Fukuoka Yatai Culture: Dine at Viral Yatai Keiji

Standing out as a chef in Fukuoka is no mean feat. And yet Yatai Keiji's Abe-san has achieved way more than that — he is, in fact, one of the reasons why Fukuoka's yatai food stalls gained worldwide attention. Whether it's him pushing his yatai stall along the streets or engaging with customers in an incredible display of culinary prowess, his videos have accumulated millions of views online. But even before becoming a viral sensation, his food stall Yatai Keiji, first established in 1991, was first a classic spot adored by locals — and has since become a core fixture in the city's rich yatai scene. In this unique experience, go beyond the screen and sit at the counter to enjoy a meal with a local host and, of course, Abe-san himself.

Clink glasses with locals, engage in friendly banter and capture priceless memories with Abe-san and your English-speaking host. You'll sit down at the counter, where you'll soon be enveloped by the enticing smells of tonkotsu ramen and grilled chicken skewers. Several a la carte dishes will be included in the price, but what to eat will be entirely up to you. Your guide will explain the offerings, including yatai Keiji's original dishes like its celebrated ramen, five kinds of yakitori skewers, kamameshi (iron pot-cooked rice with vegetables and meat), smoked cheese, ham and quail eggs, and other seasonal offerings. If you're unsure what to order, leave it up to your host, who will recommend some of Fukuoka's must-try dishes. Two soft drinks are also included, and you can book the experience with alcoholic beverages instead — like the stalls’ signature Donburi Highball, a unique take on Japan’s whisky and soda drink that goes well with ramen — or even make your own ramen at the stall (see Options).

Be sure to come hungry and be ready to experience some of the best of Fukuoka's yatai culture alongside its main protagonists.