Ganso Hakata Mentaiju Nishinakasu — Restaurant in Fukuoka

Came here for breakfast since they were open early and it was close to our hotel. The exterior has an interesting look that is pleasing to the eye. The interior is actually pretty big and has a more sleek, upscale, and modern design. The set combo comes with so much food. The tsukemen was very good, the noodle texture was nice and firm and the flavor of the broth was definitely rich. You can easily taste the mentaiko in it without it being overpowering, so the flavors of the broth are still complex instead of being one note. I would highly recommend getting the tsukement here. The soup wari for tsukemen is placed on the table well ahead of time so you can control when you want to drink the broth. Eating the regular konbu wrapped mentaiko is eating a salt bomb but it is definitely delicious when you have the right ratio with rice. The grilled mentaiko vs raw mentaiko also had a big texture change which had mixed reviews with our party. Personally I enjoyed the raw over the grilled. The mentaiko pickles are a mix of cucumber, radish, and cabbage with an interesting mentaiko based sauce. The taste of the pickled veggies was good but the sauce has a slimy texture that may not be for everyone. It is also excellent with rice. We also got the pudding for dessert and omg, it's my favorite pudding ever. It is a highly elevated take on a flan pudding. The pudding has a thick creaminess with a rich vanilla base and is topped with a burnt sugar sauce and caramel jelly. It provides a unique texture while delivering a complex flavor profile that is not too sweet. I was very sad I could not buy the...

If you plan to visit Ganso Hakata Mentai Ju in Hakata, Japan, it’s worth considering both the taste and the pricing before deciding to dine there. One of the menu items, Mentai Soup (¥2,750), is indeed flavorful, but some visitors may feel that the price does not fully justify the experience. The dish is enjoyable, but it might not offer the level of impact or satisfaction that one would expect given its cost.

Additionally, it is important to note that the pricing appears to be geared more towards tourists, which means that those who are used to local dining prices may find it somewhat expensive. If you are looking for an authentic yet cost-effective meal, you may want to explore other options in Hakata, as the city is well known for its rich food culture, including ramen, motsunabe, and other seafood specialties.

That said, if you are particularly interested in trying mentaiko-focused cuisine and are willing to pay a premium for the experience, this restaurant could still be worth a visit. However, for those who prioritize cost-performance and value, it may be beneficial to research other dining options before making a...

Ganso Hakata Mentaiju is an absolute must-visit whenever I find myself in Fukuoka. Known for its mastery of mentaiko, a local specialty, this restaurant truly showcases why Fukuoka is famous for its flavorful and distinctive cuisine. Every visit feels like a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage.

Their tsukemen is the star of the show—truly one-of-a-kind. The dipping sauce strikes a perfect balance between spiciness and umami, creating a rich and layered flavor profile that leaves a lasting impression. The noodles are perfectly cooked, complementing the bold, punchy sauce, and the dish feels like a heartfelt embrace of Fukuoka’s vibrant food culture.

As a bonus, don’t leave without picking up their salad sauce. It’s a delightful surprise—bursting with flavor and versatile enough to elevate any salad or dish back home. It’s like taking a piece of Ganso Hakata Mentaiju’s magic with you.

This restaurant isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that embodies Fukuoka’s culinary essence. For anyone visiting the city, Ganso Hakata Mentaiju is a non-negotiable stop that promises incredible food and an authentic...