Zenbird Editorial TeamHamaya Katsuobushi, a bonito flake manufacturer with a 78-year history, has launched “MAGI DASHI Shiro Dashi”, a 100% plant-based seasoning that replicates the aroma and umami of traditional bonito dashi without using any animal-derived ingredients.
The new white dashi is free from animal products, soy, and alcohol. By excluding soy, the product is also gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary requirements. Unlike standard dark tsuyu, the white dashi format does not alter the natural colour of ingredients, allowing chefs to maintain the visual integrity of Japanese dishes while providing a deep bonito-like fragrance. This versatility enables the preparation of authentic Japanese cuisine that caters to vegans and those with gluten sensitivities.
Tadashi Kimura, the third-generation president of Hamaya Katsuobushi, developed the MAGI DASHI series to preserve Japanese dashi culture while adapting to growing diverse dietary needs. The development process for the original bonito-free flavour took five years of research. It eliminates the need for “separate cooking” in households and restaurants, allowing people with different dietary preferences to share the same meal from the same pot.
As dashi forms the essential base of Japanese cuisine, providing more plant-based alternatives is a step in making Japanese food culture more accessible internationally. Hamaya Katsuobushi intends to market the product to major restaurant chains and international distributors to promote food diversity and inclusivity.
[Website] Magi Dashi Feature Page (Japanese)
