What Food To Try in Fukuoka and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Fukuoka for 2024.
National currency: Yen, symbol — ¥ (international currency code JPY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Fukuoka cafes and restaurants
$8.3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.39
$41.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $31.83
$4.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.82
What to Try in Fukuoka
Must-try Dishes
Hakata Ramen - 博多ラーメン (thinner noodles, rich broth) - This signature Fukuoka dish features firm, thin noodles served in a bold tonkotsu (pork bone) broth topped with sliced chashu, green onions, and a hint of sesame oil. Locals often enjoy it late at night after a night out, savoring the comforting flavors in casual ramen shops.Motsunabe - もつ鍋 (beef offal hotpot) - A hearty hotpot made with tender beef intestines, stewed with cabbage and garlic in a savory miso or soy sauce broth. Typically eaten in winter months, it's the perfect dish for gathering with friends over drinks, and you'll find it at many izakayas in the city.
Yaki-ue - 焼きうえ (grilled fish on a skewer) - Skewers of fresh fish, seasoned and expertly grilled until crispy on the outside. Locals often grab these as street food during festivals or while exploring the vibrant nightlife, making them a fantastic option for a quick bite on the go.
Goya Champuru - ゴーヤーチャンプルー (bitter melon stir-fry) - This island-inspired dish features stir-fried bitter melon, tofu, and pork, tossed for a delightful blend of flavors. It's a popular comfort food in Fukuoka, especially during the summer months when the bitter melon is in season.
Karashi Renkon - 辛子蓮根 (spicy lotus root) - Made from lotus root stuffed with a mustard paste, this dish has a unique crunch with a spicy kick. You’ll find it served at traditional eateries, especially during the New Year, highlighting its role in local celebrations.
Tonkotsu Donburi - 豚骨丼 (pork bone rice bowl) - A rice bowl topped with rich, creamy tonkotsu sauce and juicy pieces of pork. Perfect for breakfast, this dish is popular among locals who love to start their day with something hearty and filling.
Ikazukuri - 活作り (live fish sashimi) - Thin, translucent slices of freshly caught fish served immediately after it's been prepared. Commonly enjoyed for dinner in specialized restaurants, this dish is all about freshness and is well-regarded by locals for its unique presentation and flavor.
By the way, if you dine out in Fukuoka, it’s customary to slurp your noodles; it’s considered an appreciation of the meal, not bad manners!
Desserts & Drinks
Mizuo - 水お茶 (fresh water tea) - A light and refreshing drink made from steeping young sakura leaves, resulting in a gentle floral flavor. Locals often enjoy it during cherry blossom season, typically sipped leisurely in parks while admiring the blossoms.Yamakake - 山かけ (grated yam smoothie) - A creamy, cold blend featuring fresh yamakake (Japanese mountain yam) that’s often topped with soy sauce and garnished with green onions. This revitalizing drink is especially popular during hot summer months, providing a cooling effect after a long day.
Ichiban Shibori - 一番搾り (Japanese lager) - A crisp beer made using only the finest barley, hops, water, and yeast, often served ice-cold in a chilled glass. It's the go-to drink for after-work gatherings, commonly accompanied by local izakayas’ small plates, though some folks mistakenly order it warm—a definite no-no.
Chinmi - 珍味 (specialty pastries) - Delicate, flaky pastries filled with anko (sweet red bean paste) and dusted with powdered sugar. These sweet treats are a perfect snack during seasonal festivals, particularly during the cherry blossom festival when cherry-themed versions are available.
Yukiguni - 雪国 (snow country dessert) - A refreshing shaved ice dessert topped with seasonal fruits and drizzled with sweet syrup, often enjoyed in summer to combat the heat. At any summer festival, you will see families gathered around stalls, savoring the flavors, although be careful—the strawberry flavor can sometimes be overwhelmingly sweet!
Food and Groceries in Fukuoka
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.59 |
| Bananas | $2.53 |
| Oranges | $4.15 |
| Potatoes | $3 |
| Apples | $5.53 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.79 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.9 |
| Imported Beer | $2.11 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.91 |
| Milk 1L | $1.46 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $12.9 |
| Chicken | $4.96 |
| Cigarettes | $3.87 |
| Rice | $2.85 |
| Local Cheese | $20.74 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Fukuoka's dining culture thrives in a rhythm of mealtime that feels almost instinctual—lunch around noon and dinner after 6 p.m. While many tourists might think it’s acceptable to grab a meal at odd hours, locals usually prefer sticking to these times. For instance, if you stroll through Tenjin at lunchtime, you’ll find ramen shops packed to the brim with people seeking a hearty bowl of noodles. Expect to pay between 800 to 1,200 yen for a solid ramen, with some upscale places nudging towards 2,500 yen. However, in Nakasu, the same meal can dip as low as 600 yen at a street-side stall during off-peak hours.
Dining out here also reveals an interesting payment system. Almost all establishments accept cash, with many smaller vendors only taking yen, which comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. Credit cards are gaining traction but aren't as widespread as in other cities. Tipping is almost nonexistent; locals often round up their bill instead, reflecting a cultural norm that emphasizes good service built into the price. (Oh, and before I forget, no need to worry about calculating service charges—those are generally included.)
A typical dining experience might start with the sound of chopsticks clacking against bowls. One custom I’ve come to appreciate is the practice of saying "itadakimasu," a gratitude expression before starting a meal. It's common to hear this echoing throughout restaurants, bringing a sense of community among diners, as if everyone is partaking in the same feast.
Fukuoka’s popular districts are distinctively alive with energy. In the bustling streets of Nakasu during the height of festival season, various food stalls, or "yatai," pop up, offering dishes from grilled skewers to rich, warming soups. However, it can get crowded around 7 p.m. when people are getting off work, so aim to eat slightly earlier or later to avoid long lines.
Local eateries typically don’t require reservations for smaller groups, but it's a wise move to book ahead in popular spots or larger parties—especially if you're looking to enjoy seasonal specialties that might sell out quickly. With prices fluctuating around the middle of the month when fresh fish is brought in, being flexible with dining times could save you some yen.
Meal habits are also shifting subtly. Younger locals are increasingly adopting a café culture, enjoying lighter fare at unconventional hours, distancing themselves from traditional meal norms. Fukuoka's dining scene is, as always, evolving while remaining rooted in its rich culinary traditions.
Dining out here also reveals an interesting payment system. Almost all establishments accept cash, with many smaller vendors only taking yen, which comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. Credit cards are gaining traction but aren't as widespread as in other cities. Tipping is almost nonexistent; locals often round up their bill instead, reflecting a cultural norm that emphasizes good service built into the price. (Oh, and before I forget, no need to worry about calculating service charges—those are generally included.)
A typical dining experience might start with the sound of chopsticks clacking against bowls. One custom I’ve come to appreciate is the practice of saying "itadakimasu," a gratitude expression before starting a meal. It's common to hear this echoing throughout restaurants, bringing a sense of community among diners, as if everyone is partaking in the same feast.
Fukuoka’s popular districts are distinctively alive with energy. In the bustling streets of Nakasu during the height of festival season, various food stalls, or "yatai," pop up, offering dishes from grilled skewers to rich, warming soups. However, it can get crowded around 7 p.m. when people are getting off work, so aim to eat slightly earlier or later to avoid long lines.
Local eateries typically don’t require reservations for smaller groups, but it's a wise move to book ahead in popular spots or larger parties—especially if you're looking to enjoy seasonal specialties that might sell out quickly. With prices fluctuating around the middle of the month when fresh fish is brought in, being flexible with dining times could save you some yen.
Meal habits are also shifting subtly. Younger locals are increasingly adopting a café culture, enjoying lighter fare at unconventional hours, distancing themselves from traditional meal norms. Fukuoka's dining scene is, as always, evolving while remaining rooted in its rich culinary traditions.