Top 2 Must-Visit Cafes in Fukuoka (Fruit Sando & Square Pudding)

Today, I'd like to introduce some must-try Japanese dishes and cafes with unique atmospheres that you absolutely must visit when in Japan! I'll be introducing just two cafes, so think about which one you'd like to visit.

Mutsukado (むつか堂) Cafe

Japanese desserts are famous for being cute and dainty, aren't they? What kind of famous Japanese desserts come to mind? Royce Chocolate, Parfait, Wagashi, etc. Among these, it's impossible to overlook 'Fruits Sando (フルーツサンド)', which gained popularity for its beautiful and cute appearance!

Fruits Sando is a 'sandwich' filled with whipped cream and fruits, so its origins are indeed Western. However, 'Fruits Sando' can be considered a Japanese food. Surprisingly, even in Japan, this is a relatively unknown fact. The reason it's considered Japanese food is that Fruits Sando is believed to have originated in the early Showa era (昭和時代), around 1930. Back then, cream cakes were quite expensive and difficult to access, so people started making them at home as a more affordable alternative, leading to the development of what we know today as Fruits Sando.

I'd like to recommend Mutsukado (むつか堂) Cafe, which is a popular cafe in Fukuoka. Mutsukado means 'freshly baked bread', and its famous branch in Fukuoka is located in the Hakata Station Amu Plaza. Since it's a bread specialty store, they offer a wide variety of dishes featuring bread.

They offer a range of menus, including the famous Fruits Sando and An-Butter Toast, and when ordering bread or desserts, you can also order a set with drinks and salad.

It's also known for having long queues, so it's a good idea to visit during off-peak hours, wouldn't you agree?

Mutsukado Official Website & Google Maps

The second cafe I'd like to recommend is 'Kohisha Noda', a 57-year-old cafe that reminds you of the movie 'Sweet Bean Paste'. Kohisha Noda.

Have you seen the 2011 Japanese film 'Sweet Bean Paste'? It's famous for starring the popular actress, Aoi Yu, and it's well-known in Korea as well. The movie tells the story of Natsume, a young woman who moves from the countryside to Tokyo and starts working at a popular patisserie called 'Patisserie Coin d'Or' in search of her boyfriend.

The cafe I'm introducing in Fukuoka brings this movie to mind. It's called Kohisha Noda.

Not only the exterior of the cafe but also the desserts served evoke the atmosphere of this movie.

Kohisha Noda is one of Fukuoka's famous Kissaten (喫茶店, coffee shop or cafe) that has been operating for 57 years since its opening in 1966. It's known for its siphon coffee. Siphon is a coffee brewing method. As shown in the picture, the pressure builds up in the lower glass container, causing water to be sucked upwards using a vacuum method. This process wets the coffee grounds and extracts the coffee.

It's a perfect place to enjoy a strong Japanese-style dark roast (strongly roasted) coffee in a classic space that exudes a sense of history. Upon entering, you'll notice the signature horseshoe-shaped counter table. If possible, I recommend sitting there. This is because you can witness the meticulous coffee brewing process from the front row. It's said that this spot offers a more authentic Japanese atmosphere compared to regular tables. The menu is filled with coffee options made with their own roasted beans, but one interesting aspect is that when you order hot coffee, it comes with a side of cream. Kohisha Noda is also known for its firm pudding, so don't miss trying it (the picture above is the pudding). It's not overly sweet and pairs well with coffee. They also provide a Korean menu, so you can easily choose your order.

I'll conclude this post by sharing the official website and address links. Thank you.

Google Maps & Kohisha Noda Official Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠