Naruto Maki, instantly recognizable by its pink spiral pattern, is a visually striking type of Japanese fish cake.
In oden, Naruto Maki is not only a feast for the eyes but also adds a mildly sweet, oceanic flavor to the broth.
Chefs often use this ingredient to bring both color and a subtle complexity to the dish, with the spirals providing a playful and aesthetically pleasing contrast against the other ingredients in the comforting, savory stew.