I purchased some mentaiko mayonnaise at the Shimamoto Hakata Station store of Karashi Mentaiko. I immediately tried it on a hotel roll, and found that it tasted better when slightly toasted. It also pairs well with chikuwa. Locally, the garlic mentaiko mayonnaise is popular. I tried it and found that it needs to be cooked before consuming. Despite visiting Hakata multiple times, I only discovered this now. I'm glad I found it. #HakataGourmet

When I searched online, I found out that this shop does not have any outlets in the prefecture, so I decided on this souvenir. Most mentaiko is frozen, but I heard that they have freshly made ones here, so I bought some. I have never experienced such a clear sense of texture with so many small pieces before. It was delicious!

Purchased at the Hankyu Department Store in front of the station. While there are well-known brands, this one only uses domestically produced, color-free ingredients. I heard that this brand is loved by locals. The takanayaki mushrooms are also delicious. The mayonnaise series was even featured on a TV show hosted by Matsuko.

Visited during a Fukuoka trip last weekend. A friend always buys their spicy mentaiko as a souvenir when they go to Fukuoka. They have a wide variety of spicy mentaiko to choose from. It's a struggle to decide which one to get! After much deliberation, I ended up buying the "scallop mentaiko" and the "kombu-infused spicy mentaiko." I highly recommend this shop if you ever find yourself in Hakata.

On the second day of a one-night, two-day trip to Kyushu, we arrived at Hakata Station around 2 p.m. Although I have been here for business several times, it is my first time visiting for leisure, and my friend is also visiting Hakata for the first time. We decided to take a casual stroll from the station to the Tenjin area and explore. I wanted to check out some mentaiko (spicy cod roe) shops as it is one of my favorite foods. The first mentaiko shop we visited was located at the corner of Gion-machi intersection on Ohoridori Street. This shop came highly recommended by locals, and I had bought their premium-grade spicy mentaiko made with daiginjo (premium sake) two and a half years ago. This was my second visit since then. The shop had a slightly upscale and clean atmosphere, and just like last time, they had three types of mentaiko available - original, kombu (kelp), and daiginjo. They also offered a service where you could order "freshly made spicy mentaiko," which would be marinated after you order and then delivered to you later. While this option was intriguing, the downside was that it would take a while before we could actually taste it. I ended up purchasing a box of 300g of sliced original mentaiko for 3000 yen, which was a good deal compared to the single piece of 240g original mentaiko priced at 3240 yen. When I tried it back in Tokyo, I found the quality of the cod roe to be good despite being from Hokkaido, and the straightforward seasoning was quite enjoyable. However, my friend mentioned that they didn't like the taste of the shochu used in the marination. When I cooked it to a medium-rare level, the umami of the cod roe really came through, and it tasted even better. The taste of the shochu also seemed to diminish. My friend also found it delicious this way. The fact that they use shochu in the marination process for the "freshly made spicy mentaiko" is something to consider. I will need to think a bit more before deciding whether to order it or not.

Fukuoka's spicy cod roe is believed to be from a certain major cod roe company, but Mr. Shimamoto's cod roe is also very popular locally. I tried it as a souvenir at home. I don't have many opportunities to eat spicy cod roe, but when I come to Fukuoka, I strangely end up ordering cod roe at izakayas, having gyoza, and choosing tonkotsu ramen (laughs). The cod roe came neatly packaged in a box, making it a great souvenir. And when I tried it, it was delicious! The spiciness was subtle. Needless to say, it goes well with hot rice. I regret not buying some cod roe mayo as well.

Happy New Year! I visited here as usual on 1/1, where I often went last year. Of course, I went in search of mayo (o^^o) and got the basic mayo in a half-price lucky bag (1080 yen). The items included were: - Mentaiko Takana - Mentaiko Furikake - Mini Mayo - Original Spicy Cod Roe Mentaiko Takana is new to me! I'm really looking forward to trying it (＾ν＾)

I made a big mistake by not saving the information about the mentaiko shop that was recommended to me. So, I had to search and find this place. When it comes to gift-worthy mentaiko in Fukuoka, this is the place to go. Located in the Kimono Town, this shop is right next to Mochikichi's Hakata main store. They offer various flavors such as kombu-marinated, aged in premium sake, plum-flavored, yuzu-flavored, and more. They also have different types of mentaiko mixed with squid, sweet shrimp, scallops, and even mentaiko with mayonnaise. You can try different samples in the store, which is quite enjoyable. It would be even better if they served rice in the store too (laughs). Their mentaiko is made from precious cod roe from Hokkaido, marinated in a shochu-based sauce. It is free of artificial coloring and has a good freshness due to rapid freezing, resulting in a firm texture. You don't really feel the shochu flavor, and the slight bitterness typical of mentaiko and tarako is minimal. I wonder what that is. I bought a cut piece which was a bit more cost-effective. The seasoning is relatively refined with mild spiciness. However, they also sell spicy versions. Their mentaiko focuses on bringing out the natural flavor of the ingredients. Anyway, I can't stop eating rice with this mentaiko. They make it according to the delivery date, so it's not frozen. Be aware that the shelf life is shorter than you might expect.

I walked 10 minutes from Hakata Station to Gion Station in Fukuoka and was told to buy mentaiko as a souvenir because it's famous there. I bought my favorite Shimamoto mentaiko. There is also mentaiko made with premium sake, which emphasizes a rich flavor, but I prefer the regular one with a gentle taste. I bought the original mentaiko for myself for 1600 yen, but I regret not spending 3000 yen for it.

The mentaiko mayonnaise at Shimamoto is the best!

Thank you as always, Mentaiko Mayo Yo (^｡^) It adds happiness to my daily life. This time, I also added sesame furikake. For size comparison, they are lined up side by side. The taste is Japanese-style, elegant. You can also feel the aroma of sesame. It seems good not only as a topping for rice but also for side dishes. Since there is nori mixed in, it is essential to check the mirror. haha I will enjoy it, including that. Thank you very much.

I like normal, but I like this garlic even more! It goes well with bread, pasta, and of course, even on its own. This cute little 115g one. Should I go for the 300g boss?ーー_(┐「ε:)_

Hokkaido-produced mentaiko mayonnaise with 20% content. Purchased this limited edition for one week. Mr. Shimamoto's normal mentaiko mayo is simple and easy to eat, with an elegant taste that highlights the ingredients. The yuzu pepper mayo here provides a certain, sharp kick. Even after the mayo is gone, the memory of its flavor lingers. It's priced a bit higher than other brands, but the convenient 115g size makes it worth it. It's priced the same as the plain version at 350 yen (excluding tax). If you're interested, be sure to try it by March 27th.

The final episode of the special Kyushu business trip in early spring, which was full of various harvests. Review of souvenirs bought in Hakata. When it comes to souvenirs in Hakata, mentaiko is the first thing that comes to mind. A year and a half ago, I visited the main store of the original Fukuya in Nakasu, which is one of my sacred places, but this time I visited this shop recommended by a local employee. The location is at the corner of Gionmachi intersection on Oohakadori. Next to it is Mochikichi's Hakata main store. I have bought mentaiko from various stores before, but this was the first time I learned about this place. The one I received was Daiginjo-infused spicy mentaiko. It is made using the Daiginjo sake from the long-established sake brewery Wakatakeya in Fukuoka as the base for the marinade. There were original ones as well, but I chose the Daiginjo-infused one because I wanted to compare it with Fukutaro, which uses sake in the marinade. It contained two bellies (4 pieces) weighing 160g, and the price was 2160 yen including tax. After storing it in the refrigerators of two hotels, I tried it as soon as I returned to Tokyo that night. The quality of the base tarako is good, probably because they use unfrozen ones from Hokkaido. I also liked that the individual pieces of tarako were properly connected. In terms of taste, it was mild for my liking, with a soft flavor without any sharp edges. The scent of the sake was softer compared to Fukutaro. I prefer it a bit spicier, but I think it is a high-quality and delicious mentaiko. It was a harvest to have expanded the choices of mentaiko again.

My friend who lives in Fukuoka sent me my favorite spicy cod roe - freshly made from the Hakata Station store of "Karashi Mentaiko Shimamoto" near Gion Station on the Fukuoka City Subway. This product costs 3,240 yen (including tax) for 240g of freshly made spicy cod roe. It is a completely made-to-order production that prioritizes freshness, so reservations are required in advance and the product is made after the reservation is placed, taking at least 10 days from ordering to delivery. It is delivered with refrigerated insulation instead of frozen storage to ensure the freshly made deliciousness. There was a manufacturing certificate inside the box. The cod roe from Hokkaido is quickly salted after being caught to prevent the freshness of the eggs from deteriorating (salted), then marinated in a seasoning liquid made with shochu and aged carefully. The mild spiciness and elegant taste that allows you to feel the original umami of the eggs are exquisite, with fresh, glossy, and firm eggs that are the best when paired with freshly cooked hot rice. I made "Mentaiko Pasta" with the leftover spicy cod roe, and the pasta turned out even more delicious with a deep flavor. Also, spreading it on French bread and toasting it results in a crispy and flavorful finish. The top-notch spicy cod roe was truly amazing. As expected, the number one side dish for rice is "spicy cod roe"! Thank you for the wonderful meal.

October 2015. This is a souvenir from a friend who visited Osaka from Fukuoka. It's spicy mentaiko from "Shimamoto" company. The shop is located right near Gion subway station. The headquarters seems to be in Shinmachi. I usually buy mentaiko from "Fukuya," "Yamaya," "Kanefuku," or "Chikaei," but this is the first time I've seen "Shimamoto." The description of their product, Daiginjo-brewed spicy mentaiko (from their website): A collaboration between the long-established brewery "Wakatakeya Sake Brewery" in Tanushimaru, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Shimamoto's flavor. Using Daiginjo sake with a 35% rice polishing ratio as the base for the marinade, and Shimamoto's secret method, a mild and gentle spicy mentaiko with a hint of sweetness was born. All the spicy mentaiko is free of artificial coloring. I tried it right away, and it was incredibly delicious. It seems like they bought it with my love for sake in mind. It has the rich umami of sake and is the best mentaiko. Not too spicy, very elegant spicy mentaiko. I think it would also be delicious with pasta, but I just want to eat this mentaiko with rice as it is. (Well, I ended up eating it all with rice!) Thank you for the meal. Mentaiko mayonnaise seems to be popular too, so I'll buy it next time I go to Fukuoka!

If you have errands in Hakata, this is a mentaiko shop where my family often goes to buy. I usually go by car, but it's about a 10-minute walk from JR Hakata Station. There seems to be a shop inside JR Hakata Station as well, but my children often want to take a walk around the nearby Higashi-Nagare Temple, so we usually go to this Hakata Ekimae store. This time, I purchased: - Mentai ko for home use (slightly misshapen, but the best deal) - Mentai mayonnaise for 300 yen (great for making mentaiko bread easily) - Squid mentaiko for 1000 yen (delicious, goes well with alcohol) - Hakata tonkotsu ramen (3 servings for about 600 yen) The mentaiko sold in supermarkets probably doesn't compare in taste. The domestic cod roe has a nice texture and is really delicious. Most of the mentaiko sold in other shops is made from foreign ingredients (Russia, America). I personally like the lightly flavored "Shimamoto" mentaiko. It may not be suitable for those who like spicy food. (When I want something spicy, I eat homemade kimchi) The mentaiko here is natural in color as it is not colored, so you can feed it to your children with peace of mind. I think this is a recommended shop for those who want to stick to domestic products.

There is also a branch of Shimamoto in the Depachika of Hakata Hankyu. I often stop by there as I can use it while riding the Shinkansen. When it comes to specialties in Hakata, mentaiko is famous, right? "Yamaya" and "Fukusaya" are well-known mentaiko makers nationwide, but there are still many mentaiko shops unique to Hakata! I discovered Shimamoto about four or five years ago. Until then, I had always bought "Ikamentai" from Fukuya, but after discovering Shimamoto, I accidentally switched. The reason is that I got hooked on Shimamoto's "Amaebi Mentaiko." It's a unique product that you can't find elsewhere! The plump sweet shrimp and fine-grained mentaiko match perfectly and are incredibly delicious!!! Shimamoto's mentaiko is not spicy, so even children can eat it with peace of mind, and the sauce doesn't overpower the original flavor of the cod roe. So, the problem is that I can eat as much as I want... I think it goes better with rice than alcohol. Or rather, I just snack on it as it is! For those who like the "Yamaya" type of mentaiko, it might feel a bit sweet? Amaebi Mentaiko may not be available depending on the season... By the way, it seems that you can also buy it online. Mentaiko tastes completely different depending on the maker, so it's fun to buy small packs and find your favorite taste~ There are tasting samples available everywhere too! It can be kept frozen for up to a month, so how about it as a souvenir??