Mentai Jerky 20g

Mentaiko Reimagined as a Savoury Japanese Jerky.

Nakashima Shoten Hakata Nakanaka Kawa Dry – Mentaiko Skin Jerky

Discover a completely different way to enjoy one of Hakata’s most celebrated flavours.

Hakata Nakanaka Kawa Dry transforms mentaiko skin, once left unused during production, into a distinctive Japanese jerky. Slowly savour each bite as the concentrated seafood umami and gentle chilli heat gradually unfold.

✨ What Makes This Mentaiko Jerky Special?

01 — Made from the Umami-Rich Skin of Mentaiko

Mentaiko is spicy seasoned pollock roe and one of the foods most closely associated with Hakata, Fukuoka.

During its production, part of the outer membrane was traditionally left unused. Recognising the flavour held within it, Nakashima Shoten developed a way to turn this ingredient into an entirely new delicacy.

02 — An Original Creation Introduced in 2003

First released by Nakashima Shoten in 2003, Kawa Dry was created after extensive experimentation with mentaiko skin.

The maker’s unique drying process concentrates its savoury character and transforms the membrane into a pleasantly chewy, jerky-like snack unlike conventional mentaiko products.

03 — Concentrated Umami with Gentle Chilli Heat

The flavour develops slowly as you chew. Deep seafood umami comes first, followed by the familiar savoury seasoning and mild chilli warmth of Hakata-style mentaiko.

Its concentrated flavour means that even a small piece delivers a satisfying taste experience.

🍺 Created for Drinks and Relaxed Evenings

Enjoy it as a distinctive Japanese snack alongside:

• Beer, with its refreshing bitterness

• Sake, for a deeply savoury pairing

• Shochu, a classic companion to bold Japanese flavours

• Wine, for an unexpected combination of seafood umami and gentle spice

Cutting it into thin strips or small pieces makes it easy to serve and allows the flavour to develop gradually.

🥗 More Than a Drinking Snack

• Salads
  Cut into small pieces and scatter over fresh leaves for a savoury, spicy accent.

• Warm rice
  Finely chop and sprinkle over rice to add concentrated mentaiko flavour.

• Lightly grilled
  Warm briefly before serving to bring out a more pronounced roasted aroma.

• Sharing plates
  Add to a selection of cheese, nuts and savoury bites for a distinctly Japanese touch.

👀 Natural Characteristics of the Product

You may notice white powdery spots or dark streaks on the surface.

The white powder consists of naturally occurring umami components, while the dark streaks are part of the mentaiko’s outer membrane. Both are characteristics of the product and do not affect its quality.

Storage & Care

Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.

After opening, consume as soon as possible to enjoy the texture and flavour at their best.

Processed in:
Fukuoka

Spec:
20g

Ingredients:
alaska pollock roe, fermented seasoning (sugars, alcohol, mirin, salt, fermented seasoning, protein hydrolysate, brewed vinegar, ume vinegar extract), salt, kelp stock, dextrin, dried sardine stock (sardine), dried bonito extract, red chilli pepper, protein hydrolysate (pork, soy), sugar, sake, yeast extract, sweetener (INS 420(i)), flavour enhancers (INS 635, 640, 262(i), 327), antioxidant (INS 300), colours (INS 162, carotenoids, monascus colour), niacin, enzyme, colour retention agent (INS 250)