🍜 Ganso Hakata Mentaiju Nishinakasu

Located in the Nishinakasu area, this specialty shop for mentaiko (spicy cod roe) is surrounded by many famous restaurants in Hakata, attracting numerous food enthusiasts. This establishment is the original creator of various dishes made from mentaiko, a well-known Fukuoka delicacy typically given as a souvenir. The signature dish is the "Mentaiko Jū" (明太重), which consists of a generous serving of white rice topped with a whole piece of kombu-wrapped mentaiko that has been meticulously marinated. There are four levels of spiciness to choose from, and the exclusive sauce enhances the mentaiko's flavor with more depth. The dish is garnished with white sesame seeds, shiso leaves, and shredded chili peppers. The meal is served in a specially crafted Arita-yaki (有田焼) lacquered box adorned with silver foil, making it a visual delight. Other offerings include "Mentaiko Nabe Zaru Soba" (明太子煮沾麵), which features mentaiko paired with over ten types of vegetables, "Mentaiko Rainbow Salad" (明太彩蔬沙拉) topped with a generous amount of grilled mentaiko, "Nama Mentaiko" (生明太子) showcasing the chef's exquisite culinary skills, and "Aburi Mentaiko" (炙烤明太子), which is grilled to a medium doneness, among various other dishes. The restaurant features counter seating and sunken kotatsu booths, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, "Mentaiko Jū" is also available for takeout. *Note: "Mentaiko Jū" is a registered trademark of Ganso Hakata Mentaijū Co., Ltd.*

The original restaurant that creates various dishes using Mentaiko. The signature dish is "Mentaiko Jū" served in a beautiful Arita ware stacked box. There are also a variety of Mentaiko dishes such as salads and noodles. The space, filled with a warm wooden ambiance, is very inviting. Takeout is available.