Imaya Hamburger | Nishi Park — Restaurant in Fukuoka

So this hotdog burger food truck place at Fukuoka blow up on social media for quite a while.

We went there on our first day we landed at around 2pm and they were all sold out so we are determined to get our hands in it on the second of last day instead, queued 30 mins before it is opened and ended up a 2 hours wait because my Makan buddy really want to try it out.

They have branches in other parts of japan as well but this one is definitely the OG.

Everything is cooked fresh. We ordered one burger and one combination. They were so popular that they need to come down to the queue to continuously count how many pieces of bread still available and bid farewell to folks that come later.

I even met someone who begged to try their burger out because she is going to leave japan soon.

One thing you need to be very careful, there is Japanese signs that remind you not to eat it openly cause there are a bunch of crows and a very majestic eagle that will just fly down and grab the food off your hands. It was every bit true about it because I saw a few groups were being attacked while I was waiting in the queue. I guess it makes it even more exciting. I overheard the locals saying that there are actually a lot of people who have been queuing for hours and once they got hold of the burgers, just after a bite and the eagle took it. Sad but true so be careful if you do get your hands on these delicious burgers.

Now on to the food. I can understand why it is so popular, they even won one of the best burger place in japan. The burger cooking method and style is so nostalgic, burger patties were done well. Couple with the fresh salad and fried egg, it is a meal for a champion.

It was especially nice because the weather was cold and sky was clear, all the compounded into a perfect food hunt.

As it is up a hill, there are other parks area you can chill as well. There are loads of people who visit this place because of the chef and take photos with him. Really nice and courteous owner and I definitely give it a two thumbs up. I bet even the eagle will...

Mr imayahamburger and his hotdogs are definitely the best that I have ever tasted in my life, behind this master piece of street food, it’s a real Japanese hotdog master with incredible cooking skills with over 50 years making same recipe.

I came here during my running, so saw only one person waiting because it was still closed, then I went for a short run, back and omg the place was fully packed. I had the opportunity to see the entire process.. since he went to buy bread ridding his cool motorbike, he came back with a wonderful smiling and told us.. thank you for waiting, he saw me wearing short pant/t-shirt so he kindly put the heater near us. Such as lovely grandpa. Then.. he initiated an entire small kitchen ritual, putting fire on his unique style, making hotdogs with an unique sauce, adding Frankfurt sausage, fresh cheese, veggies.. and at the same time he was making eggs.. it was just stunning and inspiring to see this 80 years old master cooking with such as incredible precision, agility and so fast. Behind of him was his apprentice and legacy, another nice Japanese person, taking notes and following his strictly-precise guidance and how to keep this history alive. I’m so lucky to have such as amazing experience and enjoy this in my life. I would recommend anyone to come and visit him and try his hot dogs, please respect his space, put your camera away.. just enjoy with your eyes this incredible experience. Thank you very much for your food and hard work ethic, such as inspiration for many young...

Imaya burger is the only thing that you need to be happy. Wander around the park and get in line before grandpa opens, there is always a line but in this case it's understandable.

It's not overhyped at all, it is really that good, we tried almost every item on the menu and they are all very good.

The best one by far is the sausage hot dog, oh man that sausage is amazing with so many toppings, ground meat, pickles, mustard. You just have to try it, be careful as the portions are bigger than it seems. I would say that if you are a true eater, you could ask for one hot dog and one burger so you can compare them.

Prices are low and I like the surroundings in the park, it's also incredible to see the owner prepare everything by himself, he's really passionate. There are also cats and dogs around which makes it even better!

Quick tip about their schedule, just check their Instagram where they post if they will open that day or not. Better than going and finding it closed, believe me lol.

They also have another shop that is new but I still haven't visited yet, anyway you have to come here...