東風吹かば

Kochi Fukaba

酒盗 (しゅとう / Shutou)

Bonito entrails

Category
Side dish
Main Ingredient
Seafood

Shutou is a strongly flavored Japanese delicacy made by fermenting bonito entrails with salt and rice malt. While similar to shiokara, it is less salty and has a richer, more complex umami. It is said to be “so good it makes you steal sake.”

When / How to Eat

Often enjoyed with sake, and pairs well with cream cheese for a Western-style twist.

Cultural Background

A specialty of Kochi and the Shikoku region, Shutou’s name reflects its irresistible appeal to sake drinkers.

Cautions

Its saltiness and organ-based flavor may be off-putting to some. Start with a small portion.