メンマ

めんま
noun
menma, seasoned bamboo shoots
1. menma, seasoned bamboo shoots for ramen
Fermented and seasoned bamboo shoot strips, commonly used as a ramen topping. Also eaten as a side dish or snack with beer.
ラーメンにメンマをのせる。
Put menma on ramen.
メンマの食感(しょっかん)()きだ。
I like the texture of menma.
ビールのおつまみに味付(あじつ)けメンマを()ってきた。
I bought seasoned menma as a snack to go with beer.

USAGE:
One of the standard toppings for ramen alongside チャーシュー (叉焼(チャーシュー)), 海苔(のり), and 煮卵(にたまご). Also sold pre-seasoned in packages at supermarkets and convenience stores as a snack or side dish.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • メンマをのせる (place menma on top)
  • 味付(あじつ)けメンマ (seasoned menma)
  • メンマトッピング (menma topping)
  • 自家製(じかせい)メンマ (homemade menma)

ETYMOLOGY:
A blend of メン (from ラーメン, ramen) and マ (from ()(ちく), a type of bamboo). Originally called シナチク, but the name was changed as シナ was considered offensive.