On October 27, 2016, I visited Hokkaido, Sapporo for the first time in 40 years. When thinking about souvenirs other than sweets, seafood came to mind, and for something unique from Kanto and Yamanashi, I decided on kelp. I researched on food review websites and the shop's website, checked the map for directions, and thought I could walk from the subway Namboku Line "Asabu" station. However, after getting off and walking for 30 minutes through the dark streets of Shinkotoni, I finally arrived at the shop. There were many types of kelp available, and I bought Rausu kelp, Mekombu, Nekoashi kelp, Saomae kelp, Hidakakombu, and others. I also purchased some cheap dashi kelp (which turned out to be Mekombu) and tororo kelp. On the way back, I asked the shop owner and took a bus from a nearby bus stop to the subway Namboku Line bound for Kita 24-jo station. It may be a bit inconvenient for travelers to buy souvenirs in this way. I made instant Osuimono using the tororo kelp. I took an appropriate amount, added bonito flakes, soy sauce, and poured hot water. It tasted similar to the udon broth I had in Osaka. Kelp is an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and different types have different uses and flavors. Rausu kelp is highly regarded, while Hidakakombu is known for its versatility. I used the dashi kelp for oden, and the broth turned out to be rich and flavorful. The kelp itself was not very tasty, but it added depth to the broth. Overall, using different types of kelp in cooking can enhance the flavors and create a unique dining experience.

◆◆◆◆◆◆ 【3rd Post】 ◆◆◆◆◆◆ 【May 2015】 This is my 3rd post, so I'll briefly talk about my visit last December. Since it was the season, I found some "King Crab legs" available at a good price, so I decided to buy them. I also purchased my usual "Cat's Paw Kombu" and some discounted "Muroran Quail Farm Seasoned Eggs." - King Crab Legs: These were Russian boiled frozen King Crab legs, typical in size (3L) and around 800g. The taste was decent, and the price was much better than usual. Original price: 4,980 yen, Special price: 2,980 yen (including 8% tax). - Cat's Paw Kombu from Eastern Hokkaido: Details can be found in my previous review, with the same price. - Muroran Quail Farm Seasoned Eggs: Details and price are the same as before. The "King Crab legs" were quite a good deal and had a nice taste for the price. 2,980 yen was reasonable. ◆◆◆◆◆◆ 【2nd Post】 ◆◆◆◆◆◆ 【November 2014】 I've been drinking the "Cat's Paw Kombu" kombu water daily, and I ran out, so I went to buy more. The previous stock was sold out, and the next arrival was uncertain, so I bought a different "Cat's Paw Kombu." I also bought some discounted "Muroran Quail Farm Seasoned Eggs." - Cat's Paw Kombu from Eastern Hokkaido: Details can be found in my previous review. Price: 1 pack (80g) original price 880 yen, sale price 580 yen (including 8% tax). - Muroran Quail Farm Seasoned Eggs: Details and price are the same as before. Kombu water is gentle on the body, unlike "green juice," and can be consumed even when taking heart or blood pressure medication. It's important to use it according to your needs. This time, the taste was good. The kombu water this time was better in taste compared to the previous one. ◆◆◆◆◆◆ 【1st Post】 ◆◆◆◆◆◆ 【June 2014】 I tried the "Cat's Paw Kombu," "Muroran Quail Farm Seasoned Eggs," and soft serve at a kombu specialty store called Konbukun Honten. The store specializes in Hokkaido-style kombu and kombu dishes! - Cat's Paw Kombu: Kombu harvested in Eastern Hokkaido, known for its shape resembling a cat's paw. Rich in mannitol, a savory component, and considered to be nutrient-rich. Price for a trial pack (200g) was 500 yen, a great deal. - Muroran Quail Farm Seasoned Eggs: Muroran Quail Farm dominates over 99% of the quail egg market in Hokkaido. They have a great taste with a hint of dashi. Regular price: 10 eggs for 430 yen. Outlet products may have minor flaws but taste the same.

I found an unopened package of konbu dashi that I don't even remember buying! I must have bought it a while ago and completely forgotten about it. I often pass by that store, so I probably bought it and then forgot all about it. I do remember buying frozen manju (maybe it was daifuku?) from that store a while back though! (By the way, I took the photo today.) I'll do my best to use it up! It's kind of funny, isn't it? (^^)/

Kombu is irresistible for those who love it. Ginnan is also delicious, especially the seaweed from Hakodate. Ginnan grass is from Wakkanai, right? Anyway, it's so delicious. Kombu rolls are also incredibly tasty.

I visited the "Harvest Honda 2015 Great Harvest Festival" held at Access Sapporo and came across a kelp dashi (stock) shop. I tried a sample of the kelp dashi and found it to be rich in umami flavor with added bonito extract, making it delicious on its own and versatile for cooking. The price was ¥700 including tax, which seemed reasonable considering it contains 500ml. Normally it would cost ¥1200 plus tax at supermarkets, so I decided to purchase a bottle. I will try out some recipes using this kelp dashi and share my thoughts after finishing the bottle.