Choosing Mentaiko as a Fukuoka Souvenir? Start Here: Recommended Picks from Yamaya

This mayonnaise-type seasoning combines a mellow mayo base with the crisp heat and deep umami of mentaiko, making it a recommended item for anyone who wants a different kind of mayonnaise. With richness plus a punchy kick, it can be used in a wide range of recipes, from salads to steamed vegetables. It is also nice that it is priced under 1,000 yen for easy purchase, and that it keeps well for over 200 days at room temperature.

As the name suggests, simply spread it on sliced bread and toast it, and you can easily make mentaiko toast. Along with freeze-dried karashi mentaiko, it also contains dried mashed potato and dried onion, and its crunchy texture is very popular with children as well. It is easy to see why it sold over 50,000 units in just six months (from December 2021 to May 2022). At 378 yen each and with a shelf life of 240 days at room temperature, it is recommended to buy several at once.

This is an easy tube-type mentaiko that you can squeeze out in just the amount you want. Of course, you can place it on warm rice, and you can also add it to many dishes such as Japanese rolled omelets, bread, and pasta to enjoy creative arrangements. In addition to the standard type, sister items such as "Ume Kombu Mentai" and "Iwa Nori Mentai" that pair well with rice are also available.
With a refrigerated shelf life of 30 days, a compact size, and a cute package design, it seems likely to be appreciated not only for personal use but also as a souvenir.

Mentai Senbei are rice crackers that retain the grainy texture of Japanese uruchi rice (non-glutinous rice), coated with "Mentai Karami Sauce," and because they are individually wrapped, light, and have a shelf life of over 100 days, they are perfect as souvenirs.
With a crisp texture and mentaiko’s savory heat that keeps you coming back, they are sure to win over even mentaiko beginners.
There are three types to choose from depending on your needs: 6 pieces for under 1,000 yen for easy purchase, plus 12 pieces and 24 pieces.

Another popular item besides mentaiko products is "Umadashi," which has a reputation for making it easy to recreate professional flavor at home.
Using six carefully selected Japanese ingredients such as kelp, bonito flakes, and log-grown shiitake mushrooms, it is blended in a golden ratio where the umami reaches its peak. It is a convenient product that lets you make authentic dashi by simmering it for just 1-2 minutes. With a shelf life of one year at room temperature, 30 sachets per bag, and a price of around 2,000 yen, it is also great value. Because it can be used for any dish, such as oden (Japanese stew) and simmered dishes, it is highly recommended when you want to enjoy Japanese food along with mentaiko.

This shop is located inside Hakata Deitos, which marked its 50th anniversary and reopened after renovation in January 2025. In the rose-pink interior inspired by mentaiko, you will find not only mentaiko but also a wide selection of Kyushu specialties. Directly connected to Hakata Station, the gateway to the Kyushu area, it is easy to use both at the start and end of your trip.

This is a commercial facility inside Hakata Station with a lineup of delicious items such as Hakata specialties and Japanese sweets. It is close to the Shinkansen and JR ticket gates, making it very convenient when you have a short time during a transfer or want to buy something extra.

The Canal City store stands out for its pop atmosphere with a pink-themed interior. Located inside Canal City Hakata, a large mixed-use commercial complex in central Hakata, it is easy to stop by after shopping, theater-going, or nearby sightseeing, and it also has a well-stocked tasting corner.

This store is along the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station, and it is popular with worshippers and international visitors. It also has an attached takeout shop, YAMAYA BASE DAZAIFU, which serves freshly baked Mentai France. Be sure to enjoy that as well.