Yakitori typically refers to the broader category of kushiyaki, or skewered meats and vegetables. For Fukuokans, yakitori restaurants are not only places for group parties and dates; they take their families there to enjoy the casual atmosphere. Another unique feature of Fukuoka yakitori shops is the butabara (pork belly). While it’s second nature for locals to start with an order of butabara, it is not typically served in other prefectures. Another mainstay is the fresh cabbage, which comes topped with a lip-smacking dressing of lemon, vinegar and light soy sauce and is replenished as requested. At Hachibei’s Shoninbashi-dori shop, you can enjoy a wide range of yakitori in a sophisticated, modern atmosphere. The central grill here serves as a stage, where you can enjoy watching the chefs preparing your yakitori and then see the skewers cooked over high-grade binchotan charcoal. Popular menu items include the deep-fried green pea skewers and the wagyu sukiyaki skewers.
Menu (tax excl.):
Kushizanmai course ¥4,300 (incl. dish of the day, goma saba, deep-fried green pea skewer, pickled vegetables, seven kinds of kushiyaki, grilled rice ball, chazuke, dessert), Hachibei farm salad ¥1,180, bagna càuda ¥1,180, chef’s choice (yakitori 5 pcs.) ¥1,480, pork belly ¥200, tonsoku (pork feet) ¥350, draft beer ¥680, sake ¥630~, wine/glass ¥580~
*table charge ¥500
*Prices to change from Oct. 1, 2019 following tax increase
*Foreign language menu: English / Credit cards accepted / Reservations possible / No smoking
Originally published in the Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn215, Nov. 2016)
