The stalls are a Hakata night tradition. While the number of food stalls in Japan is almost gone, there are still more than 100 in Hakata, and it is one of the largest food stalls in Japan, accounting for about 40% of all food stalls in Japan. If you are traveling in Hakata, we recommend that you visit the street food.
Why are stalls famous in Hakata?
Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City
It is said that the origin of the stalls is that the merchants who found the food demand of local samurai who came to Edo sold easy-to-eat foods such as soba, sushi, and tempura on the street.
It was a stall culture that was secretly rooted all over Japan, but due to problems such as hygiene, unauthorized use on the street, and aesthetics, strict regulations were imposed by the government and gradually declined.
Meanwhile, only in Hakata, stall managers gathered to form a union, and as a result of continuing negotiations with the government for the survival of the stall, in 1955, it became possible to operate with a permit system.
Since then, legal requirements such as the Food Sanitation Law and the Road Traffic Law concerning stalls have been added, becoming the current standard for stall sales.
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3 areas full of charm
Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City
The area where Hakata stalls gather is divided into three areas: Nakasu, Tenjin, and Nagahama. The “Nakasu” area is where you can enjoy the unique atmosphere unique to a food stall.
Together with Kabukicho in Shinjuku and Susukino in Sapporo, it is called one of the three major downtown areas in Japan, and the neon lights along the Nakagawa River and street food streets create a fantastic Asian atmosphere.
The “Tenjin” area, which is the most downtown area in Kyushu, is lined with stalls that are popular with office workers and young people who have just finished working. There are many pedestrians in the daytime, but it is interesting that the atmosphere of the town changes drastically when the food stalls open after sunset.
As its name suggests, “Nagahama” is the birthplace of Nagahama stand ramen. Nakasu and Tenjin are famous as stalls today, but this area may be close to the original stall shape. You can eat orthodox Nagahama ramen that is relatively easy for beginners.
Enjoy stall food
Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City
Hakata Ramen is a must-have for enjoying the stalls. The light pork bone ramen that you can drink up to soup is recommended after drinking alcohol. For those who want to fill up their stomachs, we recommend the rich grilled ramen that combines pork bone soup and Worcestershire sauce.
It is full of vegetables and crunchy thin noodles or thick noodles. There are also some toppings unique to that store (such as mentaiko and fried egg). The standard food stalls include the taste-stained oden and various types of grilled skewers, as well as the European-style and gibier restaurants recently.
There is also an increasing number of stalls offering western-style menus along with wine, cocktails and champagne. You will find your favorites ones among the many stalls.
Enjoy the relationships that happened to be there
Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City
The real charm of Hakata Yatai is that you can communicate with a variety of people, from locals to tourists. The people of Hakata are full of familiarity, and when you enter the stall, the store owner in front of you, the clerk, the customer next to you, or someone else may talk to you.
If you don’t speak Japanese, don’t hesitate to talk with them. They may give you informations about recommended food stalls and information about the nearby tourist attractions.
A little trick to enjoy a deep night
Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City
The food stalls will open around 18:30. Be careful as many stalls are closed on Sundays. We recommend stalls with a price list to prevent troubles. Once you have decided which stalls you are looking for, bring only the minimum necessary luggage. All stalls have small seats, so keep your luggage compact and keep it at your feet.
Order the menu and drinks you think will come out as soon as you arrive at the stall. It is the real pleasure of Hakata stalls to hop multiple stalls, so be careful not to order too much even if you are hungry. When drinking alcohol, the toilet tends to be near. Public toilets are scattered around, so if you find one while walking, be sure to go early.
Even though Japan is a safe place, it is a red light district. Please enjoy the stall atmosphere while paying attention to rip-offs and pickpockets!
Conclusion
Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City
A stall street that cannot be missed to fully enjoy the night in Hakata. Refer to this article and go out to the city at night!
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