Hakata Gion Iron Pan

Hakata Gion Tetsunabe is a famous tetsunabe (iron-pan) gyoza restaurant in Fukuoka City. It originated from a Hakata yatai (food stall) style where gyoza were cooked in an iron pan and served as-is, becoming a local specialty praised for being crispy and delicious. Its reputation spread, and it became one of Hakata’s popular food destinations. The iron pan used is actually a sukiyaki-style pan. The bite-sized gyoza skins are made daily, and the filling is juicy and tasty. At first glance you might wonder if you can eat all that, but the flavor makes most people order extra. One serving contains 8 pieces, and it’s common for one person to eat two servings. In addition to gyoza, popular side dishes include chicken wings stewed in the restaurant’s special soup and potato salad. If you want to enjoy great gyoza with a beer in Hakata, this is the place—adding yuzu kosho is recommended. Access is about a 2-minute walk from Gion Station (Subway Airport Line), Exit 5, toward the Hakata Police Station. It’s almost always busy, so going early is recommended.