Tempura Restaurant Hira-o
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Tempura Restaurant Hira-o is a renowned local establishment in Fukuoka. It is a beloved and reasonably priced restaurant that offers simple yet delicious tempura. Their ika no shiokara (salted squid) is also highly acclaimed. It has garnered immense support from both locals and tourists, making it a true soul food of Fukuoka. If you’re in Fukuoka, you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to savor their delectable tempura.
This time, it was my first visit in a while, but unfortunately, there were some disappointing things. I will explain the details later.
What kind of restaurant is Tempura Restaurant Hira-o?
Tempura Restaurant Hira-o is a popular and down-to-earth tempura specialty restaurant with seven locations primarily in Fukuoka City. The interior of the restaurant is clean, and it is always bustling with locals and tourists. From the counter seats inside the restaurant, you can witness the skilled craftsmen frying the tempura right in front of you. Ordering is done through a ticket system, where you need to purchase the tickets in advance, but you can also add additional tickets later if desired!
One of the charms of Hira-o is their ability to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients in their tempura. It is said that they source fresh vegetables and seafood according to the seasons. What’s more, they fry the tempura upon receiving the order, ensuring that you always get to enjoy it hot and freshly made. In their set meals, along with the tempura, you will also be served rice, miso soup, and ika no shiokara (salted squid).
I ordered the “Ebi-teisyoku”(Shrimp Tempura Set Meal).
I ordered the Shrimp Tempura Set Meal. The freshly fried tempura is served one by one. The tempura has a crispy texture and the flavors of the ingredients spread throughout your mouth. Especially the shrimp tempura is exquisite, with a juicy and firm texture. It was so delicious that I couldn’t resist having more of it.
Another appealing aspect of Hira-o is the yuzu-flavored “ika no shiokara” (salted squid). It pairs perfectly with rice and is simply delicious. The combination of the salted squid and rice creates an outstanding flavor profile that is truly enjoyable.
Disappointing news about ika no shiokara.
Update on the highly popular “ika no shiokara”: Starting from June 1, 2023, there is now a limit of one serving per person, whereas previously it was all-you-can-eat.
Upon being seated, the staff also emphasizes that there is a limit of one serving per person. They will ask, “Would you like ika no shiokara?” I kindly request readers to respond with “Yes” if they would like it, as the price remains the same.
Indeed, there seems to be an unavoidable circumstance behind this change. It is reported that the worldwide catch of squid has significantly decreased, leading to a rise in prices. Given this situation, it is understandable. Let us hope that it will make a comeback in the future.
For those who want to enjoy more ika no shiokara, it might be worth considering utilizing the option of purchasing it for takeout or through online shops. This way, you can satisfy your craving for ika no shiokara outside of the restaurant as well.
The location of Tempura Restaurant Hira-o Daimyo-ten is as follows
| Shop name | Tempura Restaurant Hira-o Daimyo-ten |
| Access | 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Tenjin Station on the subway. |
| Business hours | 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Subject to change) |
| Tel | 092-752-7900 |
| Closed days | Closed only during the year-end and New Year holidays.（12/31〜1/2） (Subject to change) |
| Dining format | Dine-in → 〇（counter seating only） To go → ×（souvenirs available） Food delivery → × |
Lastly, due to its popularity, Tempura Restaurant Hira-o can have long queues, especially on weekends, with lines extending outside the restaurant by around 7:30 PM. If you arrive around 6:30 PM, the waiting time will be relatively shorter. If you have the flexibility, it is recommended to visit during earlier hours to avoid long waits.
When you visit Fukuoka City, be sure to try the delicious tempura at Tempura Restaurant Hira-o! It’s definitely worth experiencing. Enjoy your time there!