Shichimi

Shichimi tōgarashi (Japanese: 七味唐辛子, "seven flavor chili pepper"), also known as nana-iro tōgarashi (七色唐辛子^?),^[1] and simply shichimi, is a common Japanese spice mixture containing seven ingredients.^[2]

It is often used in soups and on noodles and gyūdon.

It dates back at least to the 17th century, when it was produced by herb dealers in Edo,^[2] current day Tokyo, and sometimes it is referred to as Yagenbori (Japanese: 薬研堀, from the name of the original place of production). Most shichimi sold today come from one of three kinds, sold near temples: Yagenbori (やげん堀^?) sold near Sensō-ji, Shichimiya (七味家^?) sold near Kiyomizu-dera, and Yawataya Isogorō (八幡屋磯五郎^?) sold near Zenkō-ji.


Shichimi should be distinguished from ichimi tōgarashi (一味唐辛子), which is simply ground red chili pepper, and means literally "one flavor chili pepper" (ichi meaning "one").