Taiyaki @Kotobuki Shouten, Ijiri, Minami Ward, Fukuoka

 

It has been a while since I have had a good taiyaki. What is not to love about it? A griddled pancake with a sweet filling always delights. And during one of my infrequent trips to the suburbs of Fukuoka I found a place that does that this to interesting heights.

What a menu

Kotobuki Shouten is an interesting shop that sells a huge variety of taiyaki. From the more common red bean to an interesting chilli shrimp filling, this place really provide more than the usual taiyaki experience. I was really keen in trying the chocolate one but unfortunately the only ones left were the soy bean mochi with kinako and ham and eggs. As I was having a round of the munchies I did not mind at all. The mochi and kinako combo stood at 130 yen while the ham and eggs were at a modest 150 yen. This is a real steal. 

So pretty!

And speaking of steal, the outcome really outscales the price. The first one for me to chow down was the kinako and mochi. That was such a treat to bite into. The outer layer was fluffy and slightly crunch, like how a good taiyaki should. That pancake-like exterior then slowly makes way to the sweet filling inside. The nutty kinako powder really worked well with the mochi.

Glorious

 Being soy flavoured and kinako being roasted soy powder, the flavour was pretty intense but still quite pleasant. The combination of textures also made this very fun to eat. The outer crust needs to be given a special mention, seeing that it was made with rice flour, which is a bit unusual. But it did provide an interesting texture. Just so tasty. 

Tasty, although better suited for breakfast

The next one to take on was the savoury ham and egg, which was also pretty tasty. However, this will probably be more suited as a breakfast meal. Imagine a McMuffin, but in the shape of a fish. You would then have an idea on how it tastes like. The taste if this one is not as complex as the double soy combo. I mean, it is just ham and eggs. However, this was still quite satisfying. 

Cute interior

Spotting this place is such a pleasant surprise, especially when I was in the dead center in the middle of the suburbs of Ijiri. The old grandma behind the counter was quite friendly and pretty sweet too. It proves to show, that no matter where you are there is always good food to be had. It should be noted that it is not a cafe or restaurant. However, there are benches for you to sit in and enjoy the griddled treats within the premises. So if somehow you ended up in this side of Fukuoka and you would like a delicious treat, then the address is as follows:

3 Chome-17-33 Ijiri, Minami Ward, Fukuoka, 811-1302

Front of the house.