Ganso Hakata Mentaiju Nishinakasu

Set in Nishinakasu, the hot-spot district for top-tier restaurants and unbeatable eats, this specialty restaurant is the original establishment that transformed Fukuoka’s famous mentaiko (spicy cod roe) from a souvenir into a full-fledged dining experience.

The restaurant’s signature dish, Mentaiju, features a carefully marinated kombu-wrapped mentaiko, placed whole atop rice layered with nori seaweed. It is served with a specially blended sauce, available in four levels of spiciness, enhancing the rich umami of the mentaiko. Topped with sesame seeds, shiso leaves, and shredded chili pepper, this dish is not only flavorful but also beautifully presented in a custom Arita ware lacquered box adorned with silver foil.

Other highlights include the Mentai Nikomi Tsukemen, a rich dipping noodle dish packed with mentaiko and over ten kinds of vegetables, and the Mentai Irodori Salad, a colorful creation sprinkled with grilled mentaiko. Guests can also savor Nama Mentaiko, which showcases the chef’s refined craftsmanship in its purest form, or indulge in Aburi Mentaiko, lightly seared to achieve a perfect half-rare texture. With such a diverse selection of mentaiko-based dishes, there’s an unforgettable taste experience to satisfy every palate.

The restaurant’s interior offers a relaxed and elegant setting, featuring a solid wood counter and private horigotatsu rooms for a comfortable dining experience. Additionally, Mentaiju is available for takeout, making it easy to enjoy this specialty dish on the go.