Fukuoka-based mentaiko maker Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro is working on regional variations of its popular Menbei mentaiko-flavored senbei crackers. The company says it will work with local municipalities to make new flavors of Menbei that use their local specialities in an effort to develop new local souvenirs. The company is currently working on fugu (blowfish) Menbei for Kitakyushu City and Akaushi beef Menbei for Kumamoto City. The company’s first foray into regional flavors came with the clam and seaweed-flavored crackers it made for Tokyo Sky Tree in 2012. It has also made sea bream Menbei for Nagasaki City and wakame Menbei for Munakata City (Fukuoka). Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 5/28
