ちくわ

ちくわ
noun
tube-shaped fish cake; chikuwa
food
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.

CULTURAL NOTE (how it is made):
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.

Related words

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

SIMILAR WORDS (other fish cakes):

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)
Related: おでん (oden)
Related: 煮物(にもの) (simmered dishes)
Related: サラダ (salads)
Related: お弁当(べんとう) (lunch boxes)
Related: すり身(み) (fish paste)
general
Added 2026.1.20 14:43 · Revised 2026.10.13 4:53
07000/07479_chikuwa