Ask about dashi in Japanese

Dashi can contain fish or plant ingredients. Use this free Japanese-English card to ask whether a dish contains animal-based broth or dashi.

1 Show before ordering

Before the food is made.

2 Let staff check and respond

Give staff time to confirm and point to a reply.

3 Follow the staff’s reply

Choose a suitable menu item—or another dish or place if they can’t confirm.

INGREDIENT CHECK

この料理に下記のものは
入っていますか？

確認したいもの Items to check

動物性のだし Animal-based dashi

お店の方へ For staff

該当するものを指さしてください Please point to one.

入っています CONTAINS

入っていません DOES NOT CONTAIN

確認します CHECK

What it says

Does this contain animal-based broth or dashi?

Use with care

This card helps you communicate your food needs, but staff still need to confirm ingredients and preparation.

Important note

These cards help you communicate your food needs, but they do not guarantee food safety. Staff still need to confirm ingredients and preparation. If you have a severe allergy, please confirm carefully before eating.

このカードは食事制限やアレルギーを伝えるための補助です。アレルゲンの完全除去や食品の安全性を保証するものではありません。食材や調理方法については、必ずお店の方にも確認してください。

Is dashi vegetarian or vegan?

Some dashi is plant-based and some contains fish. Kombu (kelp) and dried shiitake mushrooms can be used for plant-based stock; bonito flakes and dried fish are also used to make dashi. Ingredients may be combined, so ask what is in the stock used for your dish.

The word “dashi” alone does not tell you whether it fits your diet. This card asks about animal-based dashi or broth; it does not confirm the ingredients for you.

How do I ask about dashi in Japanese?

Show the card above and point to the dish you are considering. For a specific question about fish or meat ingredients, you can also show this sentence:

このだしには魚や肉の成分が入っていますか？

Does this dashi contain any fish or meat ingredients?

Ask before ordering so staff have time to check the recipe or a prepared stock's ingredients.

What should I do after asking?

Let staff check and point to a reply on the card. If the stock contains something you avoid, ask about another dish. If staff cannot confirm, choose another dish or place. A reply about dashi covers that question only; other ingredients may need a separate check.

For a wider request, use the vegetarian card or vegan card. The food card guide explains how to show your needs and wait for a clear answer.

Further reading: MAFF — Washoku: dashi ingredients (PDF)

Create your own card

Choose your food needs and specific ingredients to create a clear card restaurant staff can understand and respond to.

Create my card

Back to sample cards