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Kombu is less well known than nori, so it is worth knowing exactly where to look rather than hunting the whole world food aisle.
Which aisle is kombu in?
Kombu is in the world food aisle of larger UK supermarkets, in the Japanese section near the nori and dashi ingredients. Smaller branches rarely stock it.
Where to look, supermarket by supermarket
- World food aisle, Japanese section. Dried, packaged flat, near nori and bonito flakes.
- Not stocked at all. Many mainstream branches do not carry it.
If the world food aisle has nothing, a Japanese grocer or an online order is the next step.
Where kombu is in Waitrose
Larger Waitrose branches with a fuller Japanese range sometimes stock dried kombu alongside nori. Many branches do not carry it, so check the app first.
How to find the exact aisle in your store
Search the product on the supermarket app before travelling, since this ingredient is more hit and miss than most.
Kombu vs nori
| Seaweed | Form | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Kombu | Thick, dried strips | Dashi and stocks |
| Nori | Thin, pressed sheets | Wrapping sushi |
What to ask a member of staff
Say kombu and mention it is a dried Japanese kelp used for stock, since it is less familiar than nori to most staff.
Asian supermarkets
A Japanese grocer is the most reliable source, usually stocking a few different grades and package sizes.
Buying kombu online
Given the patchy in store stock, buying online from a Japanese grocer is often the simplest option.
Storing it
Keep it sealed in a cool, dry cupboard, where it lasts for a long time before use.
Frequently asked questions
Do all supermarkets sell kombu?
No, it is one of the less consistently stocked Japanese ingredients, so a larger branch or a Japanese grocer is the safer bet.
Can I use nori instead of kombu?
Not really. Nori is much thinner and behaves differently in a stock, so it will not give the same base flavour as kombu.
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- Dried kombu. For dashi and stocks.
