Have you heard of "motsunabe," one of the many hot pot dishes in Japan? This dish features juicy beef offal and is renowned as a specialty of Fukuoka, although it has gained nationwide popularity. With a famous Fukuoka restaurant recently opening its first branch in Tokyo, why not make your motsunabe debut during your trip to Japan?
What is "Motsunabe"? About the Ingredients and Flavor
"Motsu" refers to the internal organs of cows, pigs, and chickens. Motsunabe uses tender, fatty beef offal, simmered with heaps of cabbage and garlic chives. To enhance the flavor, garlic and chili peppers are added, and the broth is typically made with bonito, kelp, and chicken stock, then seasoned with soy sauce.
Motsu is low in calories and rich in vitamins, making it a popular choice among women who care about their beauty and health. After enjoying the ingredients, rice or noodles can be added to the remaining broth, making it a two-part meal that leaves everyone satisfied, including those with hearty appetites.
Why is Fukuoka Famous for "Motsunabe"?
Although motsunabe is now well-known, especially in Tokyo, it originally hails from Fukuoka. Its roots date back to the 1950s when it was developed to provide stamina for coal miners working in the harsh conditions of Fukuoka's coal mines. They would boil offal and garlic chives in an aluminum pot with soy sauce to create this nourishing dish.
The offal was originally a part that was thrown away. The ingenuity of the miners, who sought to make delicious meals from these affordable and nutritious parts during times of food scarcity, led to the creation of motsunabe.
"Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka": A Restaurant That's Hard to Book
There are many places to enjoy motsunabe, but "Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka" stands out for introducing miso-flavored motsunabe, deviating from the standard soy sauce base. This unique twist has made it an immensely popular and often fully-booked establishment.
The History of "Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka," Established in 1984
Forty years ago, "Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka" was born in a standalone house in Ohashi, Minami-ku, Fukuoka City. The reputation of their motsunabe spread, gradually attracting more customers. As a result, the second floor, originally used as a residence, was converted into additional restaurant space.
As word-of-mouth popularity grew, the media began to feature Yamanaka as a representative of Fukuoka's motsunabe, leading to the opening of more locations within the prefecture. Today, Yamanaka operates four branches: the Ohashi main store, Akasaka store, and Hakata store in Fukuoka, as well as the Ginza store in Tokyo.
Stepping Out of Fukuoka: Opening in Tokyo in 2023
This beloved Fukuoka restaurant has finally made its way outside the prefecture. In November 2023, "Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka Ginza" opened in Tokyo, a city renowned for its gourmet cuisine. The concept is "Authentic Taste in a Traditional Japanese Space," and the restaurant exudes the atmosphere of a high-end Japanese inn.
Previously, "Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka" could only be enjoyed in Fukuoka. Now, people who became familiar with its taste on business trips to Fukuoka can also enjoy it in Tokyo. The restaurant has even been introduced by celebrities who are fans on TV, creating a buzz among Tokyo's discerning food enthusiasts.
What Makes the Signature Sish "Miso Motsunabe" So Special?
When it comes to "Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka," the must-try dish is the "Miso Motsunabe" (¥3,300 per serving). It is said that 80% of the customers order this dish. Since it is brought to your table fully prepared, there is no worry about not knowing when it's ready to eat. You can enjoy it at the perfect time, making it ideal for motsunabe beginners.
The "Miso Motsunabe," made with a secret recipe, blends several carefully selected types of miso from Kyushu. The result is a rich and flavorful broth that is also refined and not overpowering, making you want to take another bite again and again.
The main ingredient, motsu (beef offal), is made from fresh, domestic beef small intestines that are free from unpleasant odors and excessive fat. The lightly fatty offal melts in your mouth, filling you with a sense of bliss.
The flat iron pot, originally from "Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka" and now widely used in Fukuoka's motsunabe restaurants, contains a bubbling broth topped with collagen, not fat. You might find your skin feeling more plump the next day.
The vegetable platter that comes with the ordered pot includes cabbage, burdock root, garlic chives, and konjac balls (*konjac balls are only available at the Ginza store). The "Miso Motsunabe" is not only good for your beauty but also highly nutritious with plenty of vegetables, making it a healthy choice. It is delicious year-round, but especially recommended during Japan's hot summers when you might be feeling fatigued.
Don't Miss the Specialty Dishes at this Motsunabe Restaurant
The charm of "Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka" is not limited to the "Miso Motsunabe." Another highlight is the "Karashi Mentaiko" (¥2,100), a popular Fukuoka souvenir. This dish features spicy cod roe carefully marinated at a low temperature in an original seasoning liquid, with a hint of yuzu fragrance.
The limited quantity "Sweet Simmered Beef Cheek" (¥2,400) is a melt-in-your-mouth dish made by slowly simmering domestic beef cheek in red wine.
Another recommendation is the "Vinegared Motsu" (¥1,300) , made from the tender offal of domestic beef, of which only a small amount can be obtained from a single cow. Its refreshing taste and crunchy texture are addictive. If you opt for a course menu, you can enjoy these specialty dishes in addition to the motsunabe at a better value.
Moreover, the course includes a selection of desserts such as "Special Almond Tofu" (¥660) and "Takumi Matcha Ice Cream" (¥660). This ensures that both your stomach and heart will be fully satisfied.
Fukuoka is known for a variety of gourmet dishes such as ramen, mizutaki nabe, and gyoza, but motsunabe is a must-try. If you visit Fukuoka, be sure to check out the main store, Akasaka store, or Hakata store. If you are based in Tokyo, enjoy the authentic taste at the Ginza store.
Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka Ginza Store
- Address: 1F, B1F, Ginza Glasse, 3-2-15, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1 minute walk from Metro Ginza Station Exit C8
- Business hours:
- [Monday to Friday] Dinner 17:00-23:00 (L.O.22:30)
- [Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays] Lunch 11:30-15:00 (L.O.14:30), Dinner 16:00-22:30 (L.O.22:00)
- Closed: New Year's holidays
- URL: https://motsunabe-yamanaka.com/en/
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