Updated 19th November 2022.
Mentaiko pasta (明太子パスタ) is a Japanese-style pasta or fusion pasta or in Japanese, wafu pasta (和風パスタ). This style of dish in Japanese cuisine is called yōshoku (洋食) or wafu food (和風) which incorporates Western cooking style with Japanese. Some of the best known examples of yoshoku dishes are katsu (e.g. crispy chicken katsu チキンカツ), omurice, korokke and pasta.
Every time I eat this mentaiko pasta, it reminds me of cacio e pepe, an Italian cheese and pepper pasta. Both excel at highlighting their main ingredient(s) and making ’em shine. They give our tastebuds the utmost pleasure and delight! I knew mentaiko pasta is a keeper the moment I tasted it.
Don’t play-play. It may look plain (ok la I skipped the garnishes) but mentaiko pasta is no plain Jane.