ぽぽぽlぽーん
I had a job in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, heading towards Chihaya. I took the JR Kagoshima Main Line with Hakata Station as a transfer point. The purpose was to visit "Tanya HAKATA" located near Hakata Station, a restaurant belonging to JR Food Service and listed in the top 100 on Tabelog for set meals. I arrived at 8:50, aiming to enjoy the discounted "morning set meal" available until 10 a.m. It was a weekday and the area around Hakata 1st Street was bustling. Luckily, the group at the front of the line was quickly seated, and I was next in line. After a 3-minute wait, I was called. The seating consisted of an L-shaped counter and a few table seats. It was a bit cramped, but not stressful. I ordered the "Beef Tongue Morning Set Meal (780 yen, tax included)" which was upgraded to include grated yam for an additional 50 yen. The meal was served promptly with salad, beef tongue, rice, soup, grated yam, and seaweed on a tray. The beef tongue was sliced thinly at about 2mm, providing a good texture. The salad was pickled cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers that paired well with the beef tongue. However, the beef tongue started to become tough as it cooled down, affecting the taste. Despite the offer of free rice refills, I felt rushed to finish before the beef tongue became too tough to chew. I alternated between bites of grated yam and beef tongue, sipping the soup in between. Surprisingly, the self-serve coffee was quite delicious. The total bill was 830 yen. As I left, the line had grown longer. Among the numerous dining options in the area, I personally wouldn't wait in line to revisit, but perhaps the power of being listed as a "top 100" restaurant draws in the crowds. Thank you for the meal.