Ribot
Opened on July 14, 2023 in Fukumachi 2-chome, this is the third store in the "Fukusuke" series and the first to specialize in small plate Chinese cuisine. The popularity of the bar "Fukusuke" in Kokura alone is enough to pique interest, and with the addition of small plate Chinese dishes, even those unfamiliar with "Fukusuke" would be intrigued. The debut was a huge success with long lines on the first day, and it seems that they offered free drinks (excluding some) as a special treat. The following day and until July 20, all drinks were priced at 77 yen throughout the day, and customers received a voucher back based on their spending. It should be more calm now. Reservations are not accepted, but they have a sign-up system, so you can just leave your name and dash over to the nearby Fukusuke 1st store to kill time (laughs). The dishes are all reasonably priced, and it's great to see a wide variety from cold dishes to fried foods. They offer a selection of drinks including Qingdao beer, Shaoxing wine, wine, highballs, and lemon sours, catering to both bar-goers and those looking for a Chinese dining experience. The service is energetic and friendly, typical of "Fukusuke," and even the part-time staff are well-trained, reflecting the strong presence of the group. As for the food, some standout dishes include the drunken shrimp ★★★☆ (a bit sweet and rich in flavor, easy to eat even for those not used to alcohol, but with a slight bitterness), seared mackerel with spicy sauce ★★★★ (crispy and savory, I really liked this dish, with a mild level of spiciness), spicy thick bamboo shoots ★★★★ (classic marinated bamboo shoots, lacking in spiciness but the sweetness is a bit overwhelming), and exquisite shrimp dumplings ★★★★☆ (very delicious, a standout dish). The wood ear mushrooms ★★★ (a Northeastern Chinese classic) are perfectly seasoned, but also on the sweet side... Perhaps due to the Kyushu soy sauce? They also seem to be using the same ingredients for the Mao Zedong spice, which can feel a bit repetitive, so be mindful of overlapping flavors when ordering to ensure satisfaction. Overall, the dishes are on the sweeter side with subtle spiciness, which may be due to the Kyushu soy sauce. The homemade chili oil and Sichuan pepper oil would be a great addition for customization. It's a bit cheap to see condiments like JT salt, S&B chili oil, and black pepper at a casual dining spot. Despite my personal concern about the sweetness in the Chinese dishes, most people will be satisfied if they just enjoy the meal without overthinking. The Mao Zedong spice is also a unique offering in Kokura, so it could be a selling point. The strong flavors may lead to palate fatigue if you order too many dishes, so be cautious (laughs). Even the chopstick wrappers are custom-made, true to the "Fukusuke" style. I'm sure I'll revisit this place in the future.