Mentaiko Day (Spicy Cod Roe Day)
Food DaysWhat Is Mentaiko Day?
December 12 is "Mentaiko Day." It commemorates December 12, 1949 (Showa 24), when Toshio Kawahara, founder of the company Fukuya, first sold what would become the prototype of modern spicy cod roe (karashi mentaiko) in the Nakasu district of Fukuoka. "Mentaiko Day" was established by Fukuya Co., Ltd. and is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association.
The History of Mentaiko
Karashi mentaiko - the ovaries (roe sacs) of walleye pollock marinated in a kimchi-style chili sauce - is said to have its roots in Korea's "myeongnan-jeot." Toshio Kawahara, who had returned to Hakata as a repatriate from the Korean Peninsula, drew on the local food culture he had encountered there and refined it to suit Japanese tastes, eventually perfecting today's karashi mentaiko.
The Appeal of Hakata Mentaiko
- A classic Hakata souvenir: It has grown into one of Fukuoka's defining foods, both in terms of annual sales and consumption
- Major brands: Numerous brands compete for attention, including Fukuya, Yamaya, Kanefuku, and Chikae
- A range of spice levels: Available in mild, medium, and hot varieties, plus variations marinated with yuzu citrus, kelp, or sake lees
Ways to Enjoy Mentaiko
- Classics: Served with plain rice, in rice balls (onigiri), or tossed with pasta (mentai pasta)
- As a drinking snack: Enjoyed as-is alongside sake, shochu, or white wine
- Creative dishes: Mentaiko omelet, mentai-stuffed baguette ("mentai France"), mentaiko cream gratin, and mentaiko mayonnaise dip
Mentaiko, the undisputed king of rice toppings - learning its history makes every bite that much more enjoyable.