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日本語/Japanese  Thu 11/29 13:06 JST
About 16 years ago when I was still back in the UK, I had some of my Japanese exchange student friends around my gaff. I didn't have any food to feed them at the time and all that was available was plain rice ^^;

Kenichi says to me "Jyubun dayo!" [じゅうぶんだよ] meaning "thats more than enough!" He then whips out some sachets of power looking substance which he then started to sprinkle over the rice.
I was puzzled as to how powder could turn white rice into a meal for three.

That was my first encounter with Furikake [ふりかけ] pronounced "furi-karkeh." Furikake is basically dried food like eggs, fish, squid, seaweed etc. This powdery mix of dried food on rice alone is enough to fill you up without any extra dishes.
Furikake (click to enlarge)
Ochazuke [お茶漬け] is a type of furikake and this is what it looks like sprinkled on some rice. Ochazuke contains light soup stock so you are required to pour a bit of water or Japanese/Chinese tea on top.
Furikake (click to enlarge)
Ochazuke complete with oo-long tea, seaweed and pickles.
I actually uploaded these photos during the summer but forgot to release them. Ochazuke tastes fantastic on a hot summers day.
Furikake (click to enlarge)
All supermarkets have furikake - lots of it.
Furikake (click to enlarge)
Whenever I made a trip to Japan I would buy tons to bring back to the UK.
Furikake (click to enlarge)
Furikake (click to enlarge)
Polls
holybell84 in Singapore
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 12:31
Oh good, Will check out the supermarkets here that specialises in these :D
(ID #65346) Posted on 2007/11/29 12:54
Alafista OTAKU in Singapore
Singapore Customs
Registered on 2006/12/25 11:34
Oh yeah I love them, I always keep a few bottles in my fridges. Nice to spice up plain rice
(ID #65347) Posted on 2007/11/29 13:14
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
not sure if i'd go for that stuff. Having said that, I always have an "emergency" supply or instant ramen around my house!!
(ID #65348) Posted on 2007/11/29 13:23
windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
Registered on 2006/12/25 12:20
Will search for these over at the supermarket. Hope they don't cost too expensive ^^;
(ID #65349) Posted on 2007/11/29 13:31
radical anime fan in Dai-Singapore-dan. Hotter than Kamina and Lelouch combined.
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
Registered on 2007/01/25 21:20
I have eaten Furikake, and it's tasty. Ochazuke is still an untried, but I'm looking forward to it. They're a tad on the pricy side, though.
(ID #65350) Posted on 2007/11/29 13:36
Elozt E. Elric in Singapore
Pre-Enlisted NS(Army)-men
Registered on 2007/08/12 19:44
Tried it sometime ago and I must admit, its pretty nice. Although I had to stick to non-seafood alternatives but its still good nevertheless.

Other than that, I'll usually have stash of instant noodles or cup noodles ready just in case.
(ID #65352) Posted on 2007/11/29 13:56
Foxtail Dreamer in NJ, USA
Freelance Artist
Registered on 2007/09/05 10:37
That's kind of like the Zatarain's mixes I've been eating for a number of years. Of course, the difference is that you Mix the powder in when you make the rice. Add water, cover, and voila. You're also expected to add your own meat to the respective dishes, but I'm sure you could survive without that step.

Zatarain's Home Page:
http://www.zatarains.com/

Their Jambalaya is probably my favorite.
(ID #65353) Posted on 2007/11/29 14:00
squee in Singapore
Techie
Registered on 2007/09/27 05:11
I usually have bonito flavored furikake with my rice and sometimes on okonomiyaki. As for ochazuke I like the seaweed flavoured mixes.

I'll like to try the Pokemon furikake in the last pic ;)
(ID #65354) Posted on 2007/11/29 14:09
XSportSeeker in Brazil
Hikikomori
Registered on 2007/08/22 05:30
Just had some white rice with furikake this weekend.
I usually mix it with my onigiri too.

But I also like plain white rice with an umeboshi in the middle...
(ID #65355) Posted on 2007/11/29 14:10
bakaboi in singapore
student
Registered on 2007/09/02 09:58
hahahaha...i remember when i was in japan...we were having bento at a windy hill and...my most of my furikake flew away with the wind T_T
(ID #65356) Posted on 2007/11/29 14:14
Gundam Otaku in Tropical Singapore
Student
Registered on 2006/12/30 22:16
I must be living under a rock to not know such food existed. Would love to try it one day. Good for a lazy guy like me that doesnt do a lot of cooking. Just a dash of furikake, woahla, rice will never taste as bland as before.
(ID #65357) Posted on 2007/11/29 14:22
Ninja Mari in Japan
Japanese Student
Registered on 2007/11/06 11:10
I love Furikake!!

I always have it on hand. You can mix and match it up with many dishes, too! I sometimes have steak with wasabi sauce and furikake... Really, real, tasty stuff...
(ID #65359) Posted on 2007/11/29 14:41
Soshi in Singapore
Student
Registered on 2007/09/15 21:29
Mmmm! I love furikake! Used to buy those Pokemon and Sailor Moon ones! Hahaha, plus anime curry!
(ID #65360) Posted on 2007/11/29 14:52
ひまななし
お米が主食でない国の人にとっては、
馴染みにくい物だろうな。
バタートーストか、パスタにでも
振り掛けてみるか?w

「のりたま」は子供の頃よく食べたな…
のり子っていう幼稚園の先生に、
「のりたま」ってあだ名を付けて、
みんなで呼んでた。

好きなのは、かつお節のふりかけなんだが…
(ID #65362) Posted on 2007/11/29 15:42
seth.frostheart in Malaysia. Singapore. Bangkok. Shanghai.
Motion Graphics Designer
Registered on 2007/01/08 01:11
ah wonderful furikake. was introduced to these by my japanese mates. i've had tons of furikake while i was cram studying for my exams, lol. nothing beats the simplicity and the ajinomoto ladened powdered eggs and meat over steam rice. and steam rice was the only thing we could find time to cook ^^;

damn those uni days, blergh.
(ID #65363) Posted on 2007/11/29 16:05
bob-san in Madison WI
Administrative Assistant
Registered on 2007/02/22 23:27
I love this stuff.

I only recently tried it though.  A shopping market in Arlington Heights IL (Mitsuwa's) was having their annual Bon-Obori Festival and I decided to pick up some things I'd never tried before while I was there.  Expand my palete beyond mere ramen/udon bowls.

There were food sampling booths o I got to try that as well as a mushroom mix you add to rice while cooking it.  

Pretty tastey.

I only wish the place was closer because no place here in Madison carries this stuff (At least as far as I'm aware)
(ID #65364) Posted on 2007/11/29 16:05
Tanario in Esbjerg, Denmark
Study
Registered on 2007/11/03 03:50
Dont think they seel any of this in my town, im pretty sure as lazy as i am i would know if this existed :).
(ID #65365) Posted on 2007/11/29 16:10
Registered on 2007/10/16 17:39
I would like to try this, it looks better than super noodles!
(ID #65368) Posted on 2007/11/29 16:31
iroppoi in California
Student
Registered on 2007/11/11 13:11
looks really odd o.O but it would be fun to try some!! has to be better then instant noodles =.=
(ID #65369) Posted on 2007/11/29 16:32
bob-san in Madison WI
Administrative Assistant
Registered on 2007/02/22 23:27
It is good.

But that gives me an idea....

Instant Udon with Furikake...

Gonna have to try that one.  Just gotta go stock up on Udon.
(ID #65370) Posted on 2007/11/29 16:33
qingy in center of the galaxy
SMS
Registered on 2007/10/06 05:09
i have these often, its great for student life and goes great with rice or noodles. yup.
(ID #65371) Posted on 2007/11/29 17:18
number1guy in United States
University Student
Registered on 2007/11/09 05:34
I think it's alright. It's a bit salty though. I currently have wakame and sake-wakame (salmon and wakame) flavors in my cabinet. Last time I had it was about 2 weeks ago. I also have some anko that I made daifuku mochi with. Maybe I'll make some more for New Years...
(ID #65373) Posted on 2007/11/29 17:41
DRAGUN in Arizona, USA
Design Consultant
Registered on 2007/08/23 04:44
Anyone tried it with Halibut? Hmmm? No? Anyone?
(ID #65374) Posted on 2007/11/29 19:01
kintaro in Pineville North Carolina
Student
Registered on 2007/04/24 20:19
I think my mom picked up some kind, I'm not sure, I remember it was fishy + seaweed. It was ok I guess, it reminded me of fishfood for some reason so I didn't like it too much.
(ID #65375) Posted on 2007/11/29 19:12
lsio83 in Boston
Student
Registered on 2007/11/25 06:34
Haven't eaten this for a long time. I used to have them when I was living with my Japanese roommate. We ate them when none of us wanted to cook. Well, we were lazy.
(ID #65376) Posted on 2007/11/29 19:23
Chuck Gaffney in Selden, New York
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
Registered on 2007/07/29 00:29
I've tried the seaweed but it takes a bit getting used to, very good for you though.
(ID #65379) Posted on 2007/11/29 20:16
syrix in U.S.
student
Registered on 2007/03/21 09:30
Furikake is abundant here and in many local foods.  I personally like furikake with dried seaweed and sesame seeds mixed together with sea salt.  Great to have on rice when you don't have anything to eat the rice with.
(ID #65380) Posted on 2007/11/29 20:37
chun in home feeling sleepy LOL
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Registered on 2007/01/09 14:33
Mmmm you remind me to eat some I got LOL
(ID #65381) Posted on 2007/11/29 20:45
Kyle in Seattle, Washington
Student
Registered on 2007/10/08 05:20
After reading this, I think I'm going to go get some rice and furikake! I have some excellent furikake that my friend brought back from Japan. It's a shame I don't know how to read. =(
(ID #65382) Posted on 2007/11/29 21:50
Software Support
Registered on 2007/09/05 07:23
Furikake or Ochazuke always a must in the pantry of my apartment.
Quick dinner or lunch with some left over rice and hot tea... yum!!
(ID #65391) Posted on 2007/11/29 23:45
Taaron in Texas
Registered on 2007/08/27 12:42
I think I tried it...so I voted yes. 

It was Korean packaging, but had Pikachu on it. Not sure if I prepared it right, cause every time I ate it, I got sick. >_< I still have the packaging up on my Fridge, though. 

T
(ID #65393) Posted on 2007/11/29 23:49
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
Yup! I got a small glass container of furikake at home. Let's see. Ingredients: Seaweed, bonito, soy sauce, sesame seed, salt & sugar. (Another one had mirin in it). Yum! (Just taste it! If you don't compare it like flakes for aquarium fish, I'm sure you'll love it).

I tend to add finely cut salad and more soy sauce to that as well as rice, naturally. However, I try not to make staple food out of this, because it can lead you to some heavy nutritional deficiencies. Just keep it as emergency provisions. XD
Love rice wrapped in salted nori seaweed too. Hmmm. Just thinking of it makes me remember of good times passed by. ;)
(ID #65407) Posted on 2007/11/30 02:04
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
Would liek to try... looks delish... Slurps...
(ID #65411) Posted on 2007/11/30 02:30
silent1134 in California
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 14:33
Interesting, kinda like alternative to cup noodles...
(ID #65420) Posted on 2007/11/30 04:03
Boris in USA
Interactive Media Design and Graphic Design
Registered on 2006/12/26 00:12
mhhhh sounds very good.
(ID #65431) Posted on 2007/11/30 04:53
JapanAnime in Hilversum, Holland
Student Business Economics
Registered on 2007/08/05 18:23
Haven't seen that here yet and probably won't either, Japanese food products are hardly available here. It looks yummy and compact, very handy when you don't like your friend's food. ^^
(ID #65432) Posted on 2007/11/30 05:26
djet0 in Not so Sunnyvale, Teh Golden State
High School Graduate... Now what?
Registered on 2007/01/08 20:06
Ah, yes, furikake, simplicity at its best. But my question is always, "which one next?" Wasabi? Salmon? Kimchi? Ah so many to choose from!
(ID #65448) Posted on 2007/11/30 07:28
decagon in California
Registered on 2007/11/03 13:43
It looks like extravagant rice gruel. I'm fine with my pickled veggies and chicken bouillon rice. Nice and affordable at around 40-50cents a serving. But... how much do those furikake packets cost?
(ID #65450) Posted on 2007/11/30 07:48
FatBastard in over his head
Meat Puppet
Registered on 2007/11/04 18:16
Eh... never tried it but it looks harmless enough. I looky next time I'm at the asian market. Bon appetit. 
(ID #65451) Posted on 2007/11/30 08:34
Chu Yeow in Singapore
Registered on 2007/06/18 19:19
After seeing your post I saw some furikake at the supermarket and bought some. Hoping to try it when I get hold of some home-cooked rice!
(ID #65474) Posted on 2007/11/30 13:07
Tofu-san in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
ecchi student
Registered on 2007/03/04 06:41
のりたまは大好きです!!
(ID #65532) Posted on 2007/12/01 04:06
gabuchan in tokyo
I love this stuff. Cheap. Delicious. 
(ID #65539) Posted on 2007/12/01 05:44
Echizen Ken in Mexico City
IT Project Administrator
Registered on 2007/11/23 01:44
Awwwww I want that cup... is it yours or the kissaten's?
(ID #65571) Posted on 2007/12/01 14:07
bvc100 in KL Malaysia
Something to do with cars
Registered on 2007/10/15 00:54
Dried foodstuff eh? Looks tasty (bachelor's view into foods...). This kinda remind me of the stuff you can get in Malaysia. There's this stuff called "serunding" which is kinda like dried meat/chicken/fish floss. you usually eat this with rice (especially if you're on tight budget... like me. hohohoho). you guys should try it whenever you visit Malaysia~~~
(ID #65601) Posted on 2007/12/01 23:22
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Echizen Ken,
My cup ^^; Illustration by Pink Chu Chu
(ID #65633) Posted on 2007/12/02 06:18
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Registered on 2007/12/04 23:16
Looks good and authentic, would love to try it, I hope the Japanese supermarket here sells that.
(ID #66115) Posted on 2007/12/06 04:31
duffman in the Urban Jungle that is Manila~
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
Registered on 2007/10/30 20:56
i've tried these stuff and it's GOOD!!~
definitely one of the best alternatives when there is no "chow" around^^
(ID #66277) Posted on 2007/12/07 11:13
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