<strong>Fukuoka, Japan:</strong> Despite being the sixth-biggest city in Japan by population, Fukuoka has the country's best street food scene. Read more to find out why.
Fukuoka, Japan: Despite being the sixth-biggest city in Japan by population, Fukuoka has the country's best street food scene. Read more to find out why.
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<strong>Yatai: </strong>Fukuoka is home to the majority of the country's yatais, or food stalls. They could have disappeared forever, but the city's mayor organized a team to update and improve the yatai system.
Yatai: Fukuoka is home to the majority of the country's yatais, or food stalls. They could have disappeared forever, but the city's mayor organized a team to update and improve the yatai system.
Courtesy Fukuoka City
<strong>On offer:</strong> Most yatais specialize in a few dishes, like ramen or gyoza. This one focuses on sweet mochi desserts.
On offer: Most yatais specialize in a few dishes, like ramen or gyoza. This one focuses on sweet mochi desserts.
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<strong>Tenjin</strong>: This busy neighborhood is one of the main areas for yatais. Stalls must be licensed and removed before dawn to make way for pedestrians.
Tenjin: This busy neighborhood is one of the main areas for yatais. Stalls must be licensed and removed before dawn to make way for pedestrians.
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<strong>Local classics:</strong> One of Fukuoka's best-known dishes is the tonkotsu pork based Hakata-style ramen (seen here).
Local classics: One of Fukuoka's best-known dishes is the tonkotsu pork based Hakata-style ramen (seen here).
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<strong>Yatai etiquette:</strong> Most yatai customers squeeze together in small seating areas, providing a rare opportunity to make small talk with new friends.
Yatai etiquette: Most yatai customers squeeze together in small seating areas, providing a rare opportunity to make small talk with new friends.
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<strong>Off limits:</strong> The one thing you won't find at a yatai? Sushi. Raw food is not allowed.
Off limits: The one thing you won't find at a yatai? Sushi. Raw food is not allowed.
Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association
<strong>Takoyaki:</strong> These fried octopus balls are a popular takeaway food as they're easy to eat on the go.
Takoyaki: These fried octopus balls are a popular takeaway food as they're easy to eat on the go.
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<strong>How to choose:</strong> Fukuoka's city government has an English-language yatai map on its website.
How to choose: Fukuoka's city government has an English-language yatai map on its website.
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