"Gomasaba" is one of Fukuoka Prefecture's local dishes.

Just hearing the name might make it hard to imagine what kind of dish it is, but it's actually a well-known local favorite, and is also a popular menu item to go with alcohol.

This time, we will introduce the appeal of this local Fukuoka dish, "Gomasaba."

What is Fukuoka's local gourmet food "Gomasaba"?

"Gomasaba" is a local dish of Fukuoka that is made by mixing raw mackerel with soy sauce, sesame, mirin, etc. There are many ways to eat it, such as topping it with grated ginger, wasabi, seaweed, chopped green onions, or making it into ochazuke.

Generally speaking, mackerel is a fish that is often cooked before eating, but fresh mackerel is caught in the Genkai Sea, located in the northwest of Kyushu, and can be enjoyed as sashimi. In addition, the local dish "Gomasaba" is made with mackerel.

There is a type of mackerel called "gomasaba," but the flesh is soft and is not often used in the local dish "gomasaba." Also, mackerel is in season from late autumn to February when the seawater temperature drops, and it is fatty at this time of year, making it even more delicious to eat.

The origin and history of Gomasaba

The origins of gomasaba are still unclear, but one theory is that in Fukuoka Prefecture, where fresh mackerel is available, uncooked mackerel was originally eaten as a fisherman's dish. At the time, the dish did not have a name, but it began to be eaten in various ways using soy sauce, which was then easily available in ordinary households.

In addition, the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway was completed in 1988, and transportation became more convenient, allowing fresh mackerel to arrive from neighboring Nagasaki. Mackerel from Fukuoka and Nagasaki then began to appear in stores in the city, and it is said that "sesame mackerel" gradually became popular on restaurant menus and as a home-cooked dish.

As such, gomasaba was originally a fisherman's dish, but as time went on, various factors may have contributed to its popularity, such as improved transportation access and mackerel becoming more readily available to ordinary households.

How to make Sesame Mackerel

The local dish "Gomasaba" is a dish that is often eaten at home.

It's very easy to make. Just slice mackerel sashimi a little thinner than usual and add ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, etc. It's delicious even if you let it sit for a while before eating it, as the flavors will blend together.

Adding wasabi or grated ginger to taste will give it an even more flavorful finish. The rich umami of the mackerel goes well with the sweet soy sauce, making it perfect for eating with rice. Please try this local dish that can only be found in Fukuoka.

The deliciousness and appeal of sesame mackerel

"Gomasaba" has now become a legitimate Fukuoka specialty.

It is a popular staple dish at izakayas in the city. Also, because it uses fresh mackerel, you can enjoy the firm, plump texture and delicious flavor with every bite.

"Gomasaba" is a dish that shows the maker's careful and thoughtful work, such as slicing the fish thinly so that the seasoning can be absorbed into the mackerel, and creating and mixing the sauce in a creative way. Enjoy it in a variety of ways, such as on top of rice with condiments, or as a snack with alcohol.

Tourist spots in Fukuoka City

From here, we will introduce some recommended spots in Fukuoka City.

Fukuoka City, the gateway to Kyushu, is one of Japan's major cities, and it takes just 11 minutes by subway from the airport to the city center. Fukuoka is also known as a convenient "compact city," and has many attractive spots. This time, we will introduce some of them.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: Recommended for commemorative photos and flower viewing

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning, and has a history of over 1,100 years.

The main hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the "Taiko Bridge" over the "Shinji Pond" and the vibrant vermilion tower gate are popular photo spots. In addition, it is said that if you stroke the head of the sacred cow in the precincts, you will gain wisdom, and since Michizane was born in the year of the ox, there are many cow statues in the precincts.

Also, the grounds are filled with colorful flowers, such as plum blossoms from late January to early March, wisteria in April, and irises in June, making it a great place to see the flowers. By the way, the plum blossom mark, which is said to have been Michizane's favorite, is the symbol of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

A new spot in Fukuoka: "SHIP'S GARDEN"

Water Park is located right at the point where the Naka River branches off.
This was originally Fukuoka City's first block park, but a restaurant facility was opened in 2016. "SHIP'S GARDEN" has a ship motif, with a large, curved bench and a wooden deck on the roof reminiscent of a ship's deck. Not only can you take a break here, but events and live performances are also held here.

The park also has a restaurant serving pancakes and egg dishes that has been dubbed "the best breakfast in the world," as well as a popular Chinese restaurant that is said to be booked out three months in advance, where you can enjoy your meal while looking out at the Naka River.

Access to Fukuoka City

The airport is close to the city center and has good transportation access, so it is convenient to travel by plane when traveling to Fukuoka City.

From Tokyo, it takes about two hours from Haneda Airport or Narita International Airport to Fukuoka Airport or Kitakyushu Airport. It takes about one hour and 35 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya to Fukuoka Airport, and about one hour and 20 minutes from Osaka International Airport or Kansai International Airport to Fukuoka Airport.

It's about a 2 hour 45 minute journey from Chitose Airport in Sapporo. Traveling to the Chubu, Shikoku and Kyushu regions is easy using the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.

Please choose one based on the time you need.

Location of Fukuoka Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced the local Fukuoka delicacy, "Gomasaba."

"Gomasaba" can only be enjoyed in Fukuoka Prefecture, where fresh mackerel is available, and is one of the local specialties that you should definitely try at least once.

It can be found at a variety of restaurants around the city, so be sure to check them out.

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