ちくわ

noun

tube-shaped fish cake; chikuwa

1. tube-shaped fish cake; chikuwa

A Japanese fish cake made from fish paste (surimi) that is wrapped around a bamboo stick, grilled, and then removed, leaving a distinctive hollow tube shape.

ちくわをおでんに入(い)れる。

Add chikuwa to the oden.

ちくわの穴(あな)にきゅうりを詰(つ)める。

Stuff cucumber into the hole of the chikuwa.

ちくわの磯辺揚(いそべあ)げは定番(ていばん)のおかずだ。

Chikuwa tempura with nori is a classic side dish.

Etymology

From 竹輪(ちくわ) - literally "bamboo ring/wheel," referring to the bamboo stick used in making it and the ring-like cross-section.

Usually written in hiragana (ちくわ) rather than kanji.

Making process

Fish paste (すり身(み)) is wrapped around a bamboo or metal rod, then grilled or steamed. When the stick is removed, a hollow tube remains.

Common preparations

おでん - simmered in oden broth
磯辺揚(いそべあ)げ - tempura with nori seaweed
煮物(にもの) - simmered dishes
サラダ - salads
お弁当(べんとう) - lunch boxes

Popular serving style

ちくわきゅうり (chikuwa with cucumber stuffed inside) is a simple, popular snack or bento item.

Related fish cakes

かまぼこ - steamed fish cake (flat)
さつま揚(あ)げ - fried fish cake
はんぺん - fluffy white fish cake
なると - spiral-patterned fish cake

Related Words

Related: かまぼこ (fish cake)

Related: さつま揚(あ)げ (fried fish cake)

Related: はんぺん (fluffy white fish cake)

Compare: 揚(あ)げかまぼこ (deep-fried fish cake)

general

Added 2026.1.20 14:43 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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