Furikake, a Japanese seasoning blend

Furikake is becoming a favorite on restaurant menus as chefs tap into its umami-rich ingredients to enhance a range of dishes from seafood to fries.

Packed with seaweed, sesame seeds, and dried fish, this Japanese seasoning blend has a savory taste and slightly crunchy texture. Its use appeals to diners interested in global flavors. In the United States, awareness of furikake is highest among Asian consumers.

With demand for Japanese and other Asian cuisines on the rise, furikake and other condiments allow restaurateurs to embellish menu items in an appealing way with minimal cost or operational complexity.

Furikake has grown 36% on restaurant menus over the past four years, and market research firm Datassential’s Menucast prediction tool forecasts the spice blend will grow by 52% on menus over the next four.

Click through the above gallery to learn more about furikake and see how one small restaurant chain in California and Florida is using it on the menu.