[Kokura Lunch] The newly opened stylish old-style cafe (Fukuoka) is a hot topic for its lunch that is limited to 10 meals per day!

Hello. This is Chihi Log, a casual website that provides information about Fukuoka, with a focus on gourmet food.

This time, we will introduce a wonderful old-style Japanese-style house cafe that opened on February 25, 2025 in Nakajima, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City.

Opening February 25, 2025! "Kitchen Awai" is a traditional Japanese cafe located in the back alleys of Kokura (Nakajima, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City)

Kitchen Awai is located about a 7-minute walk from Tanga Station on the Kitakyushu Monorail.

Located in a back alley near the Murasaki River, this traditional Japanese house is over 60 years old and has been completely renovated to become a cafe where you can enjoy "food and sweets that are good for your body and soul."

In addition to lunch, they also offer a menu of snacks so you can enjoy drinks from noon.

The owner originally rented a space at "Shokudo PONTE" in Fukuoka City for about three and a half years, and the dishes and sweets he makes are all full of his passion! The underlying theme is spices, fermentation, and lemon.

Image: CHIHIRO

The shop is two stories tall, with a showcase filled with sweets on the first floor. Take-out is also available.

Image: CHIHIRO

On the second floor, driftwood has been used as a curtain rail and other old items have been incorporated into the new to create a relaxing atmosphere.

The window seats overlooking the back alleys are special seats that require reservations.

Image: CHIHIRO

There are also small room-like seats. The tree stump chairs were made by the owner's father.

Image: CHIHIRO

Limited to 10 meals per day! "Awai Special Plate Lunch" to please your body and soul

The first thing you should pay attention to is the "Awai Special Plate Lunch" (1,800 yen), which is limited to 10 servings per day. This set includes a main dish, seasonal soup, several homemade deli items, and mixed grain rice.

The menu changes regularly, but for your reference, I'll introduce what was served when I visited.

Image: CHIHIRO

Main Dish

The main dish for the day was a special hamburger steak. A daikon steak soaked in dashi stock was served on top of the hamburger steak wrapped in pork belly. At the bottom was mashed taro potato.

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A combination you can only find here! It has a mild flavor and the change in texture is fun.

It was very filling and satisfying.

Several types of deli

There were five types of deli on offer that day.

The chicken in the "Bone-in Meat Braised in White Wine" is stewed with mustard and cabbage, and the "Carrot Rapée and Marinated Red Cabbage" is made with seasonings made from koji, and has a unique taste.

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This plate was served with "Chicken Prosciutto" and "Pearl Orange, Shrimp and Paprika Marinade."

Beneath the chicken ham is a layer of yuzu koji marinated vegetables, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors on one dish.

Image: CHIHIRO

soup

On this day it was turnip soup.

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All the dishes are full of healthy ingredients, such as homemade seasonings made with koji, fermented foods, and sun-dried salt and rock salt instead of refined salt. Although the food overall was healthy, it was not bland and left me feeling satisfied.

Please enjoy this sophisticated delicacy.

Drinks available for an additional 300 yen with your lunch

If you order a drink as part of a lunch set, you can add it for an additional 300 yen.

On this day, we could choose from a variety of drinks, including "Unshu Mandarin Juice" (500 yen *single item price, same below), "Homemade Ginger Ale" (600 yen), "Homemade Lemonade" (600 yen), "Organic Coffee" (500 yen), "Earl Grey" (500 yen), "Hot Lemonade" (600 yen), and "Wine by the Glass" (600 yen).

Image: CHIHIRO

This time I chose "organic coffee," and it was a cup of coffee with a deep flavor that was relaxing and soothing.

By the way, if you order a drink and dessert as a set, you will receive a 100 yen discount off the price of the drink alone.

A unique dessert menu

Since we were there anyway, we also enjoyed eating some of the cakes displayed in the showcase on the first floor.

Image: CHIHIRO

I ordered the "Dried Persimmon, White Bean Paste, and Cream Cheese Cake" (500 yen), which is a reproduction of a recipe that was popular when the shop was rented out.

Image: CHIHIRO

You'd think it would be heavy and substantial, but it's actually light and not too sweet.

It was a delicious fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine! It was also fun to watch the taste and texture change with each bite.

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Both the lunch and sweets are very appealing!

Since the shop is generally run by just one person, it is recommended that you make a reservation at least one day in advance.

Please come and enjoy a blissful time. (Text by CHIHIRO)

＜Click on the store name for more details about the store ↓＞
■Kitchen Awai
Address: 1-12-2 Nakajima, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business hours: 11:30-17:30 *Ends when sold out
Closed: Tuesdays, Sundays, and other irregular holidays
*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the text include tax.
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