Fukuoka Prefecture is a treasure trove of local gourmet food.

One of them is "Motsunabe", a hot pot dish made by simmering beef offal with plenty of vegetables. This time, we will introduce the characteristics and history of "Motsunabe", a dish that has been loved in Fukuoka for a long time.
Also noteworthy is the rich variety that changes with the times.

What is Fukuoka's Motsunabe?

"Motsunabe" is a local dish of Fukuoka Prefecture that uses beef intestines (motsu) and is a hot pot dish with plenty of ingredients such as chives and cabbage. It is popular among locals throughout the year and comes in a wide variety of flavors. The standard seasoning is soy sauce, but miso, motsu sukiyaki, and spicy seasonings are also popular. Hot pots topped with seared motsu and Korean-style seasonings have also appeared, and it is common to finish off the dish with champon noodles.

The small intestine and large intestine of a cow are moderately fatty, and when added to the hotpot, they bring out a rich and delicious flavor. Depending on the restaurant, parts of the stomach such as omasum and hachinosu may also be used, and Fukuoka's motsunabe continues to change with the times.

The history and origin of motsunabe

The origins of motsunabe are said to date back to after the war, when Koreans who worked in coal mines would put tripe, which was readily available at the time, into an aluminum pot, add chives, and cook it with soy sauce. Dishes using tripe were already being eaten before the war, but the demand for it increased even more after the war when food was scarce.

Around 1975, the number of motsunabe restaurants increased, and the culture of adding chives and cabbage in addition to tripe, and enjoying the hotpot with a unique soup, and adding champon noodles at the end, became popular. Around this time, the variety of ways to eat it expanded, such as with miso, mizutaki style, or ponzu sauce, and its popularity increased. It is also thought that another factor in making motsunabe familiar to the public was that it was served as an a la carte dish not only at specialty restaurants, but also at yakitori shops and izakayas.

Fukuoka's motsunabe has experienced two booms in the past, and is now a local dish known nationwide. In the 1990s, Hakata-style motsunabe restaurants opened in Tokyo, and in the 2000s, motsu became popular among women as a healthy and nutritious ingredient.

Recently, many stylish motsunabe restaurants with a relaxed atmosphere have appeared, and the number of attractive and elegant restaurants is on the rise. Motsunabe has become a dish that is useful for a variety of occasions, from large banquets to leisurely dining in a private room.

How to make motsunabe and ingredients

Fukuoka's motsunabe mainly uses beef small intestines and striped intestines (large intestines), which give the soup richness, umami, and depth of flavor.

Preparation is important for the tripe, so after rinsing it, you can blanch it in boiling water to suppress the distinctive flavor. The carefully prepared tripe is placed in the boiling soup, and once it is cooked, cabbage, tofu, chives, etc. are added and simmered. To finish, it is topped with condiments such as garlic, sliced chili peppers, and sesame seeds.

Recommended ingredients include chives, cabbage, and garlic, as well as fragrant burdock and onions, which become sweet when simmered. Sometimes Chinese cabbage, mushrooms, glass noodles, and kimchi are also added.

How to eat motsunabe deliciously

The motsu melts in your mouth, and when dipped in the restaurant's original soup, the sweet and rich flavor fills your mouth.

The classic soy sauce flavor is enhanced by the rich flavor of the motsu in the elegant soup stock. It's a flavor you won't tire of until the very end. The mellow miso has a nice aroma and gently envelops the deliciousness of the motsu.

The flavor of the motsu sukiyaki melts into the sweet and spicy sauce, making it so delicious you won't be able to stop eating. The motsu soaked in the sauce is also delicious when dipped in egg.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Fukuoka

From here, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots in Hakata Ward, where popular motsunabe restaurants are located.

Nakasu: the best place for food stalls

Nakasu, said to be the busiest shopping district in western Japan, is one of the must-visit gourmet spots when you come to Fukuoka. In addition to Fukuoka delicacies such as yakitori, mentai tamagoyaki, and Hakata ramen, there are also many izakaya menus such as oden and tempura from food stalls, and gyoza, which are perfect for drinking.

The atmosphere is more casual and easy to drop in and out of than a store, so why not choose a few stores and go around, or take a short break outside and spend your time freely.

"Bayside Place Hakata" where you can also enjoy hot springs

If you want to enjoy sightseeing and leisure in Fukuoka city, we recommend Bayside Place Hakata. Various events are held depending on the season, and you can enjoy hot springs as well as gourmet food, sports, shopping, and more.

In the large aquarium near the entrance, you will be greeted by approximately 3,000 elegant fish, including adorable sea turtles, colorful saltwater fish, and docile leopard sharks.

Hakata Port Tower: Great for both daytime and night views!

Hakata Port Tower, located near Bayside Place, is said to be the symbol of Hakata Port, and from the observation deck 70 meters above ground you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.

You can see the ships passing through the harbor and the bustling city of Fukuoka, and at night, a beautiful night view unfolds before your eyes. The vibrant neon lights, the bright roads, and the lights of the buildings make this a sight that will make you lose track of time.

Admission is free from the museum on the first floor to the observation deck, so please feel free to drop by.

Access to Fukuoka

Fukuoka Prefecture is easily accessible from all over Japan, and if you are coming from Tokyo, Nagoya, or Osaka, it is convenient to travel by plane. It is easily accessible from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station, just a five-minute subway ride away.

The Shinkansen is a smooth way to travel between the Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions, including Hiroshima and Kagoshima.

Location of Fukuoka Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced you to the local Fukuoka delicacy, "Motsunabe."

"Motsunabe" is also served as a hospitality dish for visitors from outside the prefecture. It is a dish with a deep flavor that allows you to feel the original deliciousness of the motsu, its compatibility with the soup, and the individuality of the colors of the ingredients.

There are many restaurants that use delicious, mild offal, so be sure to check them out.

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