Pollack or cod roe that has been salted and seasoned with red pepper (mentaiko); commonly used as a side dish for rice, in rice balls, or as a pasta ingredient.
博多の名物といえば明太子だ。
When it comes to Hakata specialties, mentaiko is the one.
朝ごはんに明太子をのせたご飯を食べた。
I had rice topped with mentaiko for breakfast.
明太子スパゲッティはクリームとよく合う。
Mentaiko spaghetti pairs well with cream sauce.
辛子明太子は少しピリ辛でご飯が進む味だ。
Karashi mentaiko is slightly spicy and goes well with rice.