Menma

Menma is a traditional Japanese ingredient made from fermented bamboo shoots. It is produced through lacto-fermentation, which gives it a characteristic mildly tangy, umami-rich flavour and a satisfying crunchy texture. In Japanese cuisine, it is most commonly used as a classic topping for ramen noodle soups. Beyond soups, it is also added to rice dishes and salads, or served as a side dish. It has a pale yellow-brown colour and a taste that is slightly salty with earthy undertones. In Europe, menma can be found mainly in Asian grocery stores, either canned or vacuum-packed.