If you’re visiting Fukuoka, one of the city’s most iconic dining experiences is mizutaki, a traditional chicken hot pot. Among the many restaurants, Hakata Meidai Mizutaki Nagano is especially famous for its rich broth, tender chicken, and authentic flavors. Before you book a table, it’s helpful to know what’s on the menu—from the classic mizutaki course and side dishes to seasonal specials and drinks. This guide will walk you through the menu highlights, prices, and tips so you can enjoy Nagano’s mizutaki like a local.
What Is Hakata Meidai Mizutaki Nagano?
History and Tradition
Hakata Meidai Mizutaki Nagano is one of the most renowned mizutaki (chicken hot pot) restaurants in Fukuoka. Established decades ago, it has built a reputation for serving authentic Hakata-style mizutaki, where the highlight is the rich chicken broth that is carefully simmered for hours. The restaurant has become a symbol of Fukuoka’s culinary identity, attracting both locals and visitors from across Japan and abroad.
Special Features as a Mizutaki Restaurant
What sets Nagano apart is its dedication to simplicity and quality. The mizutaki starts with a clear yet flavorful chicken soup, followed by tender pieces of chicken, fresh seasonal vegetables, and finally rice or noodles to finish the meal as zosui (rice porridge) or champon. This progression allows diners to enjoy the broth’s transformation from light and delicate to rich and hearty.
Why Locals and Tourists Love It
For locals, Nagano is a place to gather with family and friends over a warm pot, while for tourists, it offers a chance to experience authentic Hakata dining culture. The restaurant’s balance of tradition, comforting flavors, and attentive service makes it one of the most recommended places to try mizutaki in Fukuoka.
Signature Menu and Course Options
The Classic Mizutaki Course
The highlight of Hakata Meidai Mizutaki Nagano is the mizutaki course, a carefully arranged dining experience that showcases the restaurant’s specialty. The course usually begins with a small appetizer, followed by a pot of rich chicken broth served with pieces of chicken, meatballs, and seasonal vegetables. Toward the end, rice or noodles are added to the broth, creating a hearty finishing dish known as zosui (rice porridge) or champon. This course allows diners to experience the gradual deepening of flavors, making it the most popular choice for first-time visitors.
À la Carte Dishes and Side Orders
In addition to the main course, Nagano offers a selection of side dishes. Guests can order extra chicken, vegetables, or tofu to add to the hot pot. Light appetizers, such as pickled vegetables or small seasonal dishes, are also available. These options are perfect for those who want to customize their mizutaki experience or enjoy a variety of tastes alongside the hot pot.
Recommended Choices for First-Time Visitors
For first-time diners, the mizutaki course is highly recommended, as it provides the full traditional experience in one meal. Those traveling in groups often enjoy ordering additional side dishes to share, such as extra chicken wings or fresh local vegetables. This way, guests can enjoy both the standard course and unique flavors available only at Nagano.
Prices, Plans, and What to Know Before Reserving
Course Prices and Budget Range
At Hakata Meidai Mizutaki Nagano, prices are considered reasonable for a specialty restaurant while still reflecting the quality of ingredients and preparation. The standard mizutaki course typically costs around ¥4,000–¥6,000 per person, depending on the season and menu variations. Side dishes, drinks, and additional orders may increase the total, so most diners can expect to spend between ¥5,000–¥7,000 per person for a complete meal.
Lunch vs. Dinner Differences
The restaurant offers different menu styles at lunch and dinner. Lunch tends to be slightly more affordable, with lighter set options designed for a shorter meal. Dinner, on the other hand, features the full mizutaki course, giving guests the chance to savor the gradual evolution of the broth and a wider variety of seasonal ingredients. For travelers, lunch can be a budget-friendly introduction, while dinner is the best way to enjoy the full traditional experience.
Seasonal Specials and Limited-Time Menus
Nagano occasionally offers seasonal or special menus, featuring locally sourced vegetables or unique variations of the hot pot. During colder months, these limited-time dishes are especially popular, adding variety to the traditional course. Checking in advance when making a reservation can help you take advantage of these special offerings.
Drinks and Take-Home Options
Sake, Shochu, and Local Pairings
Mizutaki is often enjoyed with traditional Japanese drinks. Hakata Meidai Mizutaki Nagano offers a carefully selected list of sake and shochu, many sourced from Kyushu. The light and clean flavors of the chicken broth pair well with crisp sake, while shochu complements the heartier finish of the meal. For visitors wanting to explore regional flavors, asking the staff for recommended pairings is a great way to enhance the dining experience.
Non-Alcoholic Options for Families and International Guests
For families or guests who don’t drink alcohol, the restaurant also provides soft drinks, teas, and juices. These are especially helpful for children or international travelers who may prefer lighter beverage choices. Combined with the delicate broth, even simple green tea can make the meal more refreshing and balanced.
Take-Home and Souvenir Options
One of the highlights for fans of Nagano’s mizutaki is the ability to enjoy it at home. The restaurant and official website sometimes offer take-home packs or delivery sets that include the signature chicken broth and ingredients. These make perfect souvenirs for locals, or a way for visitors to continue enjoying the taste of Hakata after their trip. While not always available, checking for seasonal gift sets or online ordering options is worthwhile.
Reviews, Impressions, and Dining Tips
Guest Reviews – Strengths and Highlights
Guests consistently praise Hakata Meidai Mizutaki Nagano for its rich, milky chicken broth, which is simmered for hours to achieve depth of flavor. Many reviews highlight the tender chicken and the satisfying finish of zosui (rice porridge) made from the broth. The atmosphere of the restaurant is described as traditional yet welcoming, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists.
Areas Noted for Improvement
While reviews are generally positive, some guests mention that the dinner courses take time since mizutaki is meant to be enjoyed slowly. Travelers in a hurry may find the pace challenging. Others note that reservations are often necessary, especially during weekends and peak seasons, as the restaurant is very popular.
Tips for Enjoying Your Visit
- Reserve in Advance: To secure a table, especially for dinner, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- Go Hungry: The mizutaki course is filling, so arrive with an appetite.
- Try the Zosui: Don’t leave without finishing the meal with rice porridge—it’s one of the highlights.
- Pair with Local Drinks: Ask the staff for a sake or shochu recommendation to match the broth.
- Take Your Time: Mizutaki is not a fast meal; it’s about savoring each stage of the hot pot.
