![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/reIMG_9811-scaled-1.jpeg)
Freshly made, it's especially delicious! Hakata's popular souvenir, "Menbei," hand-baked experience for just one coin (Soeda Town, Tagawa District)
Hello. I'm Momo and I love going out with my kids.
We visited the factory that makes "Menbei," Spicy Fish Eggs crackers that are popular as a local snack and a standard souvenir from Fukuoka! You can actually experience "hand-baking" the crackers.
Let me introduce it to you right away.
"Soedamachi Menbei Factory" (Soedamachi, Tagawa District) where you can experience hand-baking "Menbei"
You can experience making your own "Menbei" at the "Soedamachi Menbei Factory" of "Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro" in Soedamachi, Tagawa District. It is about an hour and a half by car from Fukuoka city. If you are traveling by public transportation, it is about a 10-minute walk from Soeda Station on the JR Hitahikosan Line.
This is actually the former site of the prefectural Tagawa Commercial High School. It was originally a gymnasium that was renovated and opened.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory exterior](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9859-675x468.jpeg)
Image: Momo
In addition to the hand-baking experience, you can also enjoy a factory tour (free of charge) and shopping, making this a must-see spot for Menbei fans! Another great thing about this place is that the parking lot is spacious and easy to park in.
The first thing you see when you enter the factory is the Menbei packaging, which will be familiar to any Fukuoka resident.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Menbei display](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9701-1-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
There are seven regular flavors: "Plain," "Green Onion," "Mayonnaise Flavor," "Onion," "Win (Bonito)," "Spicy," and "Flavored Shrimp."
In addition, there are limited edition products made in collaboration with local areas and companies (some of which can be purchased at the online store), and I think the fact that there are so many flavors available is also a reason why Menbei is so popular.
Reservations required at least 3 days in advance! Enjoy freshly baked piping hot "Menbei Hand-baked Experience"
The "Menbei Hand-baking Experience" (500 yen per set) is limited to four groups per day (maximum of seven people per group) and requires a reservation (by phone) at least three days in advance. It is held four times a day, from 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 14:00, and takes about 30 minutes. You can make about nine 8cm Menbei.
There are no age restrictions, and children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a guardian.
Let the experience begin!
First, pour the ingredients into a bowl. At this point, the kids are excited.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9722-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
Mix thoroughly.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9733-1-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
After mixing for a while the dough will come together.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9744-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
Next, decide what size you want to bake it at.
You can decide the size freely! The normal size is about 9 pieces, but you can also use the whole dough to make one big "Menbei"!
Once the size is decided, it's time to bake it in a special machine. The batter is placed on the hot plate. Please be careful as it is very hot.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9755-1-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
Once everything was arranged, the staff closed the lid and cooked it.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9771-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
I'll never forget the sizzling sound and delicious smell as it cooks.
Once cooked, you can finish it off by applying sauce. You can season it to your liking, which is something you can only do by hand cooking.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9825-1-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
By the way, here is the "Menbei" made using all the dough! It is definitely bigger than a child's face.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9811-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
It was shiny, freshly made, and piping hot! It was exceptionally delicious.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9823-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
Of course, you can take it home as a souvenir, and it will be placed in a cute bag for you.
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory: Hand-baked Menbei Experience](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9834-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
Don't forget to take photos at the wonderful photo spots!
![Soedamachi Menbei Factory Photo Spot](https://arne.media/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9855-675x506.jpeg)
Image: Momo
In addition to the "Menbei Hand-baked Experience," you can also take a "Menbei Factory Tour" (free of charge) (reservations required by phone the day before, maximum of 20 people per group, no photography allowed inside the factory).
Be sure to visit the Soeda Town Menbei Factory, which is sure to excite both adults and children. (Text by Momo)
<Click on the facility name for more information about the facility ↓>
■ Soedamachi Menbei Factory
Address: 2282 Soeda, Soeda-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
*Menbei factory tour (reservations required at least one day in advance) / Menbei hand-baking experience (reservations required at least three days in advance) Reception times are 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 (required time: approximately 30 minutes)
Closed: Obon, New Year's holiday, and other irregular holidays
*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the text include tax.
* Any secondary use of the content of this site (images, text, etc.) such as duplication, reproduction, diversion, modification, etc. without permission is strictly prohibited. If found to be in violation, legal action may be taken.
※Text and images:Peaches
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