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
Our commitment to mentaiko-making in Fukuoka
About Us
Chikae Foods — committed to Munakata's bounty and quality
Chikae Foods Co., Ltd. is a food company that continues to make mentaiko in Munakata, Fukuoka. Carrying forward the techniques and philosophy developed through the mentaiko-making of the Hakata ryotei "Chikae," we make products rooted in the local Munakata community. We put care into products meant not only for everyday tables, but also for ordering online or giving as a gift.
The story behind our mentaiko-making in Munakata, Fukuoka
Craftsmanship carried forward from the Hakata ryotei "Chikae"
Chikae Foods Co., Ltd. was established in October 2020, built on the mentaiko-making division of the Hakata ryotei restaurant "Chikae" and Fukusan, a company long involved in the seafood business. Carrying forward the techniques developed through "Chikae's" mentaiko-making, our Munakata factory continues to place great care on selecting ingredients and on every step of the production process. That respect for ingredients and careful attention to process — not flavor alone — remains central to who Chikae Foods is today.
Mentaiko made to fit naturally into everyday meals
At Chikae Foods, we care about making mentaiko that fits naturally into everyday meals, not just special occasions. Enjoying it as a side for rice, gathering with family at the table, giving it as a heartfelt gift — we shape our products with each of these moments in mind, paying close attention to how easy they are to eat and how well the flavors come together. With every batch made at our Munakata factory, we hope mentaiko can add a little more richness to everyday mealtimes.
Our brand concept: "Chikai En"
Chikae Foods' brand concept is "Chikai En" (Close Bonds). The phrase grew out of a wish to bring people closer together through food, and reflects the many kinds of connection that food can create — from the family dinner table to gifts for someone special. Mentaiko isn't only for enjoying on your own; it's also chosen as a way to share time with family and friends around the table, or to express gratitude as a gift. At Chikae Foods, we carry that spirit of connection into our work every day.
Bonds of the sea, bonds of people, bonds through food
"Chikai En" is built around three kinds of bonds: bonds with the sea, bonds with people, and bonds through food. We approach mentaiko-making with care for our connections to the people involved in sourcing our ingredients, to the Munakata region, and to the time people spend together at the table. Chikae Foods' products are made possible by the bounty of Munakata's sea, our relationships with producers, and the many bonds we share with the people around us.
Valuing our ties to the local community
Munakata is a region where the Genkai Sea and the surrounding countryside sit close to everyday life, and nature feels near at hand. At Chikae Foods, we value our ties with local producers and businesses, and hope to carry Munakata's distinctive food culture forward into the future.
The philosophy behind our Fukuoka mentaiko
The thinking behind "Chikai En"
Our approach to quality behind Fukuoka/Munakata mentaiko-making
01
Our commitment to selecting the right ingredients
The flavor and texture of mentaiko can vary greatly depending on the condition of the raw roe. We check the condition of each batch when sourcing, so we can identify roe suited to our mentaiko. We believe that careful checks starting well before preparation begins are essential to keeping quality consistent.
02
Preparation that preserves the roe's texture
The texture that defines mentaiko comes down to the condition of every single grain. That's why we prepare the roe with care for its salt and moisture levels, keeping the strain on the ingredients to a minimum throughout production. By adjusting our process to the condition of each batch, we aim for a finish that brings out that texture.
03
Flavor built on dashi
At Chikae Foods, we build our flavors around dashi culture. Rather than relying on spice alone, we balance the taste so the natural richness of the ingredients and the flavor of dashi come through. We aim for a taste that's easy to enjoy both as a side for rice and as a cooking ingredient.
The quality and hygiene management behind our mentaiko
Our commitment to products you can choose with confidence
Hygiene management at our production site
Daily hygiene management is essential where mentaiko is made. We maintain the management practices required of a food factory — from controlling work areas to cleaning and disinfecting equipment and following checklists during work.
Our approach to quality management
We manage quality by checking and recording each step of the process. Our manufacturing experience has shown us that carefully building up each individual step is what leads to consistent quality.
SQF Certified
Chikae Foods has earned SQF certification, an international standard for food safety. We undergo third-party evaluation of our production process and management systems, and continue to review and improve them.
Company Name
Chikae Foods Co., Ltd.
TEL
0940-39-3941
Address
3-1-12 Akama, Munakata-shi, Fukuoka 811-4146, Japan
Business Hours
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed
2nd & 4th Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Chikae Foods Co., Ltd. is based in Munakata, Fukuoka, where we manufacture and sell mentaiko, process and sell Munakata-grown food products, and operate our factory outlet store. From our base in Munakata, Fukuoka, we will continue making mentaiko while valuing our ties to the local community.