[Tanga Market] The Kitchen of Kitakyushu! Must-Try Local Specialties

Tanga Market (旦過市場) is a famous marketplace located in Kokura, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Known as the "Kitchen of Kitakyushu," this vibrant market is home to over 200 shops selling fresh seafood, high-quality meats, ready-to-eat delicacies, and more. With a wide selection of Kitakyushu’s specialty products and local delicacies, it's the perfect place to enjoy a food trip or pick up unique souvenirs.

In this guide, we’ll introduce the highlights of Tanga Market and its must-try local specialties. Don't miss out on this iconic food destination in Kitakyushu!

[What is Tanga Market?]

Located just a 10-minute walk from JR Kokura Station, Tanga Market (旦過市場) is a bustling shopping district where visitors can find a wide variety of fresh local ingredients at affordable prices. With around 200 shops, the market offers everything from fresh seafood, vegetables, meat, prepared dishes, fruits, and dried goods to small eateries and restaurants serving authentic Japanese flavors.

Tanga Market is a great place to experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional Japanese market while enjoying high-quality and budget-friendly food. In addition to fresh produce, the market is also home to bakeries, confectionery shops, and traditional Japanese sweets stores, making it a perfect spot for street food lovers and souvenir hunters.

[Must-Try Local Delicacies at Tanga Market]

Tanga Market is packed with unique local specialties! Here, we introduce some of the best food items you shouldn’t miss—including personal recommendations from actual experiences.

◆ "Canapé" from Kokura Kamaboko

Founded in 1920 (Taisho 9), Kokura Kamaboko is a long-established shop known for its high-quality fish cakes. Their signature item, "Canapé", is an absolute must-try! Each piece is carefully handmade daily by skilled artisans, ensuring top-notch flavor and texture.

This Canapé is made by mixing fresh fish paste with onions and carrots, then wrapping it in a thin layer of bread before deep-frying. The result? A crispy outer layer with a soft and fluffy inside!

Aside from the Canapé, other must-try items include:
• Morokoshi Ten (corn tempura)
• Mentaiko Cheese Ten (spicy cod roe & cheese tempura)

These are perfect as snacks or paired with alcoholic drinks!

◆Aozora-dō Confectionery's "Cheese Manju"

Aozora-dō Confectionery is a specialty bakery and pastry shop known for its delightful treats, including Kobuta no Purin (Little Piggy Pudding) and a gluten-free series featuring cream puffs, chiffon cakes, and more.

Every item is handcrafted in-house, ensuring that no unnecessary additives are used, allowing customers to enjoy fresh and natural flavors with confidence.

The cheese manju from Aozora-dō Confectionery is a beloved Miyazaki delicacy carefully perfected by the owner, who hails from Miyazaki. The treat consists of a subtly sweet scone-like dough packed with rich cream cheese, creating a simple yet indulgent flavor that brings pure joy with every bite.

◆ Daigakudo’s “Daigaku-Don”

Daigakudo is a unique establishment in Tanga Market, jointly operated by the market itself and the University of Kitakyushu. In addition to serving food, the venue also hosts various events throughout the year.

The highlight of Daigakudo is the "Daigaku-Don", a customizable rice bowl. Visitors can purchase their preferred ingredients from the surrounding shops in Tanga Market, then add them as toppings to a freshly prepared bowl of rice. The market offers a wide selection of affordable, high-quality ingredients that are perfect for creating your own unique donburi.

[Business Hours]

Operating hours vary by store, so please check the official website below for details.

Some shops open as early as 9:00 AM, while others start at 10:00 AM. However, most stores are open between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, making this the best time to visit for the widest selection of fresh seafood, produce, meats, and local delicacies.

Plan your visit to Tanga Market, Kitakyushu’s must-visit spot for fresh ingredients and delicious local cuisine!

[Access]

● About a 3-minute walk from Kitakyushu Monorail "Tanga Station"
● About a 10-minute walk from JR Kokura Station

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