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Sankaku Ichiba
In Watanabe-dori 2-chome, just east of Yakuin Station, lies a jumble of old buildings and retro shops called Sankaku Ichiba (“triangle market”). The name stuck after a group of shops on a triangular plot a few blocks away moved to the area in 1950. (The old wooden arcade dates back to this time, too.) Now, about 20 eateries and shops call Sankaku Ichiba home, offering everything from udon to stiff drinks. There is also a new teppanyaki pub that opened last spring. A hidden gem of Fukuoka nightlife, Sankaku Ichiba attracts a diverse array of foodies and tipplers.
Sankaku Ichiba
Address: 2-3-1 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku
Hours: Opening hours vary
Natural Farm + Cocon
Fresh fruit juice and other delights await you in the heart of Daimyo at this super-friendly fruit stand. Get a juice to-go, or drink it down on the spot (there’s an eat-in area). Stop by now to enjoy in-season Fukuoka strawberries, as well as several other delicious fruits and veggies. Nearby shop workers swing by for lunch soups, while foreign tourists enjoy a little down time with local fruits, roasted sweet potatoes and hot wine. From early spring to summer, when more fruits are available, the shop sells fresh fruit smoothies. Until then, how about some hot clam chowder or a carrot croquette?
Natural Farm + Cocon
Address: 1-12-56 Daimyo, Chuo-ku
Open: 11:00~21:00
Closed: Irregular
Tel.: 092-752-8228
Menu: Strawberries ¥680 (1 pack), clam chowder ¥380, soup of the day ¥350, nikujaga korokke ¥95 each, baked sweet potato parfait ¥550, mikan juice ¥450, avocado, pineapple & milk smoothie ¥500, coffee ¥200
Samurai Udon
Samurai Udon is located at the Minoshima-kita intersection, a 15-minute walk south from Hakata Station. Shop-owner Hiroyuki Soma’s dedication to udon is like that of a samurai to the sword, hence the shop’s moniker. The massive burdock and chikuwa tempura that jut beyond the bowl’s edge even evoke the image of a samurai sword! But it’s the soup and noodles that keep customers coming back to Samurai. The light golden broth is made by hand from kombu and dried, non-oily fishes with no additives or preservatives, making it all-natural as well as delicious. The noodles are hand-made daily using an original blend of Kyushu flours; they maintain a naturally wheaty aroma and are full of bounce, just like udon should be. The final touch, the tempura, are fried upon order, and seasonal veggies round out the dish. We suggest the namesake Samurai Udon, but on weekends only, you can order the Samurai Special—a bowl of udon loaded with spicy curry.
Samurai Udon
Address: 4-36-20 Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku
Open: 11:30~15:00 (L.O.: 14:30), 18:00~22:00 (L.O.: 21:00)
Closed: Mon.
Tel.: 092-483-6300
Menu: Samurai Udon ¥850, Samurai Special ¥1,000, udon w/ shrimp tempura ¥800, toppings: pickled kombu ¥100, Shrimp (x2) ¥200, and more
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn207, Mar. 2016)
