Is there a must-eat Gyukatsu in Fukuoka? - Fukuoka Restaurant Recommendation

This time, I'd like to introduce Gyukatsu! Gyukatsu (牛カツ) is a dish made by coating beef with breadcrumbs and deep-frying it. You could think of it as a beef version of Tonkatsu (豚カツ).

Actually, Gyukatsu is said to have been created around the same time as Tonkatsu. This is because, like Tonkatsu, it's a dish influenced by Western, particularly British, steak-based meat-eating culture.

If you've tried Motsunabe, Mentaiko, Tonkotsu Ramen, and Mizutaki in Fukuoka, then I highly recommend Gyukatsu. While the Kansai region is known as the origin of Gyukatsu, Fukuoka is also recognized as a famous place for this dish. This Gyukatsu, made with tender beef, is said to be especially delicious in Fukuoka.

While Gyukatsu is popular in Korea, you might wonder if it's really necessary to eat it in Japan. However, Japan has a unique strength: 'flavor'. I've had Gyukatsu in both Korea and Japan, and I must say, the Japanese version is superior. I could feel the meticulous care that goes into preparing it in Japan. First of all, the rice was incredibly delicious. Koreans often say 'we live on rice,' right? Japan is famous for its delicious rice, and the rice here was no exception. It was perfectly complemented by the beef, and the miso paste and various sauces helped balance out the richness. You can choose from a variety of sauces, adding another layer of enjoyment to the meal.

The restaurant I'd like to recommend is Motomura Gyukatsu. It's a very popular Gyukatsu restaurant with numerous branches. However, be prepared for long waits as the lines can be incredibly long. This is a drawback to keep in mind if you're eager to try Gyukatsu.

However, the meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. The Ma sauce may seem unusual to Koreans, but it surprisingly complements the dish. The wasabi also helps to cut through the richness of the beef. Also, as you'd expect from Fukuoka, they offer mentaiko (spicy cod roe) which goes perfectly with rice. They also provide a small portion of Warabi Mochi (bracken starch mochi), which looks like Injeolmi (Korean glutinous rice cake), and it makes a wonderful dessert to finish your meal. Also, refills for rice are free, so keep that in mind if you find yourself wanting more rice.

Finally, I'll provide links to the restaurant's website and address.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kkN3ReKa9XdRERej9

https://www.gyukatsu-motomura.com/menu