One of Fukuoka’s most renowned specialties is karashi mentaiko (spicy cod roe).
While many tourists purchase it as a souvenir at Hakata Station or the airport, surprisingly few restaurants actually serve it. Most places focus on take-home options.
Though izakayas often include it on their menus, establishments that feature it as a main dish are rare. Among those previously introduced, perhaps only Chikae offers it prominently.
(Though even at Chikae, it might not be considered a main dish.)
One of the few places where you can thoroughly enjoy karashi mentaiko is the restaurant we’re introducing today: Ganso Hakata Mentaiju.
It’s said to be Fukuoka’s first restaurant specializing in mentaiko dishes.
With that in mind, I went there for lunch!
[memo title=”MEMO”]Information and photos are from my visit in 2015.[/memo]
‘Ganso Hakata Mentaiju’: A Mentaiko Specialty Restaurant Easily Accessible from Tenjin and Nakasu
Located in Nishinakasu, between Tenjin Station and Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the subway line, “Ganso Hakata Mentaiju” stands out with its distinctive exterior.
Right at the entrance, you’ll find a mentaiko souvenir shop and numerous autographs from celebrities.
Seating is available at the back of the first floor and on the second floor; this time, I was seated on the first floor.
Since I visited around 2:00 PM on a weekday, the restaurant wasn’t crowded. However, when I went on a Saturday during lunchtime, there was a 30-minute wait. To avoid waiting, consider visiting during off-peak hours or making a reservation.
The lunch menu features some higher-priced items. Rather than a casual eatery, it feels more like a slightly upscale restaurant catering to tourists.
I ordered the “Mentaiju Tsukemen Set” for 1,980 yen.
They also offer dishes like “Mentaiko Motsunabe Course” and various à la carte items, available even during lunch hours.
Indulge in a Mentaiko Feast with Mentaiju and Mentaiko-Infused Tsukemen
Here it is—the Ganso Hakata Mentaiju and Mentaiko Tsukemen. It’s an impressive mentaiko extravaganza.
The red soup, infused with mentaiko, is topped with generous amounts of green onions, naruto (fish cake), nori (seaweed), and fish powder.
As indicated here, enjoy the dish in multiple ways to savor different flavors.
First, taste it without mixing in the fish powder.
Upon tasting, the soup has a strong tomato flavor, reminiscent of Italian cuisine, with the mentaiko adding a distinctive kick.
Next, mix in the fish powder before enjoying. While fish powder is common in Tokyo, it’s quite rare in Fukuoka.
The soup, initially Western in flavor, takes on a more familiar Japanese taste, enhancing the tsukemen experience. This variation is equally delightful.
If you prefer more heat, feel free to add the provided spices.
Now, onto the Ganso Hakata Mentaiju.
It’s a luxurious dish featuring an entire piece of karashi mentaiko placed atop a bed of rice.
Can you see the texture? The individual roe grains are clearly visible—absolutely delicious.
To finish, pour in the special broth and enjoy it like a soup.
The flavor is reminiscent of minestrone, and adding rice to make a porridge would also be delightful.
Afterword
While there are numerous restaurants in Hakata serving other local specialties like ramen and motsunabe, this is the only place I know that focuses on karashi mentaiko.
For mentaiko enthusiasts, this restaurant offers an unparalleled experience.
It’s definitely worth adding to your list of dining options when visiting Fukuoka!
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