Tabelog ratingTodaya (とだや 四川午餐) is a lunch-only restaurant in an industrial corner of Fukuoka that has earned a devoted following for one thing: mapo tofu. The chef focuses on two distinct versions of the Sichuan classic. The first is a standard, well-rounded Sichuan-style mapo tofu. The second, the 'Chen' mapo tofu, is made with aged doubanjiang and premium hua-jiao (Sichuan peppercorn) oil for a powerfully numbing, aromatic experience that many reviewers travel from outside the city to taste.
Guests consistently praise the depth of umami and authentic spice in both mapo tofu dishes. The unlimited self-serve rice, egg soup, and pickles that accompany the sets are also a highlight, as is the clean dining room and friendly service from the couple who run the restaurant. Beyond the main attraction, the prawn chili (ebichiri) and almond tofu (annin dofu) dessert also receive regular commendations. However, some diners find the 'Chen' style overwhelmingly numbing or salty, and a few have noted that portions could be larger. The most common complaint is about steadily rising prices, though many feel the quality still justifies the cost.
A typical lunch costs between ¥2,000 and ¥2,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,600–¥2,300 for the Sichuan mapo tofu set and ¥1,900–¥2,300 for the more intense 'Chen' mapo tofu set. Combination sets including the popular prawn chili were reported at ¥2,580–¥2,880.
- Booking: Walk-ins are welcome, but queues are common at lunchtime. Online reservations are available and recommended.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Getting There: The restaurant is in the Tanotsu district, about a 15–20 minute walk (1.4km) from Yusu Station. Parking is very limited with only two spaces, but a paid lot is located next door. Customers who book online receive a 40-minute free parking voucher for this lot.
- Menu: Orders are placed via a ticket machine at the entrance. Be sure to choose the 'Chen' (陳) version if you want the extra-numbing Sichuan peppercorn flavour.
- Seating: The small restaurant has 14 seats, including tables and a few counter seats.
- Families: Children are welcome.
