[Fukuoka] I was staying at THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier hotel in Fukuoka, and saw a long queue outside Bread, Espresso & Hakata && パンとエスプレッソと博多っと every, single, morning.
It’s part of the well-loved Tokyo-based chain “Bread, Espresso &”, but it has its own distinct vibe.
The location is quite convenient, just a short stroll from Canal City Hakata and Hakata Station.
Huge windows let in tons of natural light, which makes the place feel airy and relaxed. There’s a mix of seating, from tables to counter seats with power outlets.
One thing to keep in mind is the system they have where you’re assigned a seat first, then order at the counter.
It’s straightforward, but the place can get busy, especially in the mornings.
If you get there say noon onwards, they may be selling out of some items already.
Takeaways will be much faster though, as there is usually a wait for the seats. There are also online reviews on the ‘less than satisfactory’ customer service here.
The highlight is the Mentaiko Toast Set featuring the famed mentaiko toast, salad, three types of deli, and a drink or soup (1600 Yen for drink set, 1200 Yen for soup set).
There are also French Toast Set (1400 Yen drink set, 1100 Yen soup set), Hot Dog Set (1600 Yen drink set, 1150 Yen soup set), and Mou-Sand Set with sandwich options like tuna melt or ham and eggs (1500 Yen drink set, 1150 Yen soup set).
Morning options include the Toast Set (1400 Yen drink set, 1100 Yen soup set) and Smoked Salmon Bagel Set (1500 Yen drink set, 1150 Yen soup set).
I had the Mentaiko Toast Set which featured the “Muu”.
It’s this thick, golden cube-like toast which comes with a mentaiko (spicy cod roe) spread, mentaiko butter, and a side of fresh salad.
You get fluffy bread and butter which meets the gentle heat of the mentaiko.
I find Fukuoka’s mentaiko having an umami-rich flavour with just a hint of spice (less pronounced kick that what I am used to), which makes it very appetising.
To be honest, I did prefer the other bakes such as the Spicy Cod Melon Bread (270 Yen).
This has a fusion of sweet and savoury, featuring a crisp cookie-like crust and a creamy mentaiko filling inside.
I wasn’t sure if I’d like it at first, but it was genuinely one of those dishes where I found myself going, “Oh, this really works”.
Bread, Espresso & Hakata && パンとエスプレッソと博多っと
2 Chome-8-12 Hakata Ekimae, Fukuoka, 812-0011, Japan (The Blossom Hakata Premier)
〒812-0011 福岡県福岡市博多区博多駅前2丁目8−12
Opening Hours: 8am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Bread, Espresso & Hakata &&
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