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About
Wakaba - Fukuoka
Welcome to Wakaba - Fukuoka, a culinary gem nestled in the vibrant Tenjin district of Fukuoka, Japan. Situated at 1 Chome-15-36 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, this restaurant is renowned for its exquisite pork cutlet offerings, attracting both locals and tourists alike. As you step inside, the warmth of the ambiance immediately envelops you, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
One of the standout features of Wakaba is its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Customers rave about the fried pork loin, which is described as “tender” and “almost melt in your mouth.” This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that many treasure long after their visit. Ed, a satisfied diner, emphasized that this dish was an “unforgettable meal in Fukuoka,” and it’s easy to see why.
For those seeking variety, Wakaba also offers a selection of pork fillets that are equally impressive. Adrian Liew highlights the option between the loin and fillet cuts, giving guests the chance to choose between rich flavor and lean tenderness. Whether you prefer the “right amount of fat” from the loin or the super tender juiciness of the fillet, every bite promises satisfaction.
The accompanying sides enhance the overall experience. Although some might find the miso soup to be “ordinary” compared to the standout pork, it serves as a comforting starter. Additionally, diners can pair their main dishes with their choice of rice—either plain white or healthful wild brown rice—adding a thoughtful touch to the meal.
Service at Wakaba has also garnered positive feedback, with customers appreciating the attentive staff who ensure a pleasant experience. Paul Marquez noted that the atmosphere perfectly complements the high-quality food, creating a welcome backdrop for both hearty conversations and opportunities to savor every bite.
However, it’s advisable to arrive early, as many have forewarned about the queue that often forms before opening. But for those willing to wait, the rewards are plentiful. With a menu that balances heartfelt tradition and approachable flavors, Wakaba - Fukuoka has solidified its place as a must-visit dining destination in this bustling city. Your taste buds will thank you!
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“ The fried porkloin was tender and almost melt in your mouth right away. It was an unforgettable meal in Fukuoka. Do expect a queue before opening. ”
“ 4.2 Fresh ingredients. The bread is perfect, thin, soft, and only lightly tasted, pork is excellent, best with the 和風sauce. (They provided various sauces, and salt) The miso soup appetizers are ordinary though fresh. Vibes are ok, staff is fine, most customers are tourists. Overall, taste and food could be more refine and sophisticate to get 5 star. But a good one! ”
“ Great porkloin, great value, great service. We tried the porkloin and pork fillet. Go for the fillet if you want lean, super tender and juiciness. Go for loin if you want just the right amount of fat and mouth feel. You get to choose plain white rice or wild brown rice which is great ”
“ This place has great ambience, situated just on the outskirts of Tenjin. We had an awesome experience, the food was great. Especially the domestic pork loin. It was tender, soft and melts in your mouth. Recommended place to visit when you’re in fukuoka. ”
“ Was recommended this place by Mizuno sales staff at Mitsukoshi. Arrived just in time at opening hours. A quick look at menu and we placed our orders for the loin cutlet set meal. Took about 20mins before our orders were served. Soft, tender and juicy meat. Definitely worth the wait. Will come again on next trip. ”
“ Very good tonkatsu, but you need to be prepared, as this isn't the typical kind. It's much fattier and way softer than normal tonkatsu. It's still very good, but if you expect a crispy cutlet, this isn't the place. The low temp oil didn't make it greasy though, but it doesn't have that crunch you normally get. The meat is super soft and tender and even the fat has a texture that isn't the least bit off-putting and I normally have a hard time with fatty pork. Expect to queue, we got lucky and only had to wait 15-20 minutes to get in, but there was a long queue behind us. ”
“ Must have their Kyushu Branded Tonkatsu. They are deep-fried at low temperatures, so its colour wasn't as brown as usually gets, crispy crust and very tender on the inside. Can refill rice, miso soup & cabbages for once. Didn't realise they are 100 top restaurants in Kyushu, recommend to go at 5 or 6pm to avoid the long waiting queue. ”
“ Wakaba is a must-visit spot for pork cutlet lovers! Known for their unique deep-frying method in low-temperature oil, each cutlet takes around 25 minutes to prepare after ordering. I visited during a weekday lunch hour at around 12:30 and only had to wait about 5 minutes to get in—perfect timing! You can really taste the difference compared to a regular pork cutlet—it’s incredibly juicy and flavorful. Another great perk is the free option to refill soup, cabbage, and rice once, with a choice between white rice and cereal rice. A pro tip: their secret recommendation is to add curry on the side, which turned out to be a perfect match with the rice. Highly recommend trying it this way for an even better experience! ”