Finding Hon Mirin: A Guide to Buying the Real Thing

Hon mirin, also known as real mirin, is a type of Japanese sweet cooking wine that is made from glutinous rice fermentation with rice malt (koji) and shochu. It is a staple condiment in many Japanese households and is often used in various recipes such as teriyaki sauce, nimono, soba noodle soup, and yakitori. However, finding hon mirin can be challenging, especially for those living overseas.

One way to buy hon mirin is to look for it in specialty liquor stores or online stores that sell Japanese ingredients. These stores usually carry a variety of mirin products, including hon mirin, which has a higher alcohol content percentage than aji-mirin. You can also find hon mirin in some international grocery stores or Asian grocery stores that carry Japanese ingredients.

Another option is to check the condiment and spice aisle of your local grocery store. Some grocery stores may carry mirin near soy sauce or other liquid condiments, while others may have it near rice vinegar since mirin is a sweet rice cooking wine. If you're still having trouble finding hon mirin, you can try searching online for specialty food stores that sell Japanese ingredients.

It's worth noting that there are different types of mirin available in the market, including aji-mirin which is cheaper and easier to find. Aji-mirin has added sugar and a lower alcohol content percentage than hon mirin. While it may not have the same quality and taste as hon mirin, it can still be used as a substitute in many recipes.

In Japan, finding hon mirin is relatively easy as most grocery stores carry it. However, for those living overseas, it may take some effort to find this condiment. With its unique sweet and savory flavor, hon mirin is an essential ingredient in many Japanese dishes, so it's worth the search.