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Thursday, October 16, 2025

Review: Hilton Fukuoka's Seala Breakfast Buffet – Rice Ball Heaven

Seala at Hilton Fukuoka

As I mentioned in a previous entry, my husband and I traveled to Japan last year and had the pleasure of staying at three different hotels during our visit to Fukuoka: Hotel Front Inn Fukuoka Airport, ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka, and Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk. This was actually our second time staying at the Hilton Fukuoka—we visited two years ago and had a wonderful experience, so we were excited to return.

During our stay, we had breakfast at Seala, the hotel’s restaurant located on the 4th floor. Typically priced at ¥3,600 per person, we were lucky to enjoy it free of charge—a ¥7,200 value—thanks to my husband’s Hilton Diamond status.

Seala at Hilton Fukuoka

Seala

4th Floor

Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk

2-2-3 Jigyohama

Chuo-ku, Fukuoa City

Fukuoka, Japan

Breakfast Buffet

Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Weekends and Holidays 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Seala had lots of spacious tables. The restaurant felt open and comfortable, even during busy breakfast hours. It looked like they separated the general seating from the Hilton Honors area. Since he is a Hilton Honors Diamond member, we were guided to a seat in the section with purple carpet. It felt quiet and a little more special.

That morning, the restaurant had a steady flow of guests, creating a lively atmosphere. Because of the crowd, I wasn’t able to take many close-up photos of the food—but the buffet offered a generous spread, with plenty of Japanese dishes, Chinese options, and Western-style favorites to choose from.

Rice Ball Counter

I was especially looking forward to their freshly made onigiri, or rice balls. They offered a couple of flavorful options—mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and takana (pickled mustard leaves). Once you place your order, the staff prepares your rice ball right in front of you. It’s a simple yet special experience you won’t find at most hotel buffets—and one of the unique touches that sets Hilton Fukuoka apart.

Rice Balls

There was a Nespresso coffee machine, so guests could enjoy freshly brewed coffee anytime they liked.

Nespresso Coffee Machine

I took my time and enjoyed small portions of all my favorite dishes. One standout for me was the mashed Japanese taro salad with mentaiko, or spicy cod roe. The creamy texture of the taro paired beautifully with the savory, slightly spicy flavor of the mentaiko. Japanese taro is called “satoimo (里芋)” in Japanese, and it has a soft, earthy taste that I really love.

The yellow vegetable curry had cauliflower. It was warm and tasty. The omelette was made to order, so I added all my favorite ingredients—mentaiko, cheese, mushrooms, broccoli, tomato, and potato. It had a soft texture and rich flavor.

We enjoyed a variety of fresh salads, including raw seaweed known as wakame (わかめ). It’s not only refreshing and tasty—it’s also great for intestinal health, or chōkatsu (腸活), which is a popular wellness practice in Japan focused on nourishing the gut.

One of the main reasons I wanted to return to Hilton Fukuoka was those seriously delicious rice balls. I especially enjoyed the mentaiko and takana pickle flavors—they were simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.

Chikuzenni is one of Fukuoka’s beloved local dishes—a comforting stew of chicken and root vegetables simmered in a savory broth. If you're curious about how it's made, feel free to check out my previous entry where I share the recipe.

I was a bit disappointed that the soft serve ice cream had vanished from the breakfast lineup—they used to serve it two years ago. But maybe that was for the best… we were already stuffed, and my health probably thanked me for skipping dessert.

We really enjoyed the breakfast buffet at Hilton Fukuoka. I already miss their tasty rice balls, especially the mentaiko and takana pickle ones. I’d honestly stay there again just to eat them.

Next time, I’ll share my experience with the fitness gym at Hilton Fukuoka.

There are my entries related to Fukuoka.