Ikura chawanmushi is a traditional egg-based dish. Chawanmushi is a soft egg custard that's steamed until the texture becomes silky smooth. The eggs are often flavored with dashi, soy sauce, or seafood stock. In this version, chawanmushi is topped with ikura (salmon roe) before serving, providing a salty pop and a nice textural contrast.

This delicate dish can be served hot, warm, or cold in a small lidded cup, and since it can't be eaten with chopsticks, it's one of few Japanese dishes that are traditionally consumed with a spoon. Ikura chawanmushi is traditionally served as an appetizer.