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Yatai Stalls

3.5 (200)RestaurantFoodPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Yatai stalls are a cornerstone of Japanese street food culture, offering an immersive culinary experience. These mobile food carts are commonly found in cities like Fukuoka, where they line the streets with their inviting lights and savory aromas, especially during the evening.

At a yatai stall, the options are abundant and mouth-watering. Ramen, with its steaming broth, chewy noodles, and flavorful toppings, is a staple. Each bowl is a symphony of taste, with ingredients like soft-boiled eggs, tender slices of pork, and a sprinkle of green onions. The broth, often simmered for hours, ranges from rich tonkotsu to light shoyu, catering to diverse palates.

Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, are another highlight. These skewers feature various cuts of chicken, from juicy thighs to crispy skin, all grilled over charcoal. The smoky flavor and perfect seasoning make them irresistible. Besides chicken, you’ll find skewers of beef, pork, and even vegetables, all grilled to perfection.

Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with ingredients like cabbage, pork, and seafood, is cooked on a hot griddle. Topped with a tangy sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, it’s a filling and flavorful dish that embodies Japanese comfort food.

One of the most charming aspects of yatai stalls is their atmosphere. They are usually small, seating around ten people, fostering a sense of community. Strangers share tables, engage in conversation, and enjoy the culinary delights together. The vendors, often friendly and chatty, add to the lively ambiance, making dining at a yatai a memorable experience.

Seasonal specialties also make an appearance, such as oden in the winter, a hot pot dish with ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon radish, and fish cakes simmered in a light broth. This warm, comforting dish is perfect for cold nights.

Hours:

6:00 PM - 12:30 AM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All Year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

110 yen per ticket (9 Yatai stalls listed on the ticket)


Hours
Monday: 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Friday: 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Saturday: 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Sunday: 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM

The area

Address
Japan, 〒810-0801 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Nakasu, 1 Chome−8, 那珂川 通り

What other travelers are saying about Yatai Stalls

There are a number of stalls lined up along the canal. They all serve similar foods, ranging from onden to yakitori and ramen. It’s fast paced eating in a crammed space. A unique experience but not necessarily the most enjoyable. Food is just alright for the price.
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Daniel Ong
Dec 1, 2024
I think it is okay to try one of these food stalls if you are a tourist. Just once though. But the very good ones have super long lines and the so-so ones are tourist traps. Why tourist traps? While you wait (in the rain when we went) they take your order and after about 20 to 30 mins waiting (this one was one of the so-so ones) you get to sit down and the food arrives when we sit and they were all cold already. And you can only order once while you were standing on line. So you eat these cold items while you look for condiments that were all empty… bill comes when you about to leave and it is close to Yen 3000 for some yakitori sticks and a side dish of grilled asparagus and mushrooms. Skip these stalls unless you enjoy standing on a line and get cold food at the end. There are plenty of izakaya in Nakasu just a few feet away from these very expensive and inconvenient yatais.
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Jung Lee
Mar 7, 2024
We enjoyed our dinner. We found the price reasonable, I recommend viewing the menus before you decide as they do differ in what they offer and the prices also vary. A couple were quite $$$. We chose a vendor and had ramen, beer, plus 2 x side dishes including steak skewers - everything was so delicious we couldn’t fault the food at all. Even though it was lightly raining it was still very enjoyable and a must do In Our opinion.
The food is average. Get cold easier due to the weather. It’s a fast pace eating, meaning that they expect you to eat and leave as soon as possible. The stall that we went required at least one food and one drink to be ordered. It’s quite expensive. Not value for money but it’s a good experience. Should try once.
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Wei Long Lek
Oct 21, 2024
The place is always packed with people. It makes sense that the stalls want to accommodate as many people as possible. Hopefully, more space could be given to the stalls so that more people can enjoy the wonderful food.
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Jude Eliazar Mayol
Apr 30, 2023

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