“Yatai” food stalls that emerge in Tenjin and along the Naka River in Nakasu at dusk are a popular presence at night in Hakata. There are 161 stalls in operation (as at August 2009), and nowhere else in Japan can you see this many stalls. Menus vary considerably depending on the stall, with some taking pride in their ramen or grilled food while others boast the taste of tempura, motsunabe hotpot or meat dumplings. Food stalls of Fukuoka are popular not only with the residents but also with visitors and people on business trips. You don’t have to feel self-conscious entering these stalls even if you are by yourself, and once inside, you can talk to the owner or other customers. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, it is common to see total strangers giving seats to others or telling of good places to go and see. If you visit one of these stalls, you are sure to see a new Fukuoka, different from its daytime face, ready for shopping or business activities.