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Motsunabe or Mizutaki? Which Local Delicacy Is Your Go-To When in Fukuoka?

Update-Date: Jun 3, 2025

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Nabe

Motsunabe or Mizutaki? Which Local Delicacy Is Your Go-To When in Fukuoka?

Fukuoka Prefecture is quickly gaining popularity as one of the most coveted destinations in Japan. While there are numerous wonders to see in the area, the main reason for its fame is the delicious food to enjoy. Among them, "motsunabe" and "mizutaki" are two major hot pot dishes you don't want to miss. Let's delve deeper to explore the culinary and local charms of Fukuoka!

Must-Have Hot Pot Cuisines When in Fukuoka: Motsunabe and Mizutaki!

Fukuoka is renowned for being a foodie paradise thanks to its Hakata ramen and many other regional specialties, but have you heard of motsunabe and mizutaki? These are the two major hot pot dishes unique to the area that you must definitely try. While they are both served hot in a pot, they are two distinctly different cuisines, so it's enjoyable to eat both to compare!

What Is Motsunabe?

Motsunabe is a hot pot dish made with beef or pork offal stewed together with cabbage, garlic chives, and other vegetables. There are many theories as to how it originated, but one states that it can be traced back to 1945, right after the end of World War II, when people salvaged offal that was otherwise discarded and cooked it in aluminum pots with garlic chives. The dish evolved over the years, and people began to enjoy it with cabbage and garlic. The delicacy has garnered recent attention for its beauty and health benefits because of its high protein and collagen content despite being low in calories.

When you order a motsunabe at a restaurant, the pot will be brought to your table with all the ingredients already prepared in a beautiful presentation. All you need to do is turn the tabletop stove on high heat and wait for the broth to boil, but make sure that you don't stir the food around just yet! Once the broth is piping hot, you can lower the heat to medium and occasionally pour hot soup over the vegetables. Controlling the heat is very important, as overheating will reduce the broth, so do take caution! If you feel you need more broth, your server should be happy to serve you some. When the vegetables are cooked to a tender texture, it's time to dig in! Stir the entire pot around to incorporate the ingredients, and serve on individual plates.

After you have enjoyed all the ingredients, you can add thick "champon" noodles to the savory broth. This part of the meal, called "shime," allows you to enjoy the hot pot to the last drop.

What Is Mizutaki?

Mizutaki is a simple hot pot in which chicken and an assortment of vegetables are combined and cooked in water. The dish has a longstanding history and was even introduced in a cookbook that was published in 1643. Mizutaki originated as a home-style dish in Nagasaki Prefecture, situated in the southernmost area of the Kyushu region. However, it is believed that Heizaburo Hayashida, who trained under a British chef in Hong Kong, adapted the recipe in 1905 and introduced the style of mizutaki many in Japan are familiar with today.

The best way to enjoy mizutaki is to cook the ingredients slowly in water. The essential component, chicken, is combined in a pot of water with cabbage, crown daisies, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, tofu, and other ingredients. When the pot is heated, the water gradually changes from transparent to cloudy. This is a sign that the water has transformed into a savory broth packed with the umami of the chicken, and you're ready to enjoy the chicken and vegetables in all their natural goodness. But first, pour yourself a bit of the broth and relish its rich and complex notes. You should be able to notice the deep, flavorful taste of the chicken. Now it's time to enjoy the ingredients. You can dip them in "ponzu shoyu" (soy sauce blended with citrus juice and vinegar) and add toppings like green onions and other aromatics to your preference.

When all you have left is the broth, it's time for the shime! As with the motsunabe, you can add champon noodles or go with rice.

Ready to Eat Motsunabe and Mizutaki? Try These Locations!

Here are some recommended restaurants in Fukuoka City that specialize in motsunabe and mizutaki.

Mizutaki Zenzai

Mizutaki Zenzai showcases Kyushu's rich culinary culture, especially Mizutaki (chicken hot pot), cooked table-side for an immersive experience. The menu offers regional dishes like "sesame mackerel" and "live squid sashimi from Yobuko." Renowned shochu 3M (Maou, Moriizo, Murao) and daily-changing sake are also available. The nostalgic, movie-like interior features a casual counter on the first floor, semi-private rooms on the second, and tatami rooms on the third for large groups. It's an excellent stop in Kyushu for tourists or business travelers.

Mizutaki Zenzai

Open: Dinner 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Watanabe-dori Station. Go south on Nisseki Dori Street, turn left at the corner after passing the Watanabe Dori branch of Nishi-Nippon City Bank.
Address: 1-11-8, Kiyokawa, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
More Details Reservation

Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka Hakata Branch (Hakata)

Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka was established in 1984 in Fukuoka Prefecture, the epicenter of motsunabe culture. The restaurant revolutionized the traditional motsunabe hot pot by introducing a miso flavor at a time when a soy sauce base was common. Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka perfected the miso-based broth through dedicated experimentation, and it has now become a beloved standard among the locals. The miso-flavored broth is created with an original blend of several miso varieties from the Kyushu region, and the secret recipe remains unchanged since the restaurant was founded. The motsunabe consists of domestic beef small intestines that have a pleasant texture and delicious, fatty umami. The flavorful vegetables add depth to the creamy miso-based broth, resulting in a savory and comforting masterpiece.

Highly recommended is the Yamanaka Course for 1 Person (4,680 JPY), a special set menu that offers the restaurant's signature motsunabe, along with beautifully presented side dishes. It's not often that motsunabe establishments offer single servings, so solo travelers may find this availability very welcoming.

If you're curious to learn more about the exquisite dining experience at Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka, click on the link below!

https://savorjapan.com/contents/discover-oishii-japan/motsunabe-by-yourself-in-hakata/

Taking inspiration from Fukuoka's heritage as a hub for cultural exchange, Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka Hakata Branch is designed in a colonial-style interior reminiscent of the Silk Road, where Eastern and Western influences intersect. The restaurant immerses patrons in an enchanting Oriental ambiance. Curtains adorn each table, and they can be used as partitions for those who wish to enjoy their meal in a semi-private setting.

Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka Hakata Branch

Open: Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from the Chikushiguchi exit of JR Hakata Station
Address: 2F, Hakatabe Bldg., 2-4-6, Hakataeki-higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
More Details Reservation

Hakata Ajidokoro Iroha (Nakasu-Kawabata)

Founded in 1953, Hakata Ajidokoro Iroha is a well-established mizutaki specialty shop that has continued to offer its signature dish for four generations. The secret of their success lies in their renowned cloudy chicken broth, a closely guarded recipe that has been passed down exclusively within the family.

One of their highlights is the Mizutaki of Local Jidori Chicken (Comes with Minced Chicken) (4,700 JPY), featuring Fumotodori, a premium brand of local chicken raised in Saga Prefecture which is adjacent to Fukuoka. The chicken boasts remarkable flavor without any unwanted pungency. A dedicated server will be assigned to your table to prepare the mizutaki to perfection. They'll first serve you the broth for a taste, and sure enough, your taste buds will delight in anticipation of the experience that's about to unfold. The tenderness of the chicken and the fluffy texture of the special minced chicken will transport you to another dimension. The mizutaki is best enjoyed with a seasoning of house-made ponzu crafted with a blend of specially-sourced soy sauce and mandarin oranges.

The first floor of the restaurant is designed with table seating, and the third floor features low tables with floor seating for larger groups. On the second floor is a private room featuring a "horigotatsu" (a low table set on a sunken floor) and a mural depicting a scene from Hakata Gion Kinugasa, one of Fukuoka's three major festivals. What a delightful experience to indulge in the local specialty while being immersed in the rich Hakata culture!

Hakata Ajidokoro Iroha

Open: [Tuesday-Saturday, Holidays, Day before Holidays] 6:00 pm - (L.O. 10:00 pm) [Sunday] 6:00 pm - (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from Nakasu Kawabata Station on Fukuoka municiple Subway Airport Line.
Address: Iroha Bldg., 14-27, Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Map
More Details Reservation

Making the Most of Your Visit in Compact Hakata

Hakata, Fukuoka is known for its compact urban layout. It boasts the largest entertainment district in all of the Kyushu region with the convenience of a metropolis, but it still offers serene suburban charm. Conveniently located, Hakata Station is only two stops on the subway from Fukuoka Airport, a quick 5-minute trip! Hakata Station is a railway hub, so from there, you can reach the city center in roughly 10 minutes. Needless to say, Fukuoka Airport is considered one of the most convenient airports in Japan.

Explore Fukuoka's Unique Street Food Culture and Mingle With the Locals!

Eating at the food stalls called "yatai" is one of the things you must experience to get a better understanding of the unique food culture of Fukuoka. There are two areas, Nakasu and Tenjin, where you'll find streets lined with over 100 stalls that offer street food like ramen, gyoza, and other diverse menu options to satisfy your palate. The Nakasu area boasts the largest entertainment district in the Kyushu region, and the stalls are located along the Nakagawa River or inside Seiryu Park. The Tenjin area is another vibrant location that hosts popular restaurants and clothing stores.

While it is fine to stay at one yatai for an extended period, it's probably more enjoyable if you hop around the stalls, stopping at each for a quick bite and drink to sample the various offerings. Alternatively, you can visit the yatai after a full meal at a restaurant to soak in the lively atmosphere. The stalls offer a cozy space where you can get up close and personal with the owners and other patrons, so it's a great way to mingle with the locals. Some of the stalls even offer menus in English or Chinese.

Tochoji Temple

Tochoji Temple is renowned for its Fukuoka Daibutsu, the largest wooden statue in Japan depicting the seated Buddha. The statue is 10.8 meters tall and weighs 30 tons, and visitors can enter its pedestal to embark on the "Tour of Hell and Heaven," an immersive journey through the darkness in search of the Buddha's Ring. It is said that if you are lucky enough to find and touch Buddha's Ring, you are guaranteed your path to the Pure Land. Another landmark you don't want to miss is the five-story pagoda, standing proudly at 26 meters tall beside the Hondo (Main Hall) in its striking vermillion glory.

Looking for Accommodation? Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk Hotel Is the Place!

Fukuoka City boasts a selection of nearly 600 accommodation facilities, but if you're looking for a place to stay, look no further than the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk Hotel. Just a convenient 20-minute taxi ride from the airport, the hotel is located near a beach that is only a 3-minute walk away. All 1,053 rooms of the hotel command a view of Hakata Bay, so you can enjoy the resort-like atmosphere while still staying in the big city. A friendly team of staff fluent in English and Chinese is also on-site to ensure a smooth stay.

Why choose between motsunabe and mizutaki when you can savor both of Fukuoka's iconic hot pot dishes? Fukuoka City is compact enough for visitors to get around with ease. You can tour the city to your heart's content, and when you get hungry, satisfy your appetite with one hot pot after another!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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