In this article we will be introducing some of the eateries located in Fukuoka’s Tojinmachi and Nishi Park area. This time, instead of our normal readers participating we have influencer DELIVA on hand to sample the various goodies in the area! Not only the food, but the character and personality of these areas will be touched on as well. 

Expect to be satisfied both in body and mind in this special edition! 

A varied dining experience in the Tojinmachi shopping arcade, filled with nostalgia and warmth.

DELIVA’s first destination was the Tojinmachi shopping arcade, which is conveniently located right next to the “Tojinmachi” subway station just three stops away from Tenjin. 

The first thing one notices is the atmosphere of the shopping arcade itself. Customers and store clerks exchange friendly greetings with one another: “Good day! It’s gotten pretty cold out hasn’t it…” These kinds of moments help put first-timers immediately at ease.

◆ Tojin Bakery “Poem” 

The first place on our list is, “Poem”. Upon entering one is impressed by the freshly baked bread lining the store shelves.

DELIVA picks up a tray and peruses the offerings before settling on the Beef Tendon Curry Bread. 

The bread’s filling is very simple with a curry roux made with primarily onion, carrot, and beef tendon. In spite of this simplicity (or perhaps because of it), the taste is so deep and rich that one cannot help but meditate on it and search for the source of its depth. 

Also worth nothing is the dough itself. As the dough incorporates tapioca flour it has a nice springiness to it every time you take a bite. The light sweetness of the bread and the umami of the curry come together to make this a must-try if you are in the Tojinmachi area.

Tojin Bakery “Poem” 
Address: 1-10-1 Tojinmachi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 092-461-0751
Hours: 7:30 ~ 20:00
Homepage: https://tojinbakery.co.jp/

◆ Chugoku Sosai Senri

The next store DELIVA elects to visit is “Chugoku Sosai Senri”. 

As the name suggests, “Senri” offers a mouth-watering lineup of Chinese delicacies, including steamed meat buns, candied sweet potatoes, dumplings, and spring rolls! Senri’s customers come from all walks of life and include students, regulars, and workers in the area. 

Upon scanning their menu, DELIVA opts to order their Harusame Manju, a kind of steamed bun filled with glass noodles, and Chimaki, a kind of rice cake wrapped in bamboo leaves. 

The Harusame Manju is filled with vegetables, thin strips of deep-fried tofu, egg, and glass noodles for which it is named. But one manju costs only 100 yen! Eating one definitely brings as sense of satisfaction greater than the price would suggest. 

Next up is the Chimaki. The chewy steamed rice forms the perfect complement to the flavor of the stewed pork that it is packed together with. Stunned by the flavor, DELIVA exclaims “Looks are definitely not deceiving. It’s even more delicious than I imagined!”

Chuugoku Sousai Senri
Address: 1-11-3 Tojinmachi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 092-406-9886
Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (closed on Sundays)

◆　Mandi 

The last stop on his trip through Tojinmachi is “Mandi”. “Mandi” is unique because it serves food unique to Amami Oshima, an island halfway between Kyushu and Okinawa. 

As soon one enters the store one is greeted by bottles of Kokuto, or black sugar shochu, a spirit for which Amami is famous. What better way to begin a trip to Amami Oshima then with a swig of “Jougo” kokuto shochu?

The smooth mouthfeel combines with a refreshing flavor before a light lingering sweetness from the black sugar slowly emerges on the palate. DELIVA, who is accustomed to drinking beer more often, finds himself taken by the flavor. 

Next up is a bite of the Mandi special, Abura Somen, or stir-fried white noodles. 

The Abura Somen has a flavor akin to the Japanese pasta dish known as Pepperoncino. While simple in appearance, the olive oil, garlic, chili peppers, dried sardines and the somen noodles have a surprisingly complex flavor. 

Next is a must-have when it comes to local food from Amami. The dish is called Keihan, or chicken rice, and consists of rice, chicken, slivers of egg, mushrooms, and other ingredients. Here you can add a splash of the chicken-infused dashi broth to kick up the flavor of the dish even further. 

The gentle flavor and warmth of the dish help settle the body after having indulged in shochu from Amami. “Keihan is the perfect way to cap off a round of drinks!” says DELIVA in assent. 

Mandi
Address: 1-12-31 Tojinmachi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 092-711-7018
Hours: 11:00 ~ 23:00 (closed on Mondays)

Postscript
In addition to the stores introduced here, the 200-meter-long arcade of the Tojinmachi shopping street is lined with many other attractive stores. Why not enjoy the fun of eating and walking around the town to the fullest?

Eat and drink in the Nishi Park area, which combines nature with a modern nuance!

DELIVA’s next target is Nishi Park. Located in Fukuoka’s Chuo or central ward, the area feels open and replete with nature in spite of its urban location. Here are three of the stores in the area that he personally recommends!

◆ it!

“it!” is a café that radiates an urban aura, but its proximity to Nishi Park makes it feel as if it has a monopoly on the entire area. 

As a café it goes without saying that “it!” offers a wide variety of beverages, but they also offer lunch options and sweets as well to those with an appetite. 

After racking his brains over what to order, DELIVA decides on the Matcha Affogato.

To those who do not know of the dessert, affogato refers to “drowning” vanilla ice cream or gelato in what is usually espresso. At “it!” they pair a tantalizingly sweet vanilla ice cream with matcha for a Japanese take on an Italian classic. The combination of flavors leads DELIVA to exclaim “I like affogato even more with matcha than espresso!” 

Next up on the menu is the Mango Lassi. Using “Ito Monogari” brand drinkable yoghurt, the sweetness and thick mouthfeel of the yoghurt make this drink almost impossible to dislike. 

DELIVA spent his time enjoying his drinks in the stylish interior of the café, and as he gazed out upon the nature of Nishi Park he realized “Hmm... The terrace would also be nice, wouldn’t it?” 

So with that, he elected to order the next item outdoors. 
For his final order, DELIVA decided to get the Chai Latte and Rich Homemade Steamed Pudding. 

The Rich Homemade Steamed Pudding has a refreshing sweetness complemented by a slight bitterness in the caramel syrup coating it, giving it a mature flavor. Crushed chocolate cookies are scattered on top of the otherwise classic-style pudding, improving not only the flavor but the texture of the dessert as well. 

With store policy allowing pets, it’s easy to stop by when walking with the entire family. This spot comes highly recommended if you’re taking a stroll in Nishi Park!

it! 
Address: 13-12 Nishi Park, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City (East Parking Lot)
Tel: 070-8930-5684
Hours: (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) 11:00 – 19:00/(Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Holidays) 11:00 – 22:00
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/it_westparkmarket/ 

◆ Spread Sandwich Brothers

After departing from Nishi Park, we encounter a store perfect for lunch halfway to Meiji-dori Avenue. 

As their name would suggest “Spread Sandwich Brothers” offers sandwiches, but also sweets and a robust café menu as well. As they appear to feature sandwiches that are a touch unusual, DELIVA decides to pay them a visit. 

By ‘a touch unusual’ we mean that the sandwiches here allow you to fill the sandwich however you want by providing all the ingredients on a plate. 

DELIVA decides to order their specialty, the Mackerel and Avocado Sandwich. As the plate arrives, true to their name, a spread of ingredients including veggies, a poached egg, and mackerel come together with buns printed with the name of the restaurant on them. After assembly it’s time to take a bite of your glorious creation! 

The juiciness of the mackerel forms a surprising alliance with the semi-hard texture of the bun, with each mouthful becoming a party in your mouth. This is a sandwich that can be enjoyed three times: it’s beautiful to look at, fun to make, and delicious to eat.

The restaurant also takes a lot of pride in the interior design of their store. It’s as if you’ve stepped onto the set of a movie!

Apart from table seating there is also a counter for individual diners, making it easy to come and eat on your own. We highly recommend stopping by “Spread Sandwich Brothers” if you’re in the area!

Spread Sandwich Brothers
Address: Central Nishi Park 1F, 3-4-1 Arato, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 092-284-6278
Hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (No set holidays)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssb_fukuoka/ 

◆ BEERHOLIC

Last but not least, DELIVA decided to pay a visit to BEERHOLIC near Nishi Park. This beer hall was opened by Far Yeast Brewing, a company that has made great strides in promoting craft beer culture throughout Japan. 

Last but not least, DELIVA decided to pay a visit to BEERHOLIC near Nishi Park. This beer hall was opened by Far Yeast Brewing, a company that has made great strides in promoting craft beer culture throughout Japan. 

On the menu this time is one of Far Yeast Brewing’s main brands, “FAR YEAST WHITE”, a beer made with rice, “Moritomori”, and a beer that uses grapes from a vineyard in its making, “GRAPE VINE2024”. 

DELIVA-san is particularly impressed by the fact that even though these are all beers, they taste totally different from one another. An order of chips and guacamole forms the perfect companion to his beer drinking.

BEERHOLIC is the perfect place for those who want to appreciate the many possibilities of beer. Since they are also open around lunch time this makes them perfect for those walking in the area during the day! 

BEERHOLIC
Address: 3-1-2 Arato, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 092-401-1039
Hours: (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) 14:00 ~ 22:00/ (Weekends and Holidays) 12:00 ~ 22:00 (closed on Mondays)
Homepage: https://faryeast.com/bar/beerholic

In closing
Strolling and enjoying food in the nature-rich Nishi Park area offers an unforgettable way to spend the day, as you savor modern menus while taking in the scenery and the sense of freedom brought by the walking paths. Why not spend a day off indulging in the delicious flavors and beauty of nature?