Trending Now: A Thorough Guide to All Five Mentaiko Mayonnaise Varieties You Can Buy at Shimamoto Hakata Hankyu Store
Shimamoto is a Fukuoka-only mentaiko specialty store located on the B1 floor of Hakata Hankyu, directly connected to Hakata Station.
Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise, made by a long-established shop with 48 years of history, is a refrigerated product containing about 20% domestically produced mentaiko.
In addition to two regular varieties (Plain and Garlic), the lineup includes three store-exclusive varieties (Wasabi, Yuzu Kosho, and Basil).
With its deep umami, wide range of flavors, and adorable packaging, it has become popular with customers from Japan and abroad.
In particular, spreading it on a baguette is a popular way to enjoy it, and more and more people are buying multiple jars at once.
Be sure to try this special Mentaiko Mayonnaise, available only in Fukuoka.
What Kind of Place Is Shimamoto Hakata Hankyu Store?
Shimamoto is a long-established mentaiko specialty store founded in 1976.
Its biggest defining feature is its continued commitment to rare domestically produced Alaska pollock roe, said to account for less than 10% of the roe circulating on the market.
Shimamoto does not wholesale to mass retailers, airports, stations, or souvenir shops, and sells exclusively through its three directly managed stores in Fukuoka and its official online store.
Because it does not sell through online marketplaces such as Rakuten or Amazon, it truly can be called Fukuoka-only mentaiko.
With a tare marinade made with no added coloring and no unnecessary seasonings, and with the amount of chili pepper kept modest, Shimamoto draws out the natural umami and texture of the domestically produced roe to the fullest.
Shimamoto Hakata Hankyu Store is one of Shimamoto’s directly managed stores, alongside Hakata Station Store and Factory Outlet Store.
It is a popular shop supported by both tourists and locals.
Among its items, the store-exclusive “Freshly Made Spicy Cod Roe” stands out for its never-frozen freshness, and it is not uncommon for it to sell out by the morning.
Access to Shimamoto Hakata Hankyu Store
It is about a 2-minute walk from the JR Hakata Station Hakata-guchi ticket gates, and is located in the “Umachika!” food section on the B1 floor of Hakata Hankyu.
Because it is directly connected to Hakata Station, you can get there without getting wet even on rainy days.
The sales area is near the B1 escalators, and the display of spicy cod roe and Mentaiko Mayonnaise is visible even from a distance.
It is also an ideal location as a final souvenir stop before heading to the airport.
3 Reasons Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise Is Chosen
Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise is made with care by a long-established shop that knows mentaiko umami inside and out.
There is a reason Shimamoto’s products continue to earn strong support among the many Mentaiko Mayonnaise options available.
Here, we will introduce three key points unique to Shimamoto that keep people choosing it.
1. A Refrigerated Product Made with Fresh Mentaiko, Used as Is
While many makers produce shelf-stable products, Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise uses fresh mentaiko as is, without heating it.
That is why it is a refrigerated product, with the original aroma and texture of mentaiko preserved.
With about 20% mentaiko, the amount is overwhelmingly high, and the difference is obvious from the very first bite.
2. All Five Varieties, Including Three Store-Exclusive Flavors
In addition to the standard Mentaiko Mayonnaise and Garlic Mentaiko Mayonnaise, Shimamoto offers three limited-edition flavors that can only be purchased at its directly managed stores.
The limited-edition Mentaiko Mayonnaise varieties flavored with wasabi, yuzu kosho, and basil add flavorful variation while letting mentaiko umami shine.
They are great not only as Hakata souvenirs, but also for a wide range of home-cooking arrangements.
3. Going Viral on Taiwanese Tourists’ Social Media
Right now in Taiwan, “Mentaiko France” is in a boom, and along with that trend, attention has also turned to Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise.
Its colorful, adorable packaging and wide flavor lineup have become a hit, and social media is filled with posts showing the popular style of spreading it on baguettes and bread.
Not only in Japan but overseas as well, people support it for its great taste and its many possible uses.
A Thorough Breakdown of Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise: All Five Flavors
Shimamoto offers a total of five Mentaiko Mayonnaise varieties.
Because the three store-exclusive varieties are only available at Shimamoto’s directly managed stores (Hakata Hankyu Store, Hakata Station Store, and Factory Outlet Store), be sure to pick them up when you visit.
Every flavor is versatile, and it is also recommended to buy several at once and use them differently depending on the dish.
1. “Mentaiko Mayonnaise” (Regular Item)
This classic, plain flavor lets the taste of the ingredients stand out.
The umami of domestically produced mentaiko and the richness of mayonnaise match perfectly.
Simply pour it over warm rice and it becomes an irresistible dish.
2. “Garlic Mentaiko Mayonnaise” (Regular Item)
With the addition of garlic flavor, it becomes a punchy, satisfying taste.
It pairs exceptionally well with toast and baguettes, and it also works great as a snack accompaniment.
It is a must-have for garlic lovers.
3. “Wasabi Mentaiko Mayonnaise” (Store-Exclusive)
It features the sharp, refreshing heat of wasabi.
Add it to sashimi or roast beef and the Japanese flavor really stands out.
With an adult, refined taste, it also pairs well with sake and shochu.
4. “Yuzu Kosho Mentaiko Mayonnaise” (Store-Exclusive)
With a citrus aroma and a crisp kick of heat, this is a summer-limited flavor with a clean finish.
It is perfect as a dip for meat dishes such as shabu-shabu and for warm vegetables.
The refreshing yuzu flavor whets the appetite.
5. “Basil Mentaiko Mayonnaise” (Store-Exclusive)
This unique flavor spreads an Italian-style aroma.
Use it on pasta or pizza toast and you can enjoy a new Japanese-Western fusion taste.
It also goes extremely well with cheese, making it a perfect match for wine.
See Product Information for Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise
Here, we will introduce five recipes using Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise.
All of them are easy to make and are perfect for casually enjoying at the everyday dinner table.
Be sure to give them a try.
1. Mentaiko Mayo Onigiri with Mentaiko Mayonnaise
Simply place Mentaiko Mayonnaise in the center of lightly shaped warm rice, or on top.
Wrap it with nori and you have an easy yet luxurious onigiri.
The pop of mentaiko and the richness of mayonnaise spread in your mouth, and it tastes great even when cooled, making it ideal for bento lunches as well.
2. A Fried Rice Twist with Garlic Mentaiko Mayonnaise
Generously spoon Garlic Mentaiko Mayonnaise over fried rice.
The mayonnaise melts slightly over the steaming hot rice, and the toasted garlic aroma and mentaiko umami mingle together.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions to make it a visually vibrant plate, too.
3. Steamed Vegetable Dip with Wasabi Mentaiko Mayonnaise
Steam your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and lotus root, and eat them with Wasabi Mentaiko Mayonnaise.
The sharp, refreshing wasabi accent brings out the vegetables’ sweetness, making it a healthy yet satisfying dish.
4. Karaage Topping with Yuzu Kosho Mentaiko Mayonnaise
Even ordinary karaage becomes a special treat when you add Yuzu Kosho Mentaiko Mayonnaise.
The refreshing yuzu aroma and the crisp peppery heat soften the heaviness of the fried chicken.
Squeeze lemon over it for an even lighter finish.
5. Mentaiko Mayo Pizza with Basil Mentaiko Mayonnaise
Spread Basil Mentaiko Mayonnaise on pizza dough or naan, add cheese, and bake it in a toaster oven.
The basil aroma, mentaiko umami, and cheese richness come together as one, creating a new fusion-style pizza experience.
It also pairs exceptionally well with wine.
Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise Is a Better Deal in a Large Size, and Buying Multiple Jars at Once Is Also Recommended
In addition to the standard 115g size, Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise is available in a generous 300g large size (the 300g large size comes only in Plain and Garlic).
For people who use it regularly or want to enjoy it with family, the large size is recommended.
Another fun way to enjoy it is to buy a little of all five varieties and switch them depending on the dish or your mood.
The two regular flavors can be purchased from the official online store, but the three store-exclusive varieties can only be obtained in Hakata.
For that reason, many customers, not only tourists but also local regulars, can be seen buying multiple jars at once.
Ice packs and insulated bags are also available, so you can feel at ease even if it will take time before you get home.
Summary
Shimamoto’s Mentaiko Mayonnaise, lined up at Shimamoto Hakata Hankyu Store, directly connected to Hakata Station, is a standout presence.
It is a product from a mentaiko specialty shop long loved in Hakata, and among the many local specialties from around Kyushu displayed in the “Umachika!” food section on the B1 floor of Hakata Hankyu, it is especially eye-catching.
Along with the reassurance of a long-established shop, its reliable taste that makes the most of mentaiko umami and its easy-to-pick-up packaging are also part of its appeal.
Not only in Japan, but in recent years it has also gained support from overseas visitors, especially from Taiwan.
If you are looking for a special souvenir that feels distinctly Fukuoka and Hakata, be sure to check it out.