Fukuoka boasts numerous delicious local specialties, but one that remains relatively unknown nationwide is yakitori (grilled skewers).
Among these, the crispy chicken skin, served at a select few places in Fukuoka, stands out as a beloved local delicacy. Unlike the soft chicken skin found elsewhere, its crisp texture and rich flavor are unmatched. One such spot is the previously introduced “Torikawa Suikyo”.
This time, I visited one of the most popular spots specializing in crispy chicken skin, a place called “Kawaya,” with the character “ka” inside a circle.
‘Kawaya’ in Shirokane, Fukuoka: A Popular Spot Requiring Reservations
I visited Kawaya’s “Shirokane branch,” one of its two locations. Coincidentally, there was construction going on during my visit. Their slogan, “It’s just yakitori, but…”, certainly leaves an impression.
Reservations are a must as it’s highly popular. By the way, what does “sense” mean here?
Here’s the location. It’s near Yakuin Station.
The interior is compact, with a mix of counters and tables. Despite its small size, the place was packed with customers.
Quirky illustrations adorn the walls alongside countless business cards. (Blurring out the details took some effort!)
While unlimited cabbage is standard at Fukuoka yakitori joints, individual servings are rare. Drizzle the sauce and munch while waiting for your skewers.
Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside: Kawaya’s Famous Chicken Skewers
The star of the menu is, without a doubt, the chicken skin skewers. Out of the 50 skewers we ordered as a group of four, the first batch arrived!
Unlike the usual versions, these are grilled to crispy perfection. Made from soft neck skin, the skewers undergo a six-day process of grilling and aging. Despite the labor-intensive process, they cost only 100 yen each, offering incredible value.
While indulging in chicken skin skewers, we also tried a few other options. This is “Darme” (white offal). Slightly gamey but still tasty.
The chicken thigh skewers feature just the right amount of fat for a tender bite.
Another standout item is the “Shigi-yaki”, a dish so popular it’s often called the second signature menu item. Rarely grilled chicken served with wasabi and soy sauce—it’s divine.
As we enjoyed our meal, the second batch of chicken skin skewers arrived! The crispy exterior bursts with chicken flavor and sauce, pairing perfectly with beer. These skewers disappeared quickly.
We also had gizzards. Their crunchy texture and salty flavor were spot-on.
Of course, we couldn’t miss Fukuoka’s signature yakitori item: pork belly skewers. Always reliable and delicious.
The beef tenderloin skewers resembled luxurious bite-sized steak cubes, rich and flavorful.
At the end of the meal, they served chicken broth. A delightful way to finish the meal feeling refreshed.
Other Great Spots for Crispy Chicken Skin
“Kawaya” shares its fame with another chicken skin specialist, “Torikawa Suikyo,” located in the Yakuin area, south of Tenjin.
My personal recommendation is “Kawayaki Yakitori Samba,” also in Yakuin. Run by a chef trained at Kawaya, it delivers high-quality chicken skin along with other exceptional skewers. I often take guests there for its great ambiance.
Final Thoughts
While well-known locally, these spots may be lesser-known to visitors from outside Fukuoka. After trying staple dishes like “motsunabe,” “mizutaki,” and “ramen,” these crispy chicken skin spots are a fantastic choice for guests. Just make sure to book in advance, as seating is limited and the demand is high!
