Chikae Foods Co., Ltd. — Mentaiko crafted in Munakata, Fukuoka, available online and as a gift
Business Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: 2nd & 4th Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
TEL 0940-39-3941
Mentaiko crafted with care,
made for your table
Chikae Foods Co., Ltd. is a food company dedicated to mentaiko-making in Munakata, Fukuoka. Rooted in the mentaiko-making of the Hakata ryotei restaurant "Chikae," we carry forward an honest approach to our ingredients and a flavor rooted in dashi culture, making products meant for everyday tables and gifts for people who matter.
For anyone looking for mentaiko to enjoy at home, a distinctly Fukuoka gift, or a factory outlet store to visit in Munakata — Chikae Foods offers a full lineup, from our signature mentaiko to seasoned side dishes, processed seafood, and gift products. Whether you're a resident of Japan wanting to buy mentaiko locally, or a visitor from overseas looking for a souvenir from Fukuoka and Munakata, you can choose from everyday items to gifts to suit your needs.
Mentaiko from Chikae Foods Co., Ltd. in Munakata, Fukuoka
Our brand concept: "Chikai En"
Chikae Foods' brand concept is "Chikai En" (Close Bonds). It carries our wish to bring people closer together through food — to be a bridge between maker and eater, between community and the family table. The bounty of Munakata's sea, the connections between people, and the family dinner table: we make our mentaiko with these close, everyday bonds in mind. Whether it's for your own table or a gift for someone special, we aim to make products that naturally convey the feelings of the person giving them.
Why we make mentaiko in Munakata
Munakata is a place where the Genkai Sea and the surrounding countryside sit close together, and nature and daily life stay connected. At Chikae Foods, we've put down roots here, making our products with care for our ties to the local community. Some customers care about where their mentaiko comes from and the thinking behind how it's made. At Chikae Foods, we value both the character of Munakata and the flavor philosophy we've carried forward.
The spirit of flavor-making, passed down
Chikae Foods was born out of the mentaiko-making at the Hakata ryotei restaurant "Chikae." Carrying forward that same respect for ingredients and a flavor rooted in dashi culture, we continue our work in the town of Munakata. Mentaiko is a familiar food enjoyed at everyday tables, but it's also chosen as a gift for someone special. That's why we focus on bringing out the best in our ingredients to create products that are easy to eat and easy to love — equally at home on a daily table or as a gift.
Mentaiko-making that starts with choosing the right ingredients
Mentaiko-making at Chikae Foods starts with choosing the right ingredients. The condition of the raw roe is a key factor in flavor and texture. Our team checks each batch's grain, firmness, and color to select roe suited to our products. Even when it looks similar, every skein of roe differs in condition. That's why we carefully adjust our preparation and seasoning process based on the condition of each batch, checking appearance and texture by hand — something we believe is essential to getting the right texture and finish.
A gentle flavor built on dashi
Chikae Foods' mentaiko is built around a flavor that makes the most of dashi. Rather than relying on strong spice or salt for impact, we aim for a balanced taste where the natural richness of the ingredients comes through gently. This everyday-friendly flavor is chosen both for the home table and as a gift. It's a natural side for rice, and just as easy to use in seasoned dishes or as a cooking ingredient — there are many ways to enjoy it.
A production process that preserves every grain's texture
The satisfying texture that defines mentaiko comes down to the condition of every single grain. At Chikae Foods, we prepare the roe with care for its salt and moisture levels, so as not to put too much strain on it. We adjust our process to match the condition of each batch, so it can be enjoyed in all kinds of ways — served over rice or used in cooking. By aiming for a finish that brings out that texture, we make mentaiko that's easy to enjoy both at home and as a gift.
Hygiene management you can trust
In any food-handling operation, daily checks are essential. At Chikae Foods, our hygiene and quality management covers everything from managing work areas and cleaning and disinfecting equipment, to staff attire and checklist reviews. We have also earned SQF certification, an international standard for food safety. Some customers care as much about the production environment as they do about flavor when choosing mentaiko. We build that day-to-day management into our work so you can choose our products with confidence.
The quality and craftsmanship behind our mentaiko
Chikae Foods mentaiko — available online and in store
Our Classic Karashi Mentaiko
Our karashi mentaiko is made from walleye pollock roe, and comes as whole pieces, cut pieces, or loose roe. You can choose the format that suits your needs, whether it's for your own table or as a gift. Whole pieces make a great gift, cut pieces are easy for everyday home use, and loose roe is a convenient choice for cooking. Beyond serving it as a side for rice, it's easy to work into everyday dishes like pasta or seasoned salads.
Amanatsu Citrus Mentaiko, made with Munakata Amanatsu
Amanatsu citrus mentaiko is made with "Munakata Amanatsu," citrus grown amid Munakata's natural surroundings. Using the fruit's juice and peel, it offers a bright aroma with a hint of pleasant bitterness. It's a popular choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a flavor distinctive to Fukuoka and Munakata. Made with local ingredients, it's also an easy choice as a gift or souvenir.
Wasabi Mentaiko & Ago-Dashi Mentaiko
Wasabi mentaiko combines the aroma of wasabi with the rich flavor of mentaiko. It suits anyone who wants a flavor different from chili, or who's after mentaiko to enjoy as a snack with a drink. Ago-dashi mentaiko is made with flying fish from Nagasaki Prefecture, letting you enjoy the aroma and depth of dashi. It's an easy choice for anyone who enjoys the flavor of dashi or is looking for a milder style of mentaiko.
Mentaiko Seasoned Side Dishes & Processed Seafood
Chikae Foods carries not only mentaiko but also seasoned side dishes and processed seafood. Squid mentaiko, herring roe mentaiko, and salmon mentaiko each offer their own distinct texture and flavor. We also offer sardine mentaiko, salted squid, and kelp with green chili. All are great as a side for rice, or as a dish to pair with a drink.
For those looking for a mentaiko gift
For seasonal greetings and gifts
Beyond everyday enjoyment at home, mentaiko is also chosen as a gift for family and friends. Chikae Foods' mentaiko suits many occasions — birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, thank-you gifts, or souvenirs from Japan. From a small token of appreciation to a gift for a special occasion, it lets you share an authentic flavor with someone who matters, as a distinctly Japanese gift. Whether you're looking for something that won't feel like too much, or a gift suited to a slightly more formal occasion, mentaiko is a fitting choice either way.
Easy to choose based on who you're giving it to
When choosing a gift, it helps to consider the number of recipients, their preferences, how the product should be stored, and when you plan to give it. For everyday enjoyment, an easy-to-handle product works well; when giving to someone senior to you, it's worth also considering appearance and packaging. At Chikae Foods, we've made it easy to choose products for everything from everyday use to gift-giving. Whether you'd rather shop online or talk things over in store, you can choose the purchasing method that suits your purpose.
For those looking for a distinctly Fukuoka gift
Mentaiko is an easy choice whether you want to share a taste of Fukuoka or are looking for something that captures the character of Munakata. Because it pairs so well with rice and fits naturally at the table, it makes a gift the recipient can easily enjoy in everyday life. For residents of Japan looking for a gift, mentaiko is also an easy way to convey the character of Fukuoka. You can choose it for your own table or as a gift.
Choosing mentaiko at our Munakata, Fukuoka factory outlet store
An outlet store attached to our factory
Chikae Foods' factory outlet store in Munakata, Fukuoka is attached to our mentaiko factory. Being able to pick up and check products in person makes it an easy place to shop, whether you're after something for home or looking for a gift. If you'd like to see products for yourself, talk things over with our staff, or find a distinctly Fukuoka souvenir around Munakata, the factory outlet store is well worth a visit.
Great for sightseeing and souvenir shopping too
Our factory outlet store is also an easy stop if you're sightseeing in Munakata and looking for something distinctly local. Since you can choose Fukuoka mentaiko on the spot, it's ideal for travel souvenirs or shopping for yourself. Visitors from overseas are also welcome to see Fukuoka's mentaiko in person before choosing. Since business days and product availability may change, we recommend checking before you visit.
For those who'd like to buy mentaiko online
Shop from the comfort of home
Our online shop offers everything from everyday items to gifts. It's a great way to enjoy mentaiko made at our Fukuoka/Munakata factory even if visiting the store in person isn't easy. If something catches your eye, simply check the product details and delivery options before placing your order.
For everyday enjoyment or as a gift
Perfect for everyday meals, and equally suited as a gift for ochugen, oseibo, or as a souvenir. Choose from our signature karashi mentaiko, amanatsu citrus mentaiko, mentaiko seasoned side dishes, and more, to match your needs and preferences.
Check the product details
Please check our online shop pages for each product's contents, specifications, and delivery conditions. Use it to find the right product, whether for everyday use or as a gift.
Company Profile — Chikae Foods Co., Ltd.
Company Name
Chikae Foods Co., Ltd.
TEL
0940-39-3941
FAX
0940-39-3947
Address
3-1-12 Akama, Munakata-shi, Fukuoka 811-4146, Japan
Access
15-minute walk from JR Kyoikudaimae Station
Near the Akama-Kamachi intersection on National Route 3, past the Tokushige intersection
Business Hours
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed
2nd & 4th Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays