Hondashi substitutes
Hondashi substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dashi stock
1 cup dashi stock for every 1 tsp hondashi
Traditional Japanese stock made from bonito flakes and kombu.
The best substitutes for Hondashi are dashi stock, fish sauce, or miso paste depending on the recipe.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- soups
Updated 3 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked · per 1 tsp hondashi| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tsp hondashi | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dashi stocksoups | 1 cupWorks | Works |
| 2 | Fish saucesoups | ½ tsp fish sauce + 1 cup waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Miso pastesoups | 1 tbsp miso paste + 1 cup waterYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Kombu + bonito flakessoups | 1 cup dashi made from kombu and bonito flakesWorks | Works |
| 5 | Vegetable broth + soy saucevegetarian cooking | 1 cup vegetable broth + soy sauce to tasteTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Chicken broth + soy saucesoups | 1 cup chicken broth + soy sauce to tasteTweak it | Tweak it |
Dashi stock
similar taste and texture
Traditional Japanese stock made from bonito flakes and kombu.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, Japanese dishes, miso soup
Very similar flavor profile. Liquid for powder: use the stock in place of the water the Hondashi would be dissolved in, about 1 cup for each teaspoon, and leave the powder out.
Fish sauce
different taste, similar texture
Southeast Asian condiment with similar umami flavor.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, marinades, stir-fries
Much stronger flavor, so use sparingly. Dilute with water.
Miso paste
different taste and texture
Fermented soybean paste with rich umami flavor.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, marinades, Japanese dishes
Different flavor but similar umami profile. Mix with water to thin.
Kombu + bonito flakes
similar taste and texture
Traditional dashi ingredients for authentic flavor.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, Japanese dishes, authentic cooking
Soak kombu in water, then add bonito flakes and strain. Use about 1 cup of this dashi for each teaspoon of Hondashi, in place of the water it would be dissolved in. Most authentic substitute.
Vegetable broth + soy sauce
different taste, similar texture
Vegetarian alternative with added umami flavor.
- Best for
- vegetarian cooking, soups, sauces, vegan dishes
Not suitable for traditional Japanese dishes. Salted broth with a full tablespoon of soy sauce per cup comes out far saltier than dashi, so use low-sodium broth, start with about 1 tsp soy sauce per cup and add to taste. Add nutritional yeast for extra umami.
Chicken broth + soy sauce
different taste, similar texture
Western alternative with similar umami profile.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, cooking, emergency substitution
Different flavor but similar umami profile. Good for non-traditional dishes. Salted broth with a full tablespoon of soy sauce per cup comes out far saltier than dashi, so use low-sodium broth, start with about 1 tsp soy sauce per cup and add to taste.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between Hondashi and dashi stock?
Hondashi is instant dashi powder, while dashi stock is made fresh from bonito flakes and kombu. Hondashi is more convenient but dashi stock has more complex flavor.
Can I use fish sauce instead of Hondashi?
Yes, but fish sauce is much stronger, so use sparingly. Mix ½ teaspoon fish sauce with 1 cup water for every teaspoon of Hondashi needed.
Is Hondashi vegetarian?
No, Hondashi contains bonito flakes (fish), so it's not suitable for vegetarians. Use vegetable broth with soy sauce or miso paste instead.
How do I make dashi stock at home?
Soak kombu in water for 30 minutes, then heat to just below boiling. Add bonito flakes, let steep for 5 minutes, then strain. This makes traditional dashi stock.
Tips for substituting hondashi
8 tips- Hondashi is good for making quick miso soup and Japanese dishes
- Use in sauces and marinades for authentic Japanese flavor
- Great for making dashi-based soups and stews
- Hondashi adds umami depth to any dish
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping
- Dissolve in hot water before using in recipes
- Hondashi pairs well with soy sauce, mirin, and sake
- Good for making Japanese-style noodle soups