Menma

Menma is a Japanese condiment that is commonly used as a ramen topping. It consists of lactate-fermented bamboo shoots which have, in most cases, previously been dried in the sun and seasoned with sesame oil, sugar, salt, and soy sauce. These bamboo shoots are typically produced in Taiwan and China, so menma is also known as shinachiku, meaning Chinese bamboo.

It can be bought in jars or big vacuum packs in Japanese grocery stores. Apart from being used as a ramen topping, menma can also be consumed as a tasty side dish when served with rice.