Hidden Gems Of Fukuoka Cuisine

Posted on 07/14/2022 Last updated on 07/14/2022

Top photo: toshi.tさん on PhotoAC

A food lover’s guide to unique and delicious cuisines in and around the city of Fukuoka.

Asanatsuko

Every day starts with a sumptuous breakfast. At the heart of Hakata City, near the famed Kushida Shrine, exists a very unique street paved with tiles. A unique and small pop-up restaurant, run by a lady named Asanatsuko who the restaurant is named after, serves the most delicious West Indian breakfast.

Yes, I said “West Indian Breakfast”. When I say “West Indian”, I am referring to the Western part of India. The owner’s life and unique experiences during her time in India has led her to creating this wonderful culinary experience that represents the taste of that particular region. The breakfast is a simple replication of a dish called Kheema Pao. Kheema being minced meat with various spices and herbs and Pao being a type of bread served as breakfast in various parts of India.

I was surprised at how authentic the taste of the food was. I believe that this pop-up restaurant is not a regular affair; the owner opens the place only on some weekends. Despite the fact that it is not open everyday, people queue up in front of the place on Saturday mornings (even in the rain) to experience the delicacies of Asanatsuko. The food is absolutely delicious and reasonable to boot. Asanatsuko was quite the nostalgic experience for me, being a native of India.

Tatsuta Shokudo

The next hidden gem is located in the famed area of Ropponmatsu within the city of Fukuoka. Ropponmatsu is an area known for its numerous delicious restaurants and cafes. Among the many restaurants, I would like to introduce Tatsuta Shokudo. We move on from a scrumptious Indian breakfast to classic Japanese cuisine. A historic shokudo (dining room), this term brings to mind humble beginnings, simple foods, and a homely atmosphere.

This gem was opened in the Showa era and it is flourishing even today, thanks to its amazing food. Let’s start with the fact that every single dish is 500 yen. Yes, a one-coin menu! The most shocking part about this affordable menu is the quality of food served to you.

The ingredients are fresh and, the food is blissful. As a food lover, I have tried various diners, but Tatsuta Shokudo is by far my favorite one of them all. Specifically, the teppanyaki with spicy miso. This dish is to die for, the seasoning is perfect and the spicy homemade miso is etched into my memory.

Something to note about the tencho or the owner/chef of the restaurant. He looks very stern and strict, but he’s actually a very kind and warm person. Once you experience the homely and wonderful food at Tatsuta Shokudo, I guarantee that you will become a regular at this hidden gem of Fukuoka.

Bangkok-ya

Now, let’s delve into the realm of Thai cuisine. Unsurprisingly, Thai food in Fukuoka is very close to the original. A tiny gem called Bangkok-ya is located in the small alleyways of Daimyo, Fukuoka. It is best known for its famous Khao Man Gai. ‘Khao Man Gai’ translates to ‘rice fat chicken’.

This dish is an iconic Thai dish that is only available for lunch at Bangkok-ya. It consists of chicken breast served over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice accompanied by a number of condiments such as a flavored soft boiled egg. The Khao Man Gai is has 2 varieties: A slowly braised or boiled chicken over rice, or fried chicken over rice. You can also get the half-n-half which has both. To top it all off, authentic Thai sauces can add intense flavors to an already intense dish. Hungry yet?

In fact, this tiny powerhouse of a Thai restaurant serves only ‘Khao Man Gai’. The restaurant closes when their food is sold out, and their food sells out rather quickly! The array of flavors and the complexity of this dish can only be understood by experiencing it. Just make sure you go early.

Duang Dee

And finally, another Thai gem located in Yakuin, an area that is also famous for its restaurants serving various delectable cuisines. It’s a place called Duang Dee. An authentic Thai restaurant that has a very calm ambient atmosphere, it is an ideal dinner place. You can get the most delectable Thai food here. I have visited Thailand numerous times, and it is very apparent that this restaurant serves some of the most authentic food in Fukuoka.

The Tom Yum Kun is one of Thailand’s most famous soups. Thai food is known for its complex flavors. The dish has spicy, sour, sweet, salty and umami flavors all together. It is a shock to your senses and a burst of intense flavors. The soup is served in a clay pot over a light flame that keeps your soup hot and appetizing throughout the entire experience. I also recommend the Poo Pad Pong curry which is made from either stir fried crab or prawn and eggs. This dish will definitely surprise you with its amazing array of flavors.

That being said, I conclude by adding that Fukuoka has welcomed different cuisines from all over the world, and I am sure that I have a lot more to experience in the future!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: toshi.tさん on PhotoAC

All additional photos provided by the original author, used with permission.