Fukuoka, you can experience a small outdoor food stall every day. Some would say that the Yatai food stalls are the city’s best-known symbol. Serving everything from yakitori (grilled skewers) to tempura and Hakata-style ramen, Yatai are generally open from 6 pm to 2 am, and open almost every single day of the week, varying from stand to stand. They can be found in the main areas of Fukuoka, like Hakata, Nakasu-Kawabata, and Tenjin. Different from food trucks, Yatai can seat around seven to eight people and create a casual but cozy and welcoming atmosphere where people can chat with locals and experience Japanese hospitality up close. Visiting a Yatai will create unforgettable memories with the people from Fukuoka and an incredible culinary experience on your trip.

Just like in any other country, food is much more than fuel; it is a profound cultural adventure for tourists to experience. However, Japan has its own set of customs and expectations during every meal. You will notice differences in several aspects of food etiquette that may surprise you. For instance, slurping noodles can often be seen as rude and improper in America, while it is embraced in Japan. While it is not required, people slurp their noodles to show they are savoring the flavors. You will normally see people first take a taste of the broth and then go for the noodles. Since noodles are normally served hot, slurping them also serves as a way to cool them before they hit your tongue, as you draw a lot of air, which also helps to bring some of the broth with the noodles. 

Outside of the vibrant night food scene in Fukuoka, meals in Japan are specifically enjoyed sitting down, even if it is purchased at a convenience store. In the U.S., it is common to see locals eat on the go. Whether it is a quick snack on their way to work or an ice cream while taking a stroll, most people will not bat an eye at it. However, in Japan, eating while walking is referred to as “tabearuki,” and it is seen as messy and generally considered impolite to do. 

Even though it is not illegal, it is not a common practice you will see in Japan because people there believe there is a time and place for everything, and that it also shows their respect and appreciation for the food. Not eating while walking also helps to keep the streets clean. If you look around the streets of Japan, you will see that there is almost never a place to dispose of your trash. This causes the great inconvenience of having to hold onto your trash until you get home. This is troublesome enough to discourage Japanese people from eating while walking. American tourists should keep this in mind if they visit and respect the norms, as it is a part of their culture.

Often, food is the first window foreigners peek through into another culture, and if you look into Fukuoka’s, you will leave with a newfound love for its cuisine culture. Although American and Japanese food habits differ in many aspects, those differences will lead you to appreciate the rich culture that shines through the heart of each country. Whether you find yourself enjoying a bowl of Hakata Ramen, chatting with locals and fellow tourists at a yatai, or even just simply learning to appreciate a meal while seated, remember you’re not just tasting the food, you’re tasting the history, culture, and love used to prepare that delicious meal.