When discussing “Fukuoka (Hakata) soul food,” the options vary greatly depending on who you ask, given Fukuoka’s reputation as a food kingdom.
As I mentioned at the start, various beloved restaurants exist in different areas.
Among these, particularly in southern Fukuoka, there’s an establishment that truly deserves the designation “soul food”: Bikkuri Tei.
The perfectly balanced garlic-infused teppan yakiniku paired with their secret spicy miso is dangerously addictive. Hearing “grilled meat with garlic flavor and spicy miso” might make you think you understand what to expect—but the actual addictiveness is 100 times more intense than you’d imagine. Former AKB member Mariko Shinoda (from Itoshima, Fukuoka) is reportedly a devoted regular.
お昼ご飯♪オススメな店ににゃろ連れてきた( *｀ω´)あーーーめっちゃうまー( *｀ω´) pic.twitter.com/izGuGsFkW4
— 篠田麻里子 (@mariko_dayo) June 20, 2013
福岡のびっくり亭を名古屋れなひょん、大阪ミルキーに教えた（笑）
れなひょんは肉食べれないらしくキャベツ食べてたよ( *｀ω´)美味しかったーーびっくり亭3日目ですわたし(//∇//) pic.twitter.com/KZLpt8T5hK— 篠田麻里子 (@mariko_dayo) June 22, 2013
With ramen, mizutaki (chicken hot pot), motsunabe, sesame-marinated mackerel, udon, and yakitori—visitors to Fukuoka face countless delicious choices. For those wanting hearty fare, Bikkuri Tei is your destination!
First Visit: Bikkuri Tei Takamiya Branch
Though I’d heard Bikkuri Tei was Fukuoka soul food, I hadn’t managed to visit until now.
I decided to try the Takamiya branch, the closest to my home in central Fukuoka.
About 3 minutes on foot from Nishi-Tetsutakamiya Station. The restaurant occupies a corner of “Aji no Michikusagori Street,” retaining Showa-era charm.
Yes, this is it!
Classic noren curtain, lantern, and signage. This is the place!
The main menu is straightforward: grilled meat single (¥800), 1.5 servings (¥1,150), two servings (¥1,600), and that’s it. Refreshingly simple. Beyond that, just rice and kimchi.
On the table sits Bikkuri Tei’s special extra-hot miso. Though labeled “extra-hot,” those who enjoy spicy food won’t find it overly intense. (Those sensitive to heat should be cautious.)
The interior features counter and tatami seating. Arriving at an off-hour meant it was relatively quiet, but customers soon streamed in, filling the place.
Thinking beer essential with teppan yakiniku, I ordered some and snapped photos, but…
The single serving of grilled meat arrives instantly! It sizzles temptingly.
The special garlic sauce aroma further stimulates appetite—I’m reaching my limit of restraint.
But before eating—don’t forget to insert the wooden wedge underneath one side of the plate, tilting the griddle. The reason? I’ll explain later, or rather, I wasn’t entirely sure at this point myself.
Since grilled meat is served alone, those wanting substantial rice should definitely order it separately! First rice orders come with miso soup!
Ohhhh, let’s eat!
The perfectly balanced garlic and salt sauce is extraordinary! It disappears with the rice!
As is, it’s already excellent, but when combined with the special spicy miso…
It becomes an unreasonably addictive creation. Should be regulated by law.
After eating for a while, I realized my mistake… I was eating it wrong!
You’re supposed to tilt the plate to create a pool of fat and sauce, then dissolve the spicy miso into it for eating. I’d tilted the plate for nothing…
As I ate, the restaurant filled progressively. Truly a popular spot. Notably, many young people.
Finished with flavorful miso soup. Ahh, delicious!
Where It All Began: The Original Bikkuri Tei Honke in Minami Fukuoka
I initially planned to complete my article with just the Takamiya branch report, but a Fukuoka friend insisted, “If you’re writing about it, you absolutely have to visit the original!” So I made an impromptu visit.
Just 1 minute on foot from JR Minami-Fukuoka Station, about 10 minutes from Nishi-Tetsuzassho-kuma Station.
A yakiniku hall, founded in 1963. Excellent.
The menu is nearly identical to the Takamiya branch. Interestingly, they even serve ramen… must try. The original thoughtfully includes “delicious serving method” instructions.
Still, with single at ¥800 and double at ¥1,600, why is 1.5 servings ¥1,150 rather than ¥1,200?
The special spicy miso naturally sits on the table.
While the Takamiya branch has character, the original shows distinctly aged patina.
Though it was lunch and I had work afterward, visiting Bikkuri Tei makes beer resistance impossible! My apologies!
The griddle grilled meat arrives, perpetuating its addictive sizzle and aroma.
Sharing this overwhelming visual with everyone.
Tilt properly with the wedge.
Frantically ordering rice, forgetting it’s separate.
First, eat it plain. Ahh, exquisite! Delicious! So good!
And this time, I’ll get it right. The fat and sauce-infused liquid accumulated from tilting. Into it…
Add the spicy miso from the table…
Mix to create the special sauce…
Coat and eat! Coat and eat! Perfect!
Final Thoughts
While Fukuoka offers countless delicacies, in terms of pure addictiveness, this might be my personal favorite… I’m that impressed.
The downside is its location away from Fukuoka’s center, making regular visits somewhat inconvenient. In my personal ranking of restaurants I’d like to see in Tenjin or Hakata Station areas, it ties for first with [Sukesanudon]—a Kita-Kyushu udon chain.
This insider Fukuoka specialty absolutely deserves a taste!
▼Takamiya Branch Information
| Restaurant Name | Bikkuri Tei Takamiya Branch |
|---|---|
| Phone | 092-511-8829 |
| Address | 10-3 Tamakawa-cho, Minami-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Hours | 11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:30 |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Web | Facebook: Bikkuri Tei Takamiya Branch Retty: Bikkuri Tei Takamiya Branch (Takamiya/Yakiniku) – Retty |
▼Original Location Information
| Restaurant Name | Bikkuri Tei Honke (Original) |
|---|---|
| Phone | 092-571-0692 |
| Address | 2-8-12 Kotobukicho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Hours | 11:30 AM–midnight (Last order 11:25 PM) |
| Closed | Thursdays |
| Web | Official: Bikkuri Tei Honke | Hakata Teppan Yakiniku Birthplace | Fukuoka Prefecture Retty: Bikkuri Tei Honke (Hakata-ku/Yakiniku) – Retty |
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