1. The Essential Base for Japanese Cuisine
Have you ever tried making Japanese dishes like Miso Soup at home, only to find them tasting a bit "flat" or lacking the depth of flavor you find in restaurants? Many people mistakenly believe that Japanese cooking is just about adding seasonings like Miso or Soy Sauce to hot water.
However, the true foundation of delicious Japanese food lies in "Dashi" (broth).
"UMAMI" – The Fifth Taste That Makes the World Happy
For a long time, it was believed that there were only four basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. However, over 100 years ago, a Japanese scientist discovered "Umami," a fifth taste that couldn't be explained by the other four. In 2000, it was scientifically proven that humans have specific Umami receptors on their tongues, and today, "UMAMI" has become a universal term recognized worldwide.
2. UMAMI is All Around the World
Almost every delicious food loved around the world contains strong "Umami." What makes Japanese "Dashi" unique is how it purely extracts only this Umami from ingredients to create a versatile base that complements any dish.
Key Umami Components:
Found in: kombu (kelp), ripe tomatoes, cheese, onions, belacan/terasi (shrimp paste)
Found in: katsuobushi (bonito flakes), dried sardines, meat, fish
Found in: dried shiitake mushrooms
3. The Magic Formula: Combining Umami
There is a fascinating rule regarding Umami. By combining two different types, it is said that the intensity of the flavor can increase by 7 to 30 times compared to using just one! However, adding a third type doesn't increase the effect further.
1 + 1 + 1 ≤ 30
Mastering this "synergy" is the ultimate secret to delicious cooking.
This combination is known as Awase Dashi , the basic foundation of Japanese cuisine. By combining these two, the umami flavor is dramatically enhanced.
A 100% plant-based synergy. This dashi is used in Shojin Ryori (traditional Japanese vegan cuisine) with no animal products and no garlic/onions.
"Umami" Around the World
Even in everyday cooking and seasonings from various countries, the "Umami synergy effect" through combinations is naturally used!
Middle East: Saloona [Meat + Tomato] (Inosinic + Glutamic)
SE Asia: Fish Sauce / Belacan (Inosinic + Glutamic)
4. Are "Dashi" and "Miso" Halal?
This is a crucial point for all of us. No matter how delicious it is, it's not an option if it's haram. Let’s look at the ingredients of a typical mass-market "Dashi-no-moto" (instant dashi powder) and "Miso" sold in Japan.
Dashi Risks
Typical Instant Dashi Powder: Salt, Glucose, 1 Bonito Extract, 2 Protein Hydrolysate / Seasoning (3 Amino acids, etc.)
- 1 Bonito Extract: May use brewing alcohol for extraction or preservation.
- 2 Protein Hydrolysate: May be derived from animals (pork, beef, or chicken).
- 3 The word "etc.": The "etc." in "Amino acids, etc." is the issue. Animal-derived components (like pork enzymes) might be used during the fermentation process for amino acids.
Miso Risks
Ingredients: Soybeans, Rice, Salt, Bonito Extract, Alcohol (酒精)
- Added Alcohol: Ethyl Alcohol is added for preservation to stop the fermentation process.
- Animal Extracts: Non-Halal animal extracts are often hidden in "Dashi-miso" types.
General Risk in Japan
Most general Japanese manufacturers rarely have dedicated Halal production lines. This means even if the ingredients seem to be just plants or fish, the risk of cross-contamination with animal derivatives or alcohol in the factory must be considered. Sounds exhausting, right? But don't worry—you don't have to check every single product yourself!
5. Halal-Certified Dashi Specially Selected by JAPANeid
At Halal Souvenir Shop JAPANeid Osaka, we only carry products that Muslims can buy with confidence, including Halal-certified items and products thoroughly checked with manufacturers by our Muslim staff. Visit our Osaka shop or browse our online store!
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- A set of the two most iconic Japanese dashi bases. Can be used individually as well.
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- One of the best types of dashi used in Japan. Well-loved for its umami-packed flavors.
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- Rich umami powder with no preservatives.
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- Traditional red miso made with domestic soybeans.
Looking for a simple way to use these?
Check out our easy recipe guide below! (Click the image to enlarge)
We also offer delicious sweets, Matcha, and more!
More Than Just Matcha – Your One-Stop Halal Shop in Osaka & Online!
We also offer delicious sweets, Kimono Hijabs made from authentic fabric, and more.
Why JAPANeid is Osaka’s No.1 Halal Souvenir Shop:
- Muslim-Friendly Facilities: Separate prayer rooms for men and women (with Wudu & Qibla), a kids' play area, and free Wi-Fi.
- Expert Support: Our multilingual Muslim staff (English, Malay, Indonesian, Arabic) are here to help, with free testers for most sweets!
- Shopping Made Easy: Every price tag features a QR code to check allergen info in English.
📍 JAPANeid Shop Access & Opening Dates here.
Not Coming to Osaka? Get Halal Snacks Delivered to Your Hotel!
Even if you're not stopping by Osaka, JAPANeid's online shop makes it easy! Get Halal snacks, meals (like onigiri and ramen), and others delivered directly to your hotel anywhere in Japan, or shipped internationally.
If you're not sure what to pick, we recommend trying our Monthly Set or Encore Set!
Want to Learn More About Tea and Others?
See the full list here
