Stepping inside a Japanese grocery store for the first time can be a real treat. There are so many exotic-looking items that can add a kick to your everyday food, and they’ve also got everything you need to make your own katsu at home.

These groceries originally catered to the Japanese expats throughout Manila, but their unique offerings soon attracted the locals, who became regular customers themselves. Now that Japanese cuisine is part of our mainstream culture, you can find most Japanese grocery items at the nearest supermarket. But there is still no substitute for the quaint charm of buying it directly from a Japanese grocer, especially from one who can clue you in on the best use of a certain ingredient.

Here at Pepper.ph, we’ve featured a few favorite items like Bulldog Tonkatsu Sauce and Kewpie Sesame Dressing. But in case you’re curious about the other magical stuff these groceries have on stock, here are a few more of our choice finds (along with how they can add a zesty spin to your home-cooked meals).

1. Kewpie Japanese Mayonnaise

The sharp contrast of the small red cap on the white mayo bottle will surely grab your eye. It’s almost like the proverbial cherry on top of this tasty treat. Or you might be drawn in by the logo of the naked baby with its arms wide open (and its eyes staring deep into your soul). Whatever it is that makes you bring it over to the checkout line, you won’t regret carrying a bottle of this mayonnaise home.

I find Japanese mayonnaise to be tastier and more versatile than its western counterpart. Traditional mayonnaise can be too heady, oily, and cloying. Japanese mayo, on the other hand, has a smooth, creamy texture, along with an egg-y flavor that’s balanced out by a distinct tartness and loads of umami.

The Japanese make good use of the stuff as a topping for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, sushi, and as a dip for deep-fried dishes. But here’s a secret for you: It’s great with everything*. Use it on baked shellfish, fries and chips, grilled meats, sandwiches, and even on pasta.  Mix it with a hot sauce like Sriracha to make a velvety, spicy dip. Basically, it’ll add a sweet and tangy smoothness to anything you use it on.

Bonus tip: Twisting the red cap off reveals a star-shaped opening on the bottle’s mouth. Use it to decorate your food, and get instant chef skills.

2. Mirin

Mirin is an alcoholic condiment similar to sake, but with a very sweet taste. It gives dishes a bright flavor, and removes fishy smells from food. Mirin is also great as a marinade, glaze, or sauce. Grilled and braised meats will get a kick from a dash or two of mirin.

Bonus tip: Use a spritz of mirin when you’re making scrambled eggs to add a zesty flavor. It’ll taste great with spoonfuls of steamed rice!

3. Sushinoko: Powdered Seasoning for Sushi Rice

If you’ve ever watched sushi chefs preparing their creations, you know how meticulous every step can be. And sushi rice is no exception. Making an excellent batch requires an intensive attention to detail throughout the cooking and seasoning process.

For everyone else that doesn’t have the skill or patience to do such, there’s Sushinoko. Just add this powdered seasoning to steamed Japanese rice, and you’re all set. You can then buy a few sushi molds, learn how to roll maki, and impress your friends with your faux sushi skills.

Bonus tip: Try not to take a whiff of the steam when you’re mixing this with your rice. Trust me, it burns for quite a while.

4. Showa Tempura Flour

Making tempura batter from scratch can be a hit-and-miss thing for the inexperienced. Getting the right amount of crispness and lightness requires exact measurements of flour, eggs, and baking powder. This premixed tempura flour makes it all easy on you. All you have to do is mix it with ice water, and you’ve got the perfect batter for making tempura. This particular brand produces consistently light batter with a clean flavor.

Use it with shrimp, fish, and even vegetables. Your homemade tempura probably won’t pass as restaurant quality on your first try, but it’ll be good enough to make anyone think you know how to make the tricky batter from scratch.

Bonus tip: You now have the power to make tempura out of anything. Now, go ahead and deep-fry that Snickers bar.

With these unique finds, you can add a distinct Japanese touch to almost any dish (or perhaps make a themed dinner to accompany your next Naruto marathon). Of course, nothing beats an authentic meal at a good Japanese restaurant, but these items can help you get your sushi/tempura fix when you’re too lazy (or too broke) to go out.

Know of other great finds from Japanese groceries? Any Japanese groceries you go to, in particular? Did you want to make the hand gesture when you read the word Oishi? Let us know!

*Not to be taken literally. Except if you like your beer with mayo, too. It’s okay, we won’t judge you , you weirdo.

[Image sources: Global Package Gallery / Wikipedia / Sasasunakku / Japan Centre]

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