We would like to introduce local cuisine of Fukuoka (Hakata).
Today, Hakata’s most popular souvenir is Karashi mentaiko (spicy marinated pollock roe). It was first produced on January 10, 1949. It goes best with a bowl of steaming rice. Or mix it with spaghetti noodles. Put them in Dashi-maki (an egg dish). Karashi mentai are known throughout Japan.
The origin of Tonkotsu ramen (noodle in a thick broth made by boiling pork bones) is still not clear. Some people say it originated in Kurume. Others say it has origins in Nagasaki Champon noodles. Enjoy a delicious bowl of tonkotsu ramen by freely adding beni-shoga (slices red ginger) and sesame seeds found on any shop table. Be like a local and order other portion of noodles if you have enough room in your stomach.
Hakata is a treasure chest of delicious foods. The popular hot pot dish called Mizu-taki originated here in 1905 when consome and Chinese style chicken soups were mixed together. Also, there’s Motsu-nabe originally a countryside meal made with beed innards and sushi made with fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea.
We hope you will enjoy not only studying Japanese here at NILS but eating local cuisine here in Fukuoka!