Gourmet

Do you like oysters? They are my favorite. I like them raw, grilled, fried, cooked in broth or sautéed with rice.   Today, I wanted to introduce you to oyster shacks in Fukuoka, where you can eat oysters caught on the same day.   Itoshima, for example, has some 28 oyster shacks operated by oyster farmers themselves. In addition to oysters, you can order other seafood such as shrimp, cherry clams, and foods like sausage and rice. You are encouraged to take your own favorite fixings and seasonings such as cheese and dressings. Choose how you would like your oysters cooked: grilled on gas or charcoal.   My recommendation is using charcoal since it gives such a delicious aroma and

One of Fukuoka’s main delicacies is Karashi Mentaiko. The main ingredients are the eggs of Alaskan Pollack seasoned with hot pepper. It’s a common side dish at Japanese family tables. For those who are not used to eating fish eggs, it may seem like an acquired taste, but is worth a try!   Karashi Mentaiko is typically eaten with warm rice, but there are many other ways to eat it. For example, you can add it to Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), salad or pasta, or mix it with mayonnaise to create dressing. Here in Fukuoka, it’s not unusual to see it as a pizza topping. I personally believe the intensity of Karashi pepper brings out the special umami.     Hakata

One of Japan’s biggest attractions is food, but many come to love Japanese beer and sake (Japanese rice wine) tangentially. I would like to introduce you to some breweries in Fukuoka.   Asahi Biru Fukuoka Kojo (Asahi Beer Fukuoka Plant) You can see the entire process of brewing beer in this Asahi Beer Plant. After your tour, you can taste beer that has just been brewed. For those of you not interested in alcohol or who are minors, they offer soft drinks as well. -3 minute walk from Japan Rail Kagoshima Line Takeshita Station -Hours 9:30-15:00 *A tour requires reservations. -Admission – No charge for a tour.   Kirin Beer Park This is a Kirin Beer plant. Next to the

If you are living in or visiting Fukuoka be sure to savor the many delicious seasonal produce and learn what traditional Fukuoka dishes feature them. Fukuoka’s Most Famous Fruit: The Amaou Strawberry Amaou Strawberries, Amaou being an acronym for amai (sweet), marui (round), okii (big) and umai (delicious), is without a doubt the most popular fruit coming out of Fukuoka. The fruit has become a national sensation and has even begun its exportation overseas. It has been made into Amaou liquor, Amaou jam, and even Amaou KitKats. The popular strawberry is known for its size and sweetness, which also makes it a costly habit averaging a little over $1.00 USD per strawberry (in some cases $9.00 per strawberry). Since its

The Beautiful History of Fukuoka