I would like to introduce you to Horaku Manju, one of Fukuoka’s most popular Kaiten Manju (large pancake) stores that I have been eating since I was a kid. I think it is so famous that there is not a single person in Fukuoka who does not know about it. Since I was a child, there has always been a line for over 20 years. And their unchanging delicious bean paste always meets my expectations. If you ever get a chance to visit Fukuoka, I highly recommend you give it a try, even if you’re not from Fukuoka!
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Basic Information
- 1-1 1 Hakata Station Chuogai, Hakata, Fukuoka
- +81 92-461-1381
- 10am – 8pm (Friday & Saturday 9pm)
- http://www.houraku.co.jp/
- Locations: There are stores all over Kyushu. In Fukuoka City, there are stores in Tenjin and Nishijin.
Access
It is located in the underground mall directly connected to JR Hakata Station (first basement floor of Hakata Hankyu). It is easy to find as it faces a busy street. Once you get to the first basement floor of Hakata Hankyu, you will find the store outside.
Depending on the time of day, you may have to wait in line, but you’ll get your turn sooner than you think. Especially the Tenjin branch (pictured above) always has a line. This line started when I was a kid, so the store has been loved by the locals for more than 20 years. Horaku Manju is baking the buns in the store, so it’s fun to just watch them while waiting in line.
History
I thought it was a Fukuoka store, but when I looked at the official website, it seems that Horaku Manju was actually a Kumamoto store. It seems that the founding president, who used to run a beekeeping business in Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, came up with the idea of creating a product using honey, and that’s how Horaku Manju was born. I see! That’s why the red bean paste is so delicious, isn’t it? And as it says on the official website of Horaku Manju, there are no preservatives. I’m glad to hear that.
Menu and Review
There are only Kaiten Manju available; as of March 2019, they cost 100 yen per piece (tax included). You can choose between “white bean paste” and “black bean paste” for the Kaiten Manju. It’s hard to decide which to choose, white or black bean paste.
Three members of my family prefer black bean paste. One prefers white bean paste, and one unknown. I’m in the minority, but definitely loves the white bean paste.
The black bean paste is also delicious, but the white bean paste is rather stronger and richer in sweetness, which I think brings out the best of Horaku Manju. If you are not sure, try one black and one white one. You can eat two of them in no time.
I’ll be honest. After eating this sweet here, I can’t eat any other buns. Sorry to be so persistent, but I think the white bean paste is the best. I grew up eating Horaku Manju since I was a child, but even in Tokyo, where I lived for about 15 years, I have not come across many Kaiten Manju that surpass Horaku Manju.
It is still one of the stores I stop by whenever I go back to Fukuoka.
Overview
If you like Japanese sweets, stop by. Specifically if you love white bean paste! You might need to be in line for 10-15 minutes but it worth.