Tabelog ratingButa Mania Don Inadaya San is a lunch institution in Fukuoka, dedicated to a single, perfected dish: the Pork Mania bowl (豚マニア丼, Buta Mania Don). This donburi features two distinct preparations of pork over rice: thick, smoky slices grilled over charcoal and thin, tender slices braised in a secret sweet tare sauce. The combination of textures and the deep charcoal aroma is what draws queues of diners daily.
The experience is designed as a multi-stage tasting. Guests are encouraged to first enjoy the pork and rice as is, then to add a raw egg, black pepper, and spicy miso from the table to create new flavour profiles. The meal concludes in the style of ochazuke, by pouring a rich, hot agodashi (flying-fish broth) over the remaining rice. While the intense, savoury flavours are widely praised, some diners find the seasoning strong or the dish a bit greasy towards the end. The thicker pork can also occasionally be on the firm side.
Reviewers in recent years paid around ¥950 for a regular Pork Mania bowl, with larger portions or extra meat costing between ¥1,100 and ¥1,300. Most diners consider it excellent value for a flavourful and substantial meal. Jars of the house tare sauce are also available for purchase.
- Getting There: The restaurant is in the basement (B1F) of the SUN SELCO building, a 5-minute walk from either Nishitetsu Fukuoka Yakuin Station or Tenjin Minami Station.
- Reservations: Walk-in only; reservations are not accepted. Be prepared for queues, especially between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.
- Payment: Credit cards and electronic money are not accepted. Payment is by cash or PayPay QR code.
- Seating: There are about 20 seats at a counter. The space is cramped and may be difficult for left-handed diners.
- Smoking: Smoking is permitted after 1:00 PM.
- Languages: Service is noted as friendly and brisk. Korean-speaking staff and instructions are often available.
