Narutomaki

Narutomaki, often simply called naruto, is a variety of kamaboko, a type of cured fish paste from Japan. What sets narutomaki apart is its distinctive appearance: each slice features a pink or red spiral pattern, reminiscent of the famous Naruto whirlpools found in the Naruto Strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku. Interestingly, "naruto" is also sometimes used to refer to the @ symbol.

In Japanese cuisine, narutomaki is frequently used as a flavorful topping for dishes like Tokyo-style ramen. It is also a common ingredient in regional recipes such as oden and nimono.

Narutomaki has even permeated popular culture. For instance, the main character Naruto Uzumaki from the manga and anime series "Naruto" is named after this fish cake. In the series, the character’s name is inspired by a fictional character named Naruto Musasabi, who is named after the naruto fish cake. Additionally, narutomaki has made appearances in other media, such as in a bowl of ramen on the show "Kamen Rider W" and as a basket ingredient on the Food Network series "Chopped."