Pollock roe

Mentaiko

Mentaiko (明太子) is the marinated roe of pollock and cod is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

Mentaiko is made in a variety of flavors and colors and is available at airports and main train stations. It is usually eaten with onigiri, but is also enjoyed by itself with sake. A common variety is spicy mentaiko (辛子明太子, karashi mentaiko). It is a product of the Hakata ward of Fukuoka City.

Japanese style mentaiko was nominated as Japan's number one side dish in the Japanese weekly magazine, Shūkan Bunshun.

See also

• Tarako (food)
• Jeotgal