Fukuoka is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of local specialties that you won’t find anywhere else. From rich tonkotsu ramen to fresh seafood, here are the must-try dishes when visiting Fukuoka. We’ll also introduce the best places to try them and their prices!
1. Tonkotsu Ramen (Hakata Ramen)
- Where to Eat: Ichiran, Ippudo, Hakata Daruma, Shin Shin
- Price: ¥900–¥1,500 per bowl
- Taste: Tonkotsu ramen features a creamy and rich pork bone broth with thin, straight noodles. The umami-packed broth pairs perfectly with toppings like chashu pork, green onions, and pickled ginger.
2. Motsunabe (Beef or Pork Intestine Hot Pot)
- Where to Eat: Yamanaka, Rakutenchi, Hakata Motsunabe Ooyama
- Price: ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person (shared hot pot)
- Taste: A rich and flavorful hot pot dish made with beef or pork intestines, simmered in a miso or soy-based broth with vegetables. The meat becomes tender and soaks up the delicious broth, making it a perfect dish for cold nights.
3. Hakata Udon
- Where to Eat: Daichi no Udon, Shin Shin Udon
- Price: ¥500–¥1,000 per bowl
- Taste: Hakata udon has a unique soft and chewy texture, unlike the firmer Sanuki udon from Kagawa. The broth is light and refreshing, made from kelp and dried fish. Popular toppings include beef, tempura, and goboten (burdock tempura).
Where to Stay in Fukuoka?
After a day of exploring Fukuoka’s incredible food scene, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest. Check out our detailed Fukuoka hotel guide, where we recommend the best places to stay, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury accommodations.
👉 Click here to find the best hotels in Fukuoka
4. Yatai (Street Food Stalls)
- Where to Eat: Nakasu, Tenjin, Nagahama
- Price: ¥1,000–¥3,000 per meal
- Taste: Fukuoka is famous for its yatai (outdoor food stalls), where you can enjoy ramen, yakitori, oden, and more. It’s a great way to experience authentic local food while interacting with friendly stall owners and locals.
5. Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe)
- Where to Eat: Ganso Hakata Mentaiju, Fukuya
- Price: ¥1,000–¥2,000 for a mentaiko rice dish
- Taste: A salty and spicy delicacy made from marinated cod roe, often served with rice or in onigiri. You can also find mentaiko pasta and grilled mentaiko, offering a delicious umami punch.
6. Tai Chazuke (Sea Bream Rice with Tea)
- Where to Eat: Zauo, Ikkokudo
- Price: ¥1,500–¥3,000 per dish
- Taste: This dish consists of fresh sea bream slices served over rice, with hot dashi broth poured over it. The combination of warm soup and fresh fish creates a comforting yet sophisticated taste.
