Fukuoka is dotted with yatai stalls, mainly in the areas of Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama.
Nagahama, in particular, is renowned as the “holy ground of tonkotsu ramen.” In its heyday, the Nagahama area was a bustling hotspot, boasting 15 stalls that welcomed both locals, such as those affiliated with the Nagahama Fresh Fish Market, and travelers from across the country and beyond. However, urban development and aging of store owners led to a significant reduction in the number of stalls. By 2021, only 2 stalls remained, Sayoko and Tonkichi (currently closed), marking a drastic transformation for Nagahama’s yatai scene.
But today, June 5, ushers in a new era for Nagahama with the introduction of seven new yatai stalls. These newcomers, joining the existing two stalls, now total nine, reviving the vibrant yatai culture that once thrived in Nagahama.
Mentai Chudoku
https://www.instagram.com/mentaiyatai/
A specialty store for mentaiko (spicy cod roe), the only one of its kind in Fukuoka’s stalls.
Menu: Mentaiko Tororo Hot Pot, Mentaiko Dashi Rolled Omelette
Nagahama Shoei (opens in July 2023)
https://www.instagram.com/nagahamasyouei/
Authentic Chinese stall menu offered by a shopkeeper from Suzhou, China.
Menu: Cola Chicken Wings, Fruit-flavored Lamb
Nagahama Dogenya
https://www.instagram.com/nagahamayataidogenya/
The owner of a fried chicken shop challenges with skewered cutlets and deep-fried skewers, also tries new Nagahama ramen.
Menu: Skewered Cutlets, Deep-fried Skewers, Nagahama Ramen
Nagahama no Hiroshi
https://www.instagram.com/nagahama.hiro/
Specializing in skewers of seasonal vegetables wrapped in meat, also offering surprisingly long, shareable meat wraps.
Menu: Meat Wraps, Roulette Meatballs
Yatai no Tamachan
https://www.instagram.com/yatainotamachan/
The popular barbecue restaurant “Tamaya” expands into a stall.
Menu: Nagahama Ramen, Yakitori, Agodashi Oden
Yatai no Tamachan Bekkan (Annex)
A group application with Yatai no Tamachan. The theme is delicious foods from Hakata and Kyushu.
Menu: Nagahama Ramen, Oden
Nagahama Shimin Kyujo
https://www.instagram.com/nagahama0601/
A shop run by a Hawks fan who moved to Fukuoka.
Menu: Baseball (round croquette), Nagahama-yaki (grilled pork with mentaiko)
Sayoko
A stall that has been operating in Nagahama for 43 years. The Sayoko sisters, affectionately known as “grandma”, run the business.
Menu: Oden, Motsuni (boiled offal), Yakitori
