What is Motsunabe? Best Motsunabe in Fukuoka Prefecture
When you think of Fukuoka, you can’t skip over its signature dish—motsunabe. This flavorful hot pot made with beef or pork offal, simmered in a rich broth, is a must-try when visiting the city.
If you’re wondering where to get the best motsunabe, you’re in luck! Fukuoka has a treasure trove of restaurants where you can enjoy this delicious dish. Here are some of the top spots to check out for the ultimate motsunabe Fukuoka experience.
What is Motsunabe?
At its core, motsunabe is a delicious Japanese hot pot dish made from beef or pork offal (typically intestines) simmered in a savory broth. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s especially popular in Fukuoka, where it’s often served during the colder months.
The dish is made by boiling the offal in a rich soup base with ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and miso. Vegetables such as cabbage, garlic chives, and tofu are added to complete the hearty dish.
The Best Motsunabe in Fukuoka
1. Motsunabe Nagamasa Hakata Main Store
Location: 3-18-8 Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How to Get There: 7-minute walk from Hakata Station, Hakata Exit.
Tip: The restaurant can get busy on weekends, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance.
A true gem in the heart of Hakata, Motsunabe Nagamasa is renowned for its deeply flavored motsunabe. What sets it apart is the rich broth and the carefully sourced ingredients unique to the Kyushu region.
The restaurant offers a variety of options, from their famed Motsunabe Course with All-You-Can-Drink to a la carte selections. It’s especially recommended for tourists and business travelers looking for an authentic motsunabe Fukuoka experience.
2. Hakata Specialty Motsunabe Shoraku
Location: JR Hakata City, Amu Plaza Hakata 10F
Business Hours:Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How to Get There: Directly connected to Hakata Station, Amu Plaza Hakata 10th floor.
Tip: The restaurant can get busy, especially around lunchtime, so consider going early or making a reservation.
For those seeking a flavorful motsunabe near me with a rich, comforting broth, Hakata Specialty Motsunabe Shoraku is the place to go. This long-standing restaurant prides itself on its use of fresh, high-quality Kyushu ingredients.
The standout here is the motsunabe in soy sauce broth, which has been a favorite since the restaurant’s founding. The sweet and savory broth paired with tender offal makes for a delicious, satisfying meal. They also offer other broth options, including miso and salt, so you can pick your favorite!
3. Motsunabe Mizutaki Yonbankan (Tenjin Subway Station)
Location: 2F Tenjin Broadway Building, 3-4-28 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
Business Hours: Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Dinner: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
How to Get There: 3-minute walk from Tenjin Subway Station, exit 4.
Tip: If you’re a fan of all-you-can-eat style meals, their buffet course is a great option.
Located near Tenjin Subway Station, Motsunabe Mizutaki Yonbankan offers a standout version of authentic Hakata motsunabe made with high-quality Kuroge Wagyu offal. Their homemade broth, rich with flavor, perfectly complements the sweet, tender offal.
You can even try different variations, such as kimchi or miso-flavored broths. For those who want to indulge, there’s also a buffet course to enjoy endless servings of this hearty dish.
4. Motsuko (Kofukucho)
Location: 7-14 Tsunaba-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City
Business Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Weekdays, Saturdays) 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Holidays)
How to Get There: 2-minute walk from Gofukumachi Station, Hakozaki Line.
Tip: Motsuko is especially famous among locals.
If you’re looking for a local favorite with a rich history, Motsuko is the spot. This beloved motsunabe restaurant has been serving locals and tourists for over 40 years. Known for its chicken bone-based broth, Motsuko offers a milder version of motsunabe that’s perfect for those who might be hesitant about offal.
The fresh offal is delivered every morning, giving the dish a tender, non-gamey flavor. It’s a great choice for anyone new to the dish or those who prefer a lighter taste.
5. Shungyo Shungsai Yumehana, Teppanyaki Bar Genkido (Hakata)
Location: 8F, Fukuoka Transportation Center Building, Hakataekichuo-gai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City
Business Hours:Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM Dinner: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How to Get There: 5-minute walk from Hakata Station, Fukuoka Transportation Center Building, 8th floor.
Tip: This is a great spot if you’re in the mood for a more luxurious version.
If you’re after a more refined motsunabe experience, Shungyo Shungsai Yumehana offers a unique twist. Known for their delicate and luxurious take on the dish, they use domestic beef intestines and sea bream heads to craft a broth that’s both rich and flavorful.
This is a place where high-quality ingredients and expert cooking come together to deliver an unforgettable motsunabe meal. The chef’s skillful techniques make this dish a standout in Hakata.
Final Thoughts: Where to Enjoy the Best Motsunabe in Fukuoka
If you’re on the hunt for motsunabe Fukuoka, you won’t be disappointed by the variety and quality of restaurants in the city. From casual spots like Motsunabe Mizutaki Yonbankan to more refined experiences at Shungyo Shungsai Yumehana, Fukuoka has something for every taste.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned fan of this hearty hot pot, these restaurants offer the best of what motsunabe has to offer. So grab your chopsticks and get ready for a mouthwatering journey through Fukuoka’s best spots!
