One of Fukuoka’s main delicacies is Karashi Mentaiko. The main ingredients are the eggs of Alaskan Pollack seasoned with hot pepper. It’s a common side dish at Japanese family tables. For those who are not used to eating fish eggs, it may seem like an acquired taste, but is worth a try!
Karashi Mentaiko is typically eaten with warm rice, but there are many other ways to eat it. For example, you can add it to Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), salad or pasta, or mix it with mayonnaise to create dressing. Here in Fukuoka, it’s not unusual to see it as a pizza topping. I personally believe the intensity of Karashi pepper brings out the special umami.
ⒸFukuoka City
Hakata no Shoku to Bunka no Hakubutsukan (Hakata Food and Culture Museum) “Haku Haku”
This museum is owned and operated by the long established Karashi Mentaiko company, Fukuya. You can observe the entire process of making Karashi Mentaiko and participate in a hands-on cooking project, My Own Mentaiko, where you can choose your own level of spices. They also have a gift shop and a café.
-30 minute walk from Japan Railways Yoshizuka Station *You may walk to take a taxi from the station.
-Hours 10:00-17:00 *Closed on Tuesdays.
-Admission – 300 yen. Admission for My Own Mentaiko – 1,500 yen.
