A Tempura Lover’s Guide to Hakata: Two Must-Try Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

Thursday, September 5, 2024

A Tempura Lover’s Guide to Hakata: Two Must-Try Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

My husband and I are planning to stay in Hakata, Fukuoka for our next trip to Japan. Since Fukuoka is our hometown, we’re excited to visit and indulge in its popular local foods. Fukuoka is renowned for its rich culinary culture, offering a variety of delicious dishes such as tonkotsu ramen, mentaiko, and fresh seafood1. I’ve already created a list of restaurants we want to try, and we’re looking forward to savoring the unique flavors that Fukuoka has to offer.

The List of Foods I Want to Enjoy in Fukuoka

・Tempura

・Udon Noodles with Burdock Root Tempura

・Fresh Seafood

Today, my article will be all about tempura restaurants.

Tempura (天ぷら, てんぷら, 天婦羅)

Tempura

Did you know that tempura is a favorite dish among both tourists and locals in Hakata? Fukuoka city is home to many tempura restaurants. A unique aspect of these specialty restaurants is their serving style—they bring out a few pieces of freshly fried tempura at a time, ensuring you enjoy them hot and fresh. I’ll introduce you to two of the most well-known restaurants.

1. Tempura Hirao (天ぷらひらお)

Tempura Hirao offers their special salted squid, known as ika shiokara (いか塩辛) in Japanese, for free with the meal. There are many branches, and I am planning to visit the Tempura Hirao Main Store, which is located very close to Fukuoka Airport.

Tempura Hirao Main Store (天ぷらひらお本店)

2 Chome-4-1 Higashihirao

Hakata Ward, Fukuoka

Open: 10:30 am through 9:30 pm

Tempura Hirao Official Website https://www.hirao-foods.net/

This is the Link for This Restaurant on Tabelog:　https://tabelog.com/fukuoka/A4001/A400107/40000033/

After watching this YouTube video, I feel like I have to visit this restaurant.

2. Hakata Tempura Takao (博多天ぷらたかお)

At Hakata Tempura Takao, you can savor their special Kombu Mentaiko (昆布明太子), spicy cod roe with kelp, and pickled vegetables, all included with your meal at no extra cost. They also offer Black Oolong Tea for free. There are several branches of Hakata Tempura Takao, one of which can be found in Canal City Hakata, a vast shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka city.

Hakta Tempura Takao

4th Floor Canal City Hakata

1-2-1 Sumiyoshi

Hakata Ward, Fukuoka Japan

Open: 11 am through 10 pm

Hakata Tempura Takao Offical Website: https://tempura-takao.jp/

This is the Link for This Restaurant on Tabelog:　https://tabelog.com/fukuoka/A4001/A400101/40019565/