Hakata Gomasaba

At a glance

NameHakata Gomasaba (Gomasaba)
PrefectureFukuoka
RegionKyushu & Okinawa
TypeRaw mackerel dressed with sesame-soy sauce

What is it?

Hakata gomasaba dresses fresh sashimi-grade mackerel with ground sesame, soy sauce, mirin and aromatic condiments.

History and local context

The dish reflects Fukuoka's culture of eating carefully handled fresh mackerel and differs from grilled mackerel or vinegar-cured shime-saba in preserving a raw texture.

How to enjoy it

Eat it as a small plate or over rice, then add dashi or tea for a final bowl; use only mackerel sold or served specifically for raw consumption.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hakata Gomasaba from?

It is associated with Fukuoka, in the Kyushu & Okinawa region of Japan.

What kind of food is Hakata Gomasaba?

This guide classifies it as raw mackerel dressed with sesame-soy sauce. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Hakata Gomasaba online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

This section contains an advertising affiliate link to Rakuten Japan.