7.295
26 (Wed) October 2016
Mentaiko Spaghetti
3.5
(see most recently 7.016 Pizza Bismarck)
-Oksu, Seoul-
with W and the Boyz, Mom and Dad
Mentaiko is Japanese-style pickled pollack roe. Adapted from Korea (see generally 7.291 Myeongranjeot) — in fact, “men = myeong = 明 = bright.” Traditionally served as a side dish with rice, or as an accompaniment to sake/sochu (see for example 7.265 Negibasashi Maki ). Now used as an ingredient in fusion dishes, such as pasta or risotto.
The Mentaiko Spaghetti was good. Delicately briny with a touch of sweetness, well-balanced in a creamy-ish sauce, lightened/brightened with scallion and tomato. Texturally, the cooked eggs provided bit of pop in every bite. Could’ve done without the shredded nori, which contributed an unnecessary Asian flavor component.
I should try this at home.


Fall Break : Day 6 (see previously 7.295 Chaeggeut).
In Seoul. Here on holiday during DJ’s fall break. Arrived Saturday, flying back to Manila next Monday.
My mom visited me in Oct 2016, and she made me mentaiko spaghetti, but didnt leave her recipe…..
if i had to improvise, i’d make it as a standard cream sauce pasta, but hold back on the salt and add the fish eggs towards the end.