Current date: 2026-01-02 (JST)
Fuuraibou is an izakaya in Kurume, Fukuoka, known for two signature dishes: tebasaki (fried chicken wing tips) and Tarzanyaki. The name Tarzanyaki refers to fried chicken thigh meat—the shoulder meat of the chicken—served with a bold sauce and black pepper. The dish predates tebasaki in the restaurant’s history, dating back to the founding. In December, I visited Fuuraibou to eat Tarzanyaki and understand why this fried chicken dish remains a signature item despite the fame of tebasaki.
What is Tarzanyaki?
Tarzanyaki is not a grilled dish, despite the name. It is deep-fried chicken thigh meat—the shoulder area of the bird. The meat is substantial and yields easily to the teeth. The preparation involves frying until the exterior is crisp, then coating with a bold sauce and black pepper. The sauce is thick and clings to the meat. The black pepper is pronounced, adding heat and sharpness. The dish is meant to be eaten with the hands, tearing the meat from the bone. It is a casual, direct experience.
The Experience: Crisp Exterior, Bold Seasoning
The Tarzanyaki arrived on a plate, still warm. The exterior was golden and crisp. I bit into it. The outside yielded with a slight crunch. The meat inside was tender and juicy. The sauce was thick and concentrated, with a sweetness balanced by salt and umami. The black pepper was sharp and immediate. It did not overpower the meat; instead, it highlighted the savory depth. The ratio of sauce to meat was precise. There was enough sauce to flavor the meat without drowning it. The black pepper added texture and heat without becoming overwhelming. The overall impression was of a dish designed for beer. The boldness of the seasoning, the crispness of the exterior, the tenderness of the meat—all of these elements worked together to create something that demanded a cold drink.
Who Should Eat Tarzanyaki?
This is for someone who enjoys bold, assertive flavors. It is for a visitor to Kurume who wants to understand why this fried chicken dish has endured since the restaurant’s founding. If you like fried chicken, if you appreciate black pepper, if you enjoy casual, hand-eaten food, this is worth trying.
However, it is not for everyone. If you prefer subtle, delicate flavors, the boldness here will feel excessive. If you dislike black pepper, the heat will be unpleasant. If you prefer eating with utensils rather than your hands, the casual nature of the dish may feel awkward.
Practical Information for Your Visit
| Aspect | Details |
| Time Required | 15–20 minutes. |
| Cost | ¥800 (weight-based pricing). |
| Reservations | Recommended, especially for groups. Sunken seating is popular. |
| Hours | Check ahead for seasonal hours. |
| Location | Kushihara, Kurume, Fukuoka. |
| Parking | Available. |
| Atmosphere | Casual izakaya. Sunken seating available for groups. |
The History Behind the Name
Tarzanyaki is an older menu item than tebasaki, dating to the restaurant’s founding. The name suggests a wild, untamed quality—fitting for a dish meant to be eaten with the hands, tearing meat from bone. While tebasaki has become more famous, Tarzanyaki remains a signature item, suggesting that the restaurant values its history and the loyalty of long-time customers.
A Practical Takeaway
If you visit Fuuraibou, order Tarzanyaki alongside tebasaki. Pay attention to the boldness of the seasoning. The sauce and black pepper are not accidental; they are deliberate choices designed to complement beer and create a specific dining experience. The crispness of the exterior and the tenderness of the meat matter equally. The dish is meant to be eaten with the hands, without hesitation. This directness is part of its appeal. If you are comfortable with bold flavors and casual eating, Tarzanyaki is worth the visit.
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