Yamaya 博多天ぷらやまや シャポー船橋店

Beautiful and methodical presentation, filling and delicious

A cuisine I don't prepare at home is tempura, so when I want to indulge, I head to tempura shops. This one, Hakata Yamaya is a chain shop based in Fukuoka, but it's exceptional for the presentation, portions, and flavour. I ordered a set meal with six varieties of vegetables with rice, miso soup, and the signature umadashi broth. The set includes self-serve mentaiko and pickled mustard greens. The staff brings each item as it's finished frying, so you get the most tender and delicious tempura. The crispy batter doesn't feel heavy. For about 2000 yen, you get "okawari", a second helping of rice. You will walk away pleasantly full. The staff was helpful, offering an English menu to my dining companion who doesn't read Japanese. My companion also purchased packaged umadashi broth because it was so good.