Mentaiko

Mentaiko is a typical Japanese delicacy made from salted and marinated pollock roe.
In many sake bars in Japan, you can order a piece of mentaiko to enjoy alongside a glass of sake. The roe is flavored with chili pepper, resulting in a perfect balance of spiciness, saltiness, and umami, with a creamy yet slightly grainy texture.

In Japan, mentaiko is often eaten as a topping on warm rice or in onigiri, but it is also used to add flavor to modern dishes such as mentaiko pasta. It is a versatile product that can almost be used like a bouillon cube, giving any meal an instant, surprising kick.