bills Fukuoka introduces a summer-exclusive menu inspired by the “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” festival! Experience a dream collaboration between Aussie food culture and Fukuoka’s culinary delights.

Hello! This is Ueno from the bills PR team.

With the heat continuing day after day, festivals are being held across the country, and the vibrant start of the Japanese summer is finally here.

When it comes to summer festivals in Hakata, Fukuoka, the “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” stands out with over 780 years of history and tradition. This year’s festivities began on July 1 and concluded on July 15 with the energetic “Oiyamakasa” finale.

In fact, bills Fukuoka has been offering a limited-time menu inspired by the festival since July 1. As it is available until the end of July, I visited the restaurant with Ms. Murakami from the Food Marketing Department, who joined us as a new graduate in April. Today, I would like to share a report on these exclusive dishes that can only be enjoyed in Fukuoka!

Let’s head over to bills Fukuoka.

bills Fukuoka: A relaxing and open space surrounded by nature.

The restaurant is located right between Tenjin Station and Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line. After a three-minute walk, bills Fukuoka comes into view on the first floor of SHIP’S GARDEN in Suijo Park, featuring a stunning glass-walled exterior.

The spacious interior is an inviting, home-like space filled with pop art and books. From the terrace overlooking the river, the pleasant scent of the sea breeze from Hakata Bay makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

We immediately tried the limited-time menu. With a wide range of three items—spaghetti, dessert, and a cocktail—it is perfect for an elegant lunch or dinner.

And now, for the long-awaited Fukuoka-exclusive menu…!

First is the “Mentaiko and Mascarpone Spaghetti – Mentaiko by Yamaya, Shiso Paste, Lemon Zest, and Paprika Powder,” featuring spicy pollack roe from Yamaya Communications, a major Fukuoka-based manufacturer. We enjoyed the spaghetti, which now uses Yamaya’s “Additive-Free Aged Mentaiko,” by mixing it thoroughly with the shiso paste and green onion toppings.

The mentaiko coats the pasta perfectly, offering a mellow flavor with a distinct, popping texture. The aromatic shiso and green onions provide a wonderful accent. The refreshing presence of shiso stimulates the appetite even in the summer heat, making it a truly addictive dish.

Next is the “Pavlova – ‘Toyomitsuhime’ Fig, Honey Lemon Compote, White Chocolate, and Yogurt Cream,” which features the rare “Toyomitsuhime” fig from Fukuoka in this traditional Australian baked dessert.

Topped with large figs, the pavlova looks absolutely charming. Inside the light, crispy meringue is a moist and chunky center. With hidden whipped cream and nuts, it offers a playful touch. The figs are juicy and sweet, pairing perfectly with the meringue. It is a sublime dish where you can enjoy various textures and flavors at once. The portion is generous, making it ideal for sharing.

Finally, the “Matcha Colada – Rum, Coconut, Lime, and Yame Matcha,” an alcoholic beverage using matcha from Yame, Fukuoka. This summer cocktail is perfect for the heat, featuring the authentic bitterness of Yame matcha followed by the refreshing scents of coconut and lime. The unexpected combination of matcha and rum works surprisingly well, and I found myself gulping it down, almost forgetting it contained alcohol.

In summer, the extreme heat can often lead to a loss of appetite. This Yamakasa-inspired menu at bills Fukuoka features addictive mentaiko, seasonal figs, and vitamin-rich matcha—dishes that are easy to enjoy even on days when you feel affected by the summer heat.

This is a special opportunity to enjoy a unique collaboration between bills’ signature dishes and local ingredients from Fukuoka. Whether you are a local or visiting Fukuoka for sightseeing, do not miss this chance!

▼ Click here for information on the regular menu currently available:
bills SPRING & SUMMER 2024 menu has launched! The theme is “Modern Aussie Lifestyle” 🌴