When it comes to Fukuoka, Motsunabe (offal hot pot) and Hakata Ramen are widely known. However, did you know that you can also savor the deliciousness of fresh squid from neighboring Saga Prefecture, in a town called Yobuko? The first time I tried Yobuko squid, I was taken aback by its incredible taste. The experience was so delightful that I exclaimed, “Is this really squid?!”
In Fukuoka, two well-established restaurants, “Manbou” and “Kawatarou,” offer the chance to enjoy Yobuko squid. In this article, we will introduce you to Kawatarou’s Nakasu Main Store. A note for readers: Once you’ve savored the freshness of Yobuko squid, supermarket squid might not satisfy you anymore.
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Kawatarou in Fukuoka: Basic Information and Access
- Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0801, Japan
- Phone: 092-271-2133
- Opening Hours: 12 PM – 2:30 PM (11:45 AM on weekends) and 5 PM – 11 PM (Sundays until 10:30 PM)
- Closed: Obon and New Year holidays
- Official Website: http://www.kawatarou.jp/
Accessing Kawatarou Nakasu Main Store in Fukuoka
Nakasu is conveniently situated between Fukuoka Tenjin Station and Hakata Station, both about a 10-minute walk away. While you’ll need to stroll through Nakasu’s nightlife area to get there, the riverside route should have fewer solicitors. Right behind Nakasu Main Store is a shopping mall called Canal City, providing an opportunity to enjoy shopping before or after lunch or dinner. At night, you’ll find food stalls lining up next to Nakasu Main Store, making it a perfect place for a drink or two.
Atmosphere and Ambience of Kawatarou Nakasu Main Store in Fukuoka
We were seated at a counter surrounding a pool for live seafood, right near the entrance. The counter seats are arranged around the pool, creating a unique dining experience.
Inside the pool, various types of squid and fish were swimming around. Watching the squid in the pool is entertaining on its own. The squid’s colors change momentarily, and they can suddenly turn bright red. Even adults can enjoy observing this fascinating sight.
Next to the counter seats, you can also see the cooking area, where the squid caught from the pool is prepared. It’s quite enjoyable to witness the cooking process right before your eyes.
Lunch Menu at Kawatarou Nakasu Main Store and Personal Impressions
The lunch menu features three main courses, all with prices excluding tax:
- Ika Ikizukuri Teishoku (Fresh Squid Sashimi Set) (2,400 yen or large for 2,800 yen)
- Kawatarou Gozen (Special Set) (4,500 yen)
The availability of the large course depends on the day’s squid supply. We ordered the “Fresh Squid Sashimi Set (2,400 yen)” this time.
Mozuku
It’s ordinary seaweed, and while it’s tasty, it doesn’t offer any surprises.
Squid Sashimi
The photo shows a two-person serving (300 grams) of squid sashimi. The squid’s tentacles were still moving! While it felt a bit apologetic to eat while the squid watched us, we enjoyed the delicacy very much. Apologies to the squid for being rather cruel. The squid sashimi is colorless due to its freshness! The taste lacks the sliminess typical of squid, making it easy to eat without hesitation. With time, the color of the squid sashimi turns white. While the sashimi itself was delicious, the squid we had in Yobuko was chewier and more translucent in my memory.
Squid Tempura
The lower part of the squid that wasn’t used for sashimi is prepared as tempura. You can enjoy it with nori salt or tempura dipping sauce, but I recommend nori salt. This is simply delicious! Even my husband, who joined me, praised its flavor. It had a pleasant crunchiness and was truly delectable.
Squid Dumplings, Rice, Miso Soup, Simmered Dish, Pickles
The specialty, squid dumplings, was included with only one piece. The squid dumplings are tender and offer a full taste of squid sweetness. They were also quite delicious.
Good News for Those Unable to Visit Fukuoka! You can actually purchase the renowned squid dumplings from “Manbou,” which is equally famous for its squid, on Rakuten or Amazon Japan. I’ve personally tried “Manbou” squid dumplings, and I can assure you that they are equally delicious.
Manbou Squid Dumplings (Go to Amazon Japan)
Dessert
Jelly with orange slices was served. Personally, it wasn’t to my liking, but my husband enjoyed it and finished it quickly, suggesting individual preferences may vary.
Kawatarou Nakasu Main Store in Fukuoka is Recommended for
To be honest, I felt that enjoying fresh squid sashimi in Yobuko, Saga, might be more rewarding. However, as traveling to Yobuko takes about an hour, Kawatarou in Nakasu, Fukuoka is recommended for those seeking convenience without sacrificing the chance to savor squid. If you’re determined to indulge in the freshest squid, I suggest taking the subway and a bus to Yobuko.