Karashi

Karashi is the general word for mustard; wa-garashi is the expression for Japanese mustard, which is hotter than its Western counterpart, yo-garashi. Wa-garashi has a dark yellow color and a pleasant bitter flavor. It is always sold in powdered form, called konakarashi. The paste form of mustard, nerigarashi, is simply mustard powder mixed with water.

Paste mustard is served as a condiment for dishes such as oden (a hot stew of assorted fish cakes), gyoza (pot-stickers or pan-fried dumplings, jiaoji), simmered vegetable and meat dishes, and miso soups. Mustard is also used in dressings.