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Aloha Fukuoka! Fugu lunch at Yanagibashi Market

Fukuoka is known for serving up fugu, the famously (potentially) poisonous sashimi. So of course we had to eat it


I love traveling with Val. She and I go at the same pace, and eat the same way. Leave it to Val to find out that Fukuoka is known for serving up fugu — also known as puffer fish — that famously dangerous sashimi. If it’s not cleaned and sliced properly, the poison in the fish can kill you. So of course, Val didn’t just suggest we eat fugu; my normally mellow friend insisted we needed to have it.

Although there are many restaurants in Fukuoka that serve fugu, one of the best places to get it is at the freshest source: the market. Yanagibashi Market is out of the way, but quick to get to even by foot, so I highly recommend you put this on your itinerary as it won’t take up a huge chunk of your day. Most chefs in town come here to get the fish for their restaurants because of the quality and freshness. What’s good enough for Fukuoka chefs, is good enough for us!

Aloha Fukuoka! Yanagibashi Market (23 of 23)

Aloha Fukuoka! Yanagibashi Market

And still more dried items.

Despite being the only restaurant in Yanagibashi Market, the fugu restaurant is easy to miss. If you go, look for the red lantern or ask for the stall called Yoshida. Here’s how our fugu lunch went:

Aloha Fukuoka! Fugu for lunch (1 of 16)

Aloha Fukuoka! Fugu for lunch

Little-known fact: Fukuoka is known for serving fugu. We saw cute little restaurants around the city with a drawing of the puffer fish outside, signifying that they serve it, but we wanted it from the fish market.

At the end, Val and I looked at each other and agreed that we were glad to have tried it, but once was enough. Best of all, we survived!

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You can read all of Melissa’s blogs at www.nonstophonolulu.com/UrbanMixPlate. Follow Melissa on Twitter @Melissa808, on Foursquare as Melissa808, or email at Melissa@nonstophonolulu.com.

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jlieu 45 pts

How do Japanese ppl stay so small when there is so much yummy food?! WTF

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 jlieu lots of walking, I think! And I think the thrill is not as big for them as it is for us!

M 64 pts

Is there free wifi in most areas?

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 M unfortunately, no. I need to find the article but someone wrote about how there's not a lot of public wifi because most people carry their own. So Cat & I rented our own pocket wifi — hers was from Japan, mine was from a company based in LA (for international use) — and both devices were slow. Mine was slower than hers, though. 

M 64 pts

 Melissa808 Thanks, booked our trip today!

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 M waaaaaaa sugoi!

nonstopmari 245 pts moderator

i'm glad u got to try fugu. but that toro sushi w/ the rainbow of fatty colors is what i wd have killed for.

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 nonstopmari I Know, I was filled with regret and wanted to eat more! *sigh*

HuyVo 5 pts

The whale meat looks like char siu. Knowing me, I probably would have taken it home without trying to read the sign and add it to my saimin :)

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 HuyVo LOL maybe I should have done that!

sugi_84 5 pts

market:

picture 10: gills maybe?

picture 11: top shell?

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 sugi_84 Ah! you are right about the top shell. wait, lemme to back and look at the gills one....

russkar 20 pts

Of course most Fugu is Farm-raised in Japan nowadays exclusive of the toxins and can be rather bland. 

The last time we had "wild" fugu was at Urasawa in Beverly Hills about 10 yrs ago. 

He quit getting it because customs kept seizing it. 

His preparations consisted of Sashimi which made your tongue and fingers tingle and was very flavorful unlike the recent Japan experience. 

Fried and last but not least Fugu Sperm Sack Risotto which was really good but unusual just the same. 

Followed by O-Toro with Gold Flake and Beluga Caviar on top. 

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 russkar Fugu sperm sack risotto!!!!! OMG! I'll have that next time.

Chef_Jay 6 pts

Fugu isn't one of the tastiest fish out there and a bit chewy, but it is one of those things you'd do once. 

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 Chef_Jay exactly!

M 64 pts

My last trip to Japan was 2 years ago and reading and seeing your pixs made me miss Japan. I'm calling my travel agent today.

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 M Awww! I know what you mean. It's easy to miss Japan. I want to go back already!

M 64 pts

Hello Melissa,

I ate Fugu when I went to Hiroshima. Like you said, really no taste and made my tongue tingle.

Melissa808 268 pts moderator

 M I don't know if anyone ever says it's delicious, but I guess you do it so you can take that risk...? Well, glad we got to try it!

About Melissa Chang

Melissa has more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and public relations. She is currently a freelance writer and independent marketing consultant, specializing in social media. 

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