Beloved in Fukuoka’s bustling Tenjin district for over 40 years, Gourmet Fugetsu’s Beef Butter Yaki is a must-try.
I’ve lived in Fukuoka for 13 years total, but only recently visited for the first time.
That’s because, unlike famous ramen shops or motsu nabe restaurants, it’s more of a “local gem that locals know” than a universally recognized spot (in my personal impression).
On a sizzling hot iron plate sits pasta, topped with thin-sliced sautéed beef.
This is the Beef Butter Yaki—drizzled with a special sauce loaded with aromatic vegetables.
When the special sauce—loaded with aromatic vegetables and crafted in a Japanese-style barbecue style—is poured over the beef sauté on a piping hot iron plate, it releases a delicious sizzle! The aroma rises up with the steam, fragrant and mouth-watering.
Gourmet Fugetsu | Fugetsu Foods Co., Ltd.
The tangy seasoning is exquisite—the savory depth lingers while the finish remains clean. It’s the perfect rice topper.
The pasta in contact with the hot iron plate gradually develops a crispy, caramelized crust. This crispy layer provides texture and an aromatic, toasted flavor that’s both enjoyable and delicious.
Whether you’re a hearty eater or a Fukuoka food connoisseur who’s tried everything the local food scene has to offer, this is a dish you absolutely must try!
Gourmet Fugetsu in Tenjin Core: Savor the Signature Beef Butter Yaki
Gourmet Fugetsu is located on B1F of “Tenjin Core,” situated along Watanabe-dori, the main street of Tenjin.
Incidentally, there’s apparently another location at the Hirokawa Service Area in Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Since the building is filled with women’s fashion, cosmetics, and accessory shops, male visitors might find it a bit awkward to walk through, but don’t worry—just head downstairs.
There it is, tucked a bit further back—Teppanyaki Gourmet Fugetsu, identifiable by its cow-like logo.
It was around 3pm on a weekday when I visited, so the place wasn’t full, but seeing chairs lined up suggests this place gets queues during lunch or on weekends.
The signature dish is definitely the Beef Butter Yaki. There are also combo versions with hamburger and versions topped with a poached egg, apparently.
Looking at the menu makes me want to eat everything!
The interior is narrow and elongated with counter seating and impressive sofa tables. Antique-looking urns and statues are displayed around the shop, giving it a sense of history.
The combo and poached egg versions are tempting, but for a first visit, the classic Beef Butter Yaki is the way to go. ¥1,080 including tax.
There’s also butter-grilled salad, a half-portion for women that comes with corn soup and salad, plus hamburger and steak options.
Beef Butter Yaki with Tangy Special Sauce – Absolutely Delicious
When your order arrives, the special Beef Butter Yaki sauce and soup come out first. Don’t accidentally drink the sauce!
The soup is consommé-like but with a distinctive depth I can’t quite place. Regardless, it’s delicious.
While sipping soup, you can watch the chef cooking at the counter and anticipate the Beef Butter Yaki.
When the Beef Butter Yaki arrives, you’re given what looks like an apron. “The sauce splatters, so please use this,” you’re told.
(The photo is taken after the sauce has been poured.)
When you say yes to “Shall I pour the sauce?”, the special sauce is poured over the hot iron plate, pasta, and beef. What an appetite-awakening sound!
Wow! Looks amazing!
The rice originally came in a smaller portion, but I couldn’t resist asking for extra. With such beef staring me in the face… well, you understand.
Come to think of it, since pasta is also carbohydrate, the smaller rice portion probably accounts for that, compared to a standard Western set meal. I gave in to temptation, but no regrets!
The tender thin-sliced beef, combined with the soy-based special sauce loaded with grated aromatic vegetables, is tangy and fruity.
While refreshing, the flavor is robust, and you’ll find yourself piling rice and pasta eagerly. This is delicious!
And another joy: the pasta’s crispy “scorched crust” baked on the iron plate.
The contrast between the charred, crispy sections and the softer sections, plus the toasted aroma, is enjoyable. Despite the substantial portion, it never gets boring.
Supplementary Information About Gourmet Fugetsu
Tenjin Core Closed in March 2020 – Where Did Gourmet Fugetsu Move?
As of 2018, Fukuoka’s Tenjin district was undergoing a major redevelopment project called the “Tenjin Big Bang” to rebuild buildings for completion by 2024.
As part of this, Tenjin Core—where Gourmet Fugetsu was located—closed in March 2020. It remains to be seen whether a new branch opened elsewhere in Tenjin, if they waited for the new building, or if they withdrew altogether.
Fugetsu Foods – A Company Familiar to Fukuoka Residents
Fugetsu Foods, which operates Gourmet Fugetsu, is the company behind a famous souvenir that Fukuoka residents know from TV commercials.
♪Snow rabbit~ Snow rabbit~ Why are your eyes so red~ Mother cried dreaming~ ♪
If you can sing along, you know: Snow Rabbit(雪うさぎ), a Hakata specialty cake.
The charming Hakata specialty “Snow Rabbit” with red eyes.
Fluffy marshmallow like melting snow wraps white bean paste inside. A gentle, sweet fragrance spreads.
Product Introduction | Fugetsu Foods Co., Ltd.
They apparently started with a coffeehouse, expanded to restaurants, then ventured into the confectionery business.
I didn’t know they had such history!
Fugetsu at Fukuoka Airport Has Amazing Curry – And Beef Butter Yaki Too
Fugetsu also operates a steakhouse at Fukuoka Airport on the 3F (same floor as the Ramen Runway).
It’s called “Steakhouse Gourmet Fugetsu The Origin“—quite a sophisticated name, like a Gundam title!
I’ve been once, and their curry was absolutely incredible.
福岡空港のステーキ屋のカレーが高いけどめっちゃうまくて驚いた
— Shotaro Ushijima (@ushigyu) October 2, 2017
I believe it was weekday lunch-exclusive at the time, but if you get the chance, definitely try it.
Additionally, on the 2F food court, there’s a shop called “Tenjin B.B.Quisine” that also serves the Beef Butter Yaki introduced here.
Give it a try too!
Final Thoughts
I’ve been to quite a few Fukuoka restaurants, but I never knew this place existed!
Fukuoka’s food scene still has depths to explore.
Located conveniently in Tenjin and at Fukuoka Airport, if you haven’t experienced it, you absolutely should!
| Restaurant Name | Gourmet Fugetsu Tenjin Core |
|---|---|
| Phone | 092-721-6666 |
| Address | B1F, Tenjin Core, 1-11-11 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Hours | 11:00～20:00 (L.O. 19:45) |
| Closed | Irregular Tuesdays |
| Web | Official: Gourmet Fugetsu | Fugetsu Foods Co., Ltd. Retty: Gourmet Fugetsu Tenjin Core (Tenjin/Steak) – Retty |
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