Budo-en is one of a growing number of restaurants to take advantage of Fukuoka’s proximity to fresh produce. Its philosophy is simple: build trust with producers and promote local eating. For its yakiniku (BBQ) courses, Budo-en uses fresh produce grown in Okagaki Town, where its parent company is located, and only the best cuts of Wagyu beef from the Nakamura Cattle Farm in Karatsu, Saga Pref. As with most yakiniku places, you grill your own food on the central burner, but the original ponzu sauce with grated daikon radish is a unique touch. You can also wrap your grilled morsels in lettuce and enjoy them with sesame oil, salt and pepper. The sukiyaki, served with raw egg and a tangy sauce, is yet another way to enjoy the thinly sliced beef. You can round out the course by mixing the egg and sauce into a bowl of steaming white rice. So, the next time you’re hankering for some good BBQ, treat yourself to some delicious, locally sourced fare. You’ll be surprised at how reasonable it is.
Menu (tax excl.):Budo-en set ¥1,800 (incl. vegetable salad, 2 kinds of Saga Beef platter, short rib w/secret sauce, Budou-no-ki smoked meat, white rice, soup, kimchi), Chef’s choice set ¥2,800 (Budo-en set, Marutoro tofu, tripe platter, beef tongue), Budo-en Course ¥5,000 (kimchi platter, turban shell burgundy, special sirloin and select Saga Beef platter, grilled veggies & homemade smoked meat, noodles, dessert), Saga Beef course ¥6,500 (Budo-en Course + Saga Beef sukiyaki, raw egg on rice), wine/glass ¥450, beer ¥650
*Prices to change from Oct. 1, 2019 following tax increase
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn209, May 2016)
