Fukutaro is famous for its menbei (spicy cod roe crackers). The main store is located about a 5-minute walk from Takeshita Station in Fukuoka Prefecture. There are plenty of parking spaces, making it easy to access by car. They have 8 directly-managed stores, including ones at Hakata Station and RaRaPort Fukuoka. In addition to their signature menbei, they also sell mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and food products for businesses. The store also offers vegetables, bread, and other items for sale. I purchased the mentaiko France bread this time. You can also enjoy eating in the store and self-serve coffee is available. They use mentaiko specifically made for bread. Compared to other bakeries, the France bread was smaller in size with light cuts on the surface. The bread itself was crispy on the outside, but did not have any outstanding features. The amount of mentaiko inside was generous, with large chunks that really brought out the flavor of mentaiko. They also offer set meals and factory tours. I recommend it for those who love mentaiko.

In Fukuoka, "Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro" offers a popular souvenir called "menbei" with a spicy mentaiko flavor, alongside Hakata torimon. They use their own mentaiko processed into senbei using a unique method, adding the umami of squid and octopus, resulting in a flavorful senbei. The mentaiko butter flavor was new to me, and it exceeded my expectations. The spicy kick of the senbei remains, while the butter flavor adds a smoothness. The butter flavor is not overpowering, so those expecting a strong butter taste might be slightly disappointed. Overall, I prefer the mentaiko butter flavor over plain. It pairs well with alcohol, especially beer. Thank you for the meal.

Ikebukuro Seibu Department Store is hosting a special event featuring delicious food and culinary skills from Kyushu from April 12th (Wednesday) to April 18th (Tuesday). One of the menu items is "tebasaki mentai" (5 pieces) for 864 yen. After enjoying ramen in the eat-in area, I wandered around looking for a souvenir. My feet stopped in front of the tebasaki mentai showcase. There were options for 5, 10, or 15 pieces, all priced the same. To enjoy them freshly cooked, you can heat them in the oven for 2-3 minutes. If you prefer, you can also buy frozen ones to enjoy at home - they are great as a side dish for drinks rather than a main meal. The wings have been deboned for easy eating.

<Product> - "Katsu Menbei" (2 pieces x 8 bags) ... 540 yen including tax - Diameter: about 8cm - Thickness: about 0.3cm - Weight: about 9.5g - Calorie: 451kcal/100g - Ingredients: Starch (domestically produced), squid, sauce, octopus, soy sauce, vegetable oil, pollock roe, red pepper, Japanese-style broth, bonito flakes, cane sugar, salt / processed starch, seasoning (amino acids, etc.), sweeteners (sorbitol), niacin (contains wheat, squid, soybeans in some parts) Each bag contains 2 pieces of "menbei" with squid, octopus, and pollock roe. The product name is a play on words, with "katsu" meaning to win. The crispy texture is the same as regular "menbei." It does have a subtle bonito flavor, but not as strong as expected. It is just as delicious as regular "menbei." However, the name is catchy, making it a good luck snack for exams, competitions, etc. that would be well-received as a souvenir.

Established in 1909 as a long-established store that started as a seller of oil. The Hakkata Taimeshi with Hakkata mentaiko is neither good nor bad. The flavor is on the strong side due to the mentaiko, and the pink appearance and flavor of the sea bream are a bit disappointing. It contains visible ingredients like shimeji mushrooms. This time, I cooked it in a clay pot, but the explanation on the back suggests that it can be used as a retort pouch, mixed with rice, or added to a rice cooker. The company is famous for its Menbei snacks. I received some as a gift and cooked them.

Established in 1909 as a long-standing specialty store starting out as a seller of oil. Menbei is a famous snack, known for its spicy Hakata Menbei. The spicy version is even hotter than the plain one, with plenty of spicy cod roe. The hard texture that becomes more flavorful as you chew remains the same. The product comes in a red outer bag with a black inner bag. You can even find it in supermarkets in Tokyo.

I tried Menbei Naru Senbei for the first time. The first thing that surprised me was how thick it was for a shrimp cracker. It was a bit firm because of this. The shrimp flavor wasn't very strong, but there was a slight spiciness that tingled the tongue. This spiciness is what makes this Menbei delicious.

I visited "Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro" near Takeshita Station in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka Prefecture. They have a factory on-site, and visitors can purchase souvenirs while enjoying a factory tour. I bought souvenirs and items for home use. The "Ware Sen" for home use is particularly cost-effective and the taste is excellent. I like to have it as a snack with beer at home. It also makes a great gift. Since it is close to RaRaPort Fukuoka, be sure to stop by when visiting. Thank you for the delicious food. Visit Date: November 25, 2022

I received senbei with mentaiko as a souvenir. It has a spicy kick with a delicious seafood flavor, making it a great snack with alcohol. It tastes familiar, and when I checked the manufacturer's website, it turns out it's made by the same company as "hogaja." No wonder it tastes similar. Thank you for the treat.

I visited Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro Honsha Uriten located in Iikawa, Minami-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is about a 7-minute walk from the east exit of Takeshita Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line, making it easily accessible by train. There is also parking available for those arriving by car. This time, I purchased "Membenei Negi" (2 pieces x 16 bags for 1,080 yen). It has a rich aroma of green onions and a gentle sweetness. The crispy texture makes it a perfect snack, and it was delicious. Each bag contains 2 pieces, providing a satisfying eating experience. Membenei was first released on June 12, 2001. It is made with plenty of Fukutaro's mentaiko, giving it a slightly spicy flavor. Fresh Fukutaro mentaiko is kneaded into the senbei using a unique method, and the umami flavor of seafood such as squid and octopus is condensed. It continues to be popular among a wide range of age groups. The mild spiciness, crispy texture, and rich seafood flavor make it irresistible even for children. There are also variations such as classic karashi mentaiko flavor, negi (green onion) flavor, mayonnaise flavor, spicy version, and onion-included flavor. They also collaborate with various local specialties. In 2016, Premium Membenei was introduced, and in 2020, pocket-sized Membenei chips were born. I hope to visit again on another occasion. Thank you very much!

Mentaiko flavored karinto (deep-fried dough) 70g for 151 yen including tax. Produced by Tenryudo Seika in Onojo City, Fukuoka, and sold by Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro in Fukuoka, known for their mentaiko senbei "Menbei". According to their website, they use 100% domestically produced wheat and frying oil (rice oil). When you open the fairly packed small bag, you will find thin karinto coated with light brown syrup. It has a spicy taste from chili pepper, but it could do without the mentaiko element. However, since the company is known for making spicy mentaiko, it makes sense. Oh, but the aftertaste does have the taste of mentaiko. I see, this way you won't get tired of eating them compared to just sweet karinto, and considering the amount and price, it could be used for daily consumption. 74 points.

I first discovered menbei about 20 years ago. It has a Kyushu-like taste, is reasonably priced, light, and easy to give as a gift, making it very handy. I used to buy it often as a souvenir. Recently, I haven't been to Fukuoka much, only to Oita, so it had been a while since I last received it. When you eat it, you first notice the crispy texture, followed by the flavors of squid and octopus. Then, the taste and spiciness of mentaiko kick in. It's really delicious. I think it goes well with tea or alcohol. Thank you for the meal.

Founded in 1909, this long-established store started as a seller of oil and groceries. One of their famous snacks is the Menbei Plain Hakata Menbei, known for its slightly spicy flavor with plenty of spicy cod roe. The texture is hard but becomes more enjoyable as you chew. The store is well-known enough to be available in supermarkets in Tokyo.

My real name is "Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro." I am known for selling oil all the time, so people call me "Aburaya." It feels like a close connection. This is "Abura-gashi," have you heard of it? I didn't know about it. One is "scallop" and the other is "kombu." Would they go well with beer? Definitely. If it's not too sweet, it's a good match for beer. I'm the kind of guy who enjoys sweet beans with beer. I do food blogging, so I can do this. If I didn't do it, I wouldn't eat sweets at all. I prefer salty snacks. Abura-gashi is delicious. It's a no-brainer.

Established in March 1909 as a manufacturer of edible oils, this comprehensive food company is now run by the 5th generation owner, Mr. Yoichi Tanaka, who is the son-in-law of the 4th generation owner. Their popular product "Menbei" generates annual sales of over 3 billion yen. Menbei, a snack developed as a new specialty of Hakata, was first released on June 12, 2001. It is a crispy snack made of potato starch dough mixed with squid, octopus, spicy cod roe, and chili peppers. The plain version is a favorite among tourists due to its long shelf life and the ability to be carried at room temperature. The mayo flavor Menbei, with its unique packaging resembling mayonnaise being squeezed out, offers a delicious combination of spicy cod roe and mayonnaise. The chicken skin-flavored Menbei, a collaboration with JR Kyushu Retail Co., was released on August 1, 2019. It features a unique design with a large chicken on the package and includes the hidden gem of Hakata, the "Chicken Skin Roll." This Menbei has a sweet and savory taste, with a stronger chicken skin flavor than spicy cod roe. It is a refreshing addition to the Menbei series.

It was a long time since I went on a museum date with my wife in Kyoto. I found my favorite menbei and bought it right away. Even though we came to Kyoto, it felt like we were somewhere else. [Summary] Menbei "Waresen" [Plain] 540 yen. Approximately 25-30 pieces of 60mm diameter, 2mm thick senbei coated with a crispy sauce. It has a light texture at first, but becomes sticky with starch as you chew, bringing out the flavors of mentaiko, squid, and octopus. It gets spicier towards the end, but even those who don't like spicy food should be able to enjoy it. Some pieces may be cracked, but overall, it's delicious. Shelf life is about 3 months. Menbei "Waresen" [Mayonnaise] 540 yen. The acidity of mayonnaise hits your mouth instantly. It has a similar texture to the plain version, but the flavors of mentaiko and mayonnaise work together harmoniously. Shelf life is about 3 months.

Introducing the "Menbei" series, a souvenir from Fukuoka that looks very similar to shrimp senbei. These snacks from Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro emit a strong mentaiko (spicy cod roe) aroma even from outside the box. They are packed with seafood flavors and spicy mentaiko seasoning. The plain senbei is specially selected, and there are other variations like spicy, green onion, mayonnaise, onion, and bonito flavors. These snacks are a delightful treat that instantly satisfies your taste buds. Fukutaro incorporates their famous mentaiko into the senbei using their unique method, along with the rich flavors of squid and octopus. It's truly a special food item that is unique to the region, and I am grateful to have received it.

Fifty River "Fukutarou" Headquarters has a factory near Takeshita Station, which was renovated recently. The place is clean but still has some old signs. The first floor has a large shop and a café at the back. As soon as you enter, you'll find a great deal on Menbei packs, limited to one per person. It's 500 yen for a pack worth 1250 yen. They also have delicious Mentaiko Tamagoyaki for 388 yen for 300g, which is about half the usual amount. The Mentaiko is cooked, so it might be better to enjoy it at an izakaya or food stall. ● Shop Information Fukutarou 092-413-4455 1-1-1 Ikagawa, Minami-ku, Fukuoka City Opening hours: 08:00-18:00

Business trip to Kyushu before the declaration of a state of emergency due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. I was asked by a younger colleague to buy "menbei." Menbei? When I looked it up, I found out that it is a snack from a Fukuoka company called Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro, which also produces and sells spicy cod roe. It's a snack that captures the flavor of spicy cod roe, which doesn't last long, in a snack form. Each piece is individually wrapped, and the package has the character "め" on it. Doesn't this design look familiar? It's too similar to the popular Hokkaido souvenir snack "hokkaido." The package with the character "ほ" written on it is exactly the same, and even the contents are similar... Is "menbei" just a knockoff of "hokkaido"? No, no... "Menbei" is the original, and in fact, "hokkaido" is also a product of Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro. Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro established a factory in Koshimizu-cho, Okhotsk subprefecture in Hokkaido to produce and sell "hokkaido" using potato starch, the raw material for "menbei." Thank you, Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro! Surely, Koshimizu-cho is benefiting from your company's support! As a Hokkaido resident, I express my gratitude. The feedback from my younger colleagues about "menbei" was also very positive. In the workplace, it has been decided that if you feel like eating "menbei," you can substitute it with "hokkaido"!

During my trip to Fukuoka, I also visited the mentaiko factory. It is just one station away from Hakata Station by JR, and a 5-minute walk from Takeshita Station. Yamaguchi Oil Shop Fukutaro is famous for its mentaiko. After the factory tour, you can enjoy tasting mentaiko and other products at the main store. The store has a wide variety of products, including special deals like mentaiko bargain packs and limited edition cut mentaiko only available to visitors. The mentaiko, dipped twice in a special sauce, has a great texture and delicious flavor. They also offer products like sardines stuffed with mentaiko, squid mentaiko, and mentaiko flakes, which I didn't know about before and made great souvenirs. The factory tour and tasting are free (with reservation). There is also FUKUTARO CAFE in the same space, offering low-priced deals. They have workshops and kids' events, making it a fun stop for tourists. The staff provided excellent service, and you can tell that the store is popular among locals as well.