Shichimi Togarashi: Japan's 7-Spice

By Lisa Chang · October 8, 2026

The Seven Spices

Traditional shichimi togarashi contains: red chili pepper, sansho pepper, roasted orange peel, black and white sesame seeds, hemp seed, and nori.

Flavor Profile

A complex blend of heat, tingle, citrus, nuttiness, and umami. It adds dimension rather than just heat.

Classic Uses

Udon and soba noodle soups
Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
Tempura dipping sauce
Hot pot condiment

Modern Applications

Try it on avocado toast, popcorn, roasted chickpeas, or as a cocktail rim.

Making Your Own

Combine 2 tsp togarashi chili, 1 tsp sansho, 1 tsp dried orange zest, 1 tsp each black and white sesame (toasted), ½ tsp hemp seeds, ½ tsp crumbled nori.

Buying Tips

Look for visible sesame seeds and seaweed flakes. Cheaper versions are mostly just chili powder.