Japanese food

Last update September 9, 2025

Japanese Food - Wasabi -



  

Wasabi

Japanese Horseradish

Sashimi without Wasabi may be like a dull day without an event. Of course, you can taste the distinctive natural flavour of fish meat (without being disturbed by Wasabi). Still, its stimulating aroma and pungent, spicy flavour make your Sashimi eating a thrilling experience. No pun intended; however, it’s literally a bit hair-raising since it may blow up your nose if you are wrong in the amount. This green condiment is prepared by grating the root of Japanese horseradish (Wasabia japonica). It’s also indispensable for other dishes such as Nigiri Zushi (Sushi glob topped with Sashimi) and Zaru Soba (cold Soba noodles served on a bamboo sieve). Nowadays, many Nigiri Zushi packages sold in supermarkets are prepared as Wasabi Nuki (no Wasabi used), with a small bag of the condiment included within the package. Wasabi haters can enjoy non-invasive eating, while Wasabi lovers can flip the Neta (the top part of Nigiri Zushi) and dip it in Wasabi Jōyu (Shōyu mixed with Wasabi), then put it back on the Shari (the rice part) and consume it as a whole. Should I appreciate such an inclusive way of considering all, but hold! – The real reason behind it seems to be that stores simply wanted to cut a single process: adding Wasabi to individual pieces for labour-saving, cost-saving purposes. Either way, it may be a clever idea to kill two birds with a single stone.

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Wasabi placed beside Sashimii. 		japanese-food-wasabi-product
Convenient Wasabi product packed in a tube.
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Zoni with Kamaboko, Wakame, and spinach.

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Zoni with Hakusai, Wakame, and spinach.

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Zoni with Kamaboko, and spinach.