This time, we will be thoroughly explaining the characteristics and history of mentaiko, a local B-class gourmet food from Fukuoka Prefecture.

Fukuoka Prefecture is located in the Kyushu region of Japan, and is a fascinating area where nature and city life blend together.

It is also known as a city where you can enjoy gourmet food, with many famous foods such as mentaiko, Hakata ramen, and motsunabe.

Fukuoka City is the largest city in Kyushu, with bustling downtown areas such as Tenjin and Nakasu. Historical sites such as Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle are also popular tourist destinations.

In addition, the beautiful coastline facing the Genkai Sea and the nature of Itoshima are also highlights. It is a region with a good balance of culture and nature, where you can enjoy various attractions throughout the four seasons.

In this article, we will introduce you to this charming local B-class gourmet food of Fukuoka Prefecture: mentaiko!

What is mentaiko?

Mentaiko is a typical Japanese food made from salted cod roe seasoned with chili peppers and other spices. It is a food that is popular throughout Japan, but Fukuoka Prefecture is particularly known as its birthplace.

Mentaiko is characterized by its spicy flavor and is typically eaten with rice, but it can also be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, rice ball fillings, breads, and snacks.

Hakata mentaiko is especially famous in Fukuoka city and is a popular souvenir. Hakata mentaiko is spicy yet flavorful, and is an essential part of Japanese food culture.

The history of mentaiko

The history of mentaiko dates back to after World War II. It is said that mentaiko originated from a Japanese adaptation of "meiran-zuke," a traditional Korean dish made by fermenting pollock ovaries with salt, chili pepper, garlic, etc.

In 1949, Toshio Kawahara, founder of the Fukuoka food company "Fukuya," first sold spicy mentaiko in Hakata.

When Kawahara returned to Japan from the Korean Peninsula after the war, he noticed the cod roe dishes eaten there and devised ways to season it to suit Japanese tastes. At first, it was mildly spicy, but gradually he added chili peppers and other seasonings, and it is said that it evolved into the mentaiko and spicy mentaiko we know today.

It later became popular as a Hakata specialty, and from the 1970s it began to become popular nationwide as a side dish to go with rice.

In particular, Hakata mentaiko has become a popular souvenir for tourists as a Fukuoka specialty, and today there are many variations and brands. Mentaiko has evolved from simple cod roe to become an essential food on the Japanese dining table.

Characteristics of Mentaiko

Mentaiko is characterized by its unique, spicy flavor, which is achieved by salting cod roe and seasoning it with chili peppers and other seasonings.

It is characterized by its spiciness, which comes from the use of chili peppers, and the level of spiciness varies depending on the product, ranging from very spicy to mild, so it may be fun to try to find the mentaiko that suits your taste.

Another feature is the crunchy texture. The small grains of cod roe create a crunchy texture that is one of the joys of eating it.

Tourist spots in Fukuoka Prefecture

From here, we will introduce some tourist spots in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Itoshima

Itoshima, a tourist destination in Fukuoka Prefecture, is rich in nature and is known for its beautiful coastline and mountains. Among them, Sakurai Futamigaura, with its white torii gate, is a popular spot for beautiful sunsets and social media.

You can also enjoy surfing, swimming in the sea, and camping on the Itoshima Peninsula, and many families with children visit every summer.

In addition, there are many stylish cafes and restaurants that use local ingredients, especially fresh vegetables and seafood from Itoshima. The abundant nature and relaxing atmosphere provide a soothing experience for visitors.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning, and many tourists visit every year to pray for academic success and success in exams.

Within the temple grounds there is a beautiful arched bridge and a large garden filled with flowers that bloom throughout the seasons, and it is particularly famous as a plum blossom viewing spot.

It also houses many national treasures and important cultural properties, making it a spot of great historical value. The Kyushu National Museum is nearby, making it a place where you can experience culture and history.

Mojiko Retro

Mojiko Retro is a beautiful port town in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, where retro architecture from the Meiji and Taisho periods remains.

Particularly recommended spots are historical buildings such as the Former Moji Customs House and the Former Osaka Shosen Building. These are attractive areas where history and modernity blend together, and are also famous as spots that look great on social media.

We especially recommend taking a stroll and enjoying the view of the Kanmon Straits and the retro townscape. Also, don't miss the views from Mojiko Station and the Mojiko Retro Observation Deck.

In addition, local gourmet food and grilled curry are also famous, so it is also recommended for those who want to enjoy gourmet food.

Access to Fukuoka Prefecture

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Fukuoka Prefecture, we recommend flying. There are direct flights from Haneda Airport to Fukuoka Airport, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Fukuoka Prefecture, flying is also recommended. There are direct flights from Itami Airport or Kansai International Airport to Fukuoka Airport, and the flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Location of Fukuoka Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced mentaiko, a local B-class gourmet food from Fukuoka Prefecture.

Mentaiko is spicy and goes perfectly with white rice, but we've learned that it has many other attractive features, such as the fact that it can be combined with a variety of other dishes.

In addition to mentaiko, Fukuoka Prefecture has many other delicious foods and many attractive tourist spots, so be sure to check them out!

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