Table of contents:
Summary
Kewpie is a beloved Japanese mayonnaise brand known for its unique flavor and packaging, featuring a distinctive squeeze bottle that's easy to use for precise application. This mayonnaise is popular in Japanese cuisine, often used to enhance dishes like Yakisoba, Takoyaki, sushi, salads, and even pizza. Available for purchase online and in Asian grocery stores, Kewpie may be more expensive than other brands, but its long shelf life and superior taste make it a worthwhile choice. Unlike German mayonnaise, which tends to be heavier, Kewpie is lighter, creamier, and typically made with milder vinegar, more eggs, and less oil. Additionally, it often contains MSG, enhancing its umami flavor. Kewpie is incredibly versatile, serving as a dressing for salads, dip for vegetables, and a key ingredient in dishes like the famous Kewpie Tamago Sando, a delightful Japanese egg sandwich.
Mayonnaise is a staple in Japanese cuisine and appears in a wide variety of dishes. The Japanese are big fans of mayo and use it to garnish Japanese classics like yakisoba (noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls) and sushi, as well as salads, vegetables and even pizza! By far the most popular mayonnaise brand in Japan is Kewpie. There are other mayonnaise brands, such as Kikkoman, but they don't come close to the popularity of Kewpie. Kewpie was also the first mayonnaise produced in Japan!
Where can I get Kewpie?
You can either order the popular sauce online (for example, also on Amazon) or buy it at an Asian supermarket. It's not exactly cheap in Germany (around 6 euros), but in Japan too, Kewpie is rather expensive. You pay about 4 euros for a bottle there too! However, Kewpie has a very long shelf life.
Japanese vs. German mayonnaise
Japanese mayonnaise tastes quite different from the German version! The mayo you get in Germany is a lot heavier and "fuller". Japanese mayo, on the other hand, is much less intense. That's why you should definitely use Japanese mayonnaise, not German mayonnaise, for Japanese recipes. The Japanese product uses a milder vinegar, more egg and less oil than the German version. By the way, if you believe countless online voices, Japanese mayonnaise simply tastes much better than the German version!
Comments
If you invest a bit more in mayo in Germany than you would at a discount store, it also contains more egg yolk and has more flavor. But the “secret” of Japanese mayo is simply the flavor enhancer. You can think about it what you want, but in the end, MSG just makes everything more intense.
Hehe, yeah, if you look at the ingredients list on the back, that's how it is ;D Personally, I'm (Matthias) a fan of German mayo anyway :) As for Ryusei, I don't know :P Best regards Matthias
Tasty, if it's less greasy. I'll try it someday.
Hello Anna, yes, we think so too! You should definitely give it a try. Best regards Ryusei