Fukuoka is the cradle of Japanese mentaiko; the shops at Hakata station sell the best selection in the country; from 800-2.000 ¥ a tub.
Mentaiko —pollock roe marinated in salt, sake and a blend of spicy seasonings with red chilli— is the most emblematic gastronomic souvenir of Fukuoka and one of the most prized ingredients in all of modern Japanese cuisine. Although the roe is imported raw mainly from Alaska and Russia, it was the city of Fukuoka that developed the spicy marinating process (karashi mentaiko) in the post-war period, and today the city concentrates the best brands and the widest variety of styles in the country. At Hakata station and in the Aeon Mall in Hakata you can buy everything from fresh mentaiko in a glass jar —ideal to take on a plane in checked luggage— to dehydrated mentaiko (to carry at room temperature), mentaiko paste for onigiri, mentaiko crackers, mentaiko mayonnaise and even mentaiko ice cream. The best place to try freshly marinated mentaiko is at the counters of specialist shops such as Fukuya or Yamaya, which offer tastings. The price of a quality tub to take away is around 800-2.000 ¥.
