Enjoy Fukuoka’s Local Dish “Goma Saba” at Hakata Gomasabaya!
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What is “Goma Saba”?
When people think of Fukuoka’s famous foods, they often mention motsunabe (offal hotpot), mizutaki (chicken hotpot), and tonkotsu ramen. But for seafood lovers, there’s one dish you can’t miss—Goma Saba! This dish features fresh mackerel sashimi marinated in a sweet soy sauce, topped with plenty of sesame seeds and green onions. It’s simple yet full of flavor and is a must-try seafood specialty found in many local izakayas and restaurants.
What is Hakata Gomasabaya?
I visited Hakata Gomasabaya, a restaurant specializing in Goma Saba dishes. It’s located just a 5-minute walk from Akasaka Station and is very popular, with long lines at both lunch and dinner. The secret to its success? Super fresh mackerel sourced every morning from Nagahama Fish Market, combined with affordable prices set by the owner. Mackerel from the nearby Kyushu coast has fewer parasites, making it perfect for eating raw. That’s why this restaurant can serve such fresh Goma Saba!
The Dish I Ordered “Goma Saba Don Set Meal”
I tried the restaurant’s signature dish—the Goma Saba Don Set Meal (1,100 yen). The moment it arrived, I was surprised by how thick and fatty the mackerel was! The fish and rice are served separately, and the meal comes with unlimited rice refills, miso soup, and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet). There’s also a self-service station with salad, pickles, marinated mackerel, and broth for making ochazuke. A perfect, filling meal!
3 Ways to Enjoy Goma Saba Don
The best thing about this dish is that you can eat it in three different ways!
- Eat it as sashimi！- Enjoy the fresh taste of raw mackerel.
- Make a Goma Saba Don (rice bowl) ！- Put the fish on rice.
- Finish with ochazuke (tea-rice)！- Pour hot broth over the rice and fish.
Each step offers a different taste, making the meal even more enjoyable.
Restaurant Info & Access
| Name | Hakata Gomasabaya |
| Access | 5-minute walk from Akasaka Station (Fukuoka City Subway) |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 092-406-5848 |
| Closed | Sunday |
| Dining Options | Dine-in: ○ Takeout: × Delivery: × |
There is a bicycle parking area in front of the restaurant, making it easy to visit by bike. With a great location just 5 minutes from Akasaka Station, it’s a perfect place for lunch or dinner!
Conclusion
Hakata Gomasabaya is a great place to enjoy Fukuoka’s local specialty Goma Saba. The three ways to eat the dish make it an exciting experience, perfect for anyone wanting to try traditional Fukuoka flavors. Since the mackerel is sourced fresh from Nagahama Fish Market, the quality is excellent. If you’re in Fukuoka and want to try authentic Goma Saba, this is the place to go!
