[Changing the flavor of hot pot] Hot pot is fun because it changes flavor! A hot pot flavor-changing item that will keep you entertained until the last bite | Stew Mist

Hotpot flavor change items

The delicious season for stews and hotpots has arrived!

So, even though I like spicy food, when I'm eating hot pot, after about the second bowl I feel like changing the flavor!

So, here are some hotpot flavor-changing items that I've come across all over the country and always have on standby in my fridge! Of course, they also go well with stews!

Yuzu pepper

First up is the classic "Yuzu Kosho." I prefer the tube type because I have to use a spoon with the bottled type! It adds a stimulating kick to mild-flavored hotpots like mizutaki and motsunabe, as well as salt and soy sauce.

Yuzu Kosho (Chinese Citrus Pepper) 170g, Made with Select Kyushu Ingredients, Fukuoka, Itoshima | Yuzu Kosho (Chinese Citrus Pepper) Tube Pouch, Green, Spicy Price: 1,000 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of November 6, 2025) Buy at Rakuten

We also have Marutai Ramen Sticks for commercial use, which are very handy!

Marutai Ramen Sticks, 1kg (Commercial Size) - Marutai Ajino Marutai Ramen Sticks (Soupless) - Ramen Sticks, Chinese Noodles, Extra Noodles, Hot Pot, Final Meal, Noodles, Ingredients, Large Capacity, Value Pack Price: 950 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of November 17, 2025) Buy at Rakuten

Kanzuri

I first encountered kanzuri at Moritaki, a famous udon sukiyaki restaurant in Echigo Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture. I often use it in the same dishes as yuzu kosho, but it has a more fermented feel and warms the body.

Kanzuri (large) (70g) Price: 864 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of November 6, 2025) Buy at Rakuten

curry powder

Add curry powder towards the end of the pot and then add the soba or udon noodles. The curry udon, with its rich broth, is irresistible, just like the ones you get at soba restaurants. SB's curry powder is delicious enough, but try the "Indera Curry" from Nile Restaurant in Ginza to take it up a notch!

Nile Shokai Indera Curry Standard 400g Curry Powder, Authentic Price: 2,140 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of November 6, 2025) Buy at Rakuten

[Marathon Limited! Get up to ¥2000 off with this coupon!] S&B Foods S&B Red Can Curry Powder, 400g [S&B Foods] [S&B Spices Specialty S&B Curry Curry Powder, Pure Curry, Commercial Use] Price: 1,648 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of November 6, 2025) Buy at Rakuten

Garlic chili oil

I didn't buy this for hot pot, but the "Green Garlic Chili Oil" goes really well with hot pot. It has a fresh taste that sets it apart from the "edible chili oil" that was popular a while ago. I can't remember where I bought it, but I bought it in a parking lot on the Kan'etsu Expressway, and it's become a permanent member of my refrigerator ever since. It also goes well with cold tofu and fried foods.

Fresh and spicy legendary chili oil, edible garlic green chili oil Price: 600 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of November 6, 2025) Buy at Rakuten

All-purpose ingredient

Adding "All-purpose base" instantly transforms your food into Korean food. It's a reliable, all-purpose flavor-changing item that will add a unique flavor to any pot. It's sold in Koreatowns in Shin-Okubo and Ikuno!

[Marathon Limited-Time Bonus Points!] All-Purpose Seasoning, 100g, Korean Cooking Seasoning for Sundubu, Jjigae, Soup, and Fried Rice. Popular with TV, Magazines, and Auntie Han. Authentic by Bikuni Bussan. Price: 1,098 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of November 6, 2025) Buy at Rakuten

Fresh shichimi pepper

Whether it's miso, soy sauce, or salt, this versatile "Nama Shichimi" from a long-established miso shop in Shinshu is a must-have. It's not just spicy or fragrant, it's also packed with a strong umami flavor. It comes in a paste form that blends easily into soup, so bring it to your hot pot! The stimulating sansho pepper makes this a must-have item!

[Marathon Limited Time Offer: 5x Points] Marusho Brewery Shinshu Miso Shop's Fresh Shichimi Pepper 55g Price: 486 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of November 6, 2025) Buy at Rakuten

chili oil

No matter what you say, commercially available chili oil is versatile. I always have three bottles in stock! The top-notch Ogasawara chili oil is a popular item that you should try at least once!

Extremely popular! Super spicy! Ogasawara's "Yakuzen Shima Chili Oil" is ranked #1! Souvenirs available for mail order. World Heritage Site Ogasawara Yakuzen Shima Chili Oil. The world's spiciest island chili pepper. Delicious handmade organic seasoning. *Due to its popularity, we are currently in full production. [Sample] [For home use] [Edible chili oil] [Chili oil with toppings] Price: 980 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of November 6, 2025) Buy at Rakuten

I will update this post if I come across any good items that will change the flavor of hot pot.