Now in its 43rd year, Fukuchan is one of the city’s most famous ramen joints. Ask a local and many will say Fukuchan is their favorite. Despite its location in a residential neighborhood 40 minutes from Tenjin, people line up before the shop even opens, and it remains packed with patrons until around 15:00. The biggest selling point at Fukuchan is the exquisite balance of the soup, noodles, and roast pork. The savory tonkotsu broth derived from simmered pork skull packs a punch from the get-go and maintains its richness as you eat. Owner Shinichiro Sakaki says the key is blending soups of different concentrations, and he prides himself on the soup base made from roast pork broiled in dark soy sauce. The medium-thick straight noodles have been chosen as the best pairing with this soup because they release flavor as you chew them. The final puzzle piece is the hearty roast pork. It’s worth the trek to experience a local favorite!
Menu: Ramen ¥600, large ramen ¥700, roast pork ramen ¥800, wonton ramen ¥800, wonton ¥600, gyoza ¥350, fried rice ¥450, noodle refill ¥100, rice ¥100, kimchi ¥300, bottled beer ¥500, shochu ¥250, sake ¥400
*Foreign language menu: None / Cash only / Reservations not required / No smoking
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn245, May 2019)
