Best Dashi Packets to Buy in Japan

Dashi packets are the simplest way to make Japanese soup stock. Steep one in simmering water, and in about five minutes, you have the base for miso soup, hot pots, rolled omelettes, and more. This guide covers which type to choose, where to find them, and what to cook once you get home. I know how overwhelming a first trip to Japan can be, especially when it comes to food. What’s worth buying? How do you use it once you’re home? My Souvenir Cooking series is here to help. This series rounds up the best Japanese food souvenirs and teaches you how to use them in your own kitchen. This first post is all about dashi packets. Table of Contents Why You Should Have Dashi Packets in Your Kitchen Dashi packets (だしパック) are one of my top souvenir recommendations for anyone visiting Japan. They’re light, shelf-stable, easy to pack, and the savory backbone of countless Japanese recipes. Think of dashi as Japan’s answer to beef or chicken stock. I use these packets to add deep, savory flavor without simmering stock from scratch. I find them far better than instant dashi powder since most are additive- and salt-free for a flavor that’s close to homemade. Here’s what makes them worth the suitcase ...