We’ve made a home in Hakata, and first things first — we had to scope out our new favorite food spots.
Sure, we’ve had Ichiran dozens of times on past visits and made croissants our unofficial go-to breakfast, but these are the new places we’ve recently added to our repertoire.
Hakata Issou Honten
Love Ichiran and Shin Shin Ramen? TRY THIS next time you’re in Hakata.
Hearty bowls of Hakata-style thin noodles in a thick, smooth pork broth.
Full toppings ramen — ¥1,250
Why Not (inside The Basics Hotel)
Amazing, affordable lunch that includes a salad bar and soup. And don’t sleep on the lobby — the towering bookshelves are super impressive.
Pasta lunch — ¥1,320
Bonet
A slick coffee shop known for their pour overs and pudding. Since I’d just had pancakes, I opted for a matcha latte — not sweet, not bitter, just matcha perfection. Close to Kushida Shrine and Kawabata Arcade.
Matcha latte — ¥800
WEST Udon
Quick, easy, and super yummy soba/udon place. But here’s the kicker: look for the West locations with the green signs — they offer three times the noodle servings for FREE!
Udon set — ¥1,100
Shaka Malasada
This cute little truck is a traveling treat! This uber-cool couple lived in Hawaii and brought malasadas to Fukuoka, and guys… they are so good. Fluffy and sweet with just the right amount of filling. I love the custard; Bryson liked the coconut or spam (separate, not together — LOL!). Check their IG for location stops @shakas_malasada.
Price: ¥450–550
Gratie
Our corner bakery — loaded with freshly baked breads and fluffy sandwiches. They’re known for their curry pan, and those kinako croissants looked absolutely heavenly!
33 Cafe Green
Aojiru Latte. OMG yes! It’s like a sister to matcha but made of young barley grass and packed full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. I admit, I’m addicted! It’s a hop, skip, and a jump from our house, so it’s the perfect “gotta pop in” stop on the way to Hakata Station.
Aojiru latte (hot or iced) — ¥580
Ikesu Imamura
Roy’s friends Izakata serving up the BEST Japanese food. Sashimi, raw chicken (???!) and all the side dishes please.
Follow along @ikesu.imamura on Instagram.
Ootoya
A classic local restaurant serving all your favorite home-style teishoku meals. My order? Oyako Don.
Price: ¥1,200
Umaya (Canal City)
Chicken nanban for the win! Think: deep fried chicken topped with creamy tartar sauce.
Price: ¥1000
Dacomecca
I dream of this tamago sando. A fluffy omelet with homemade mayo on fresh bread.
Located right outside Hakata Station — look for the line.
Price: ¥313
Consider this our current Hakata food rotation.
More favorites coming as we keep eating our way through the neighborhood.