Ikedaya Taberu Kezuribushi (かつをぶし池田屋 生ハムのような食べる削り節)

The story behind it

Katsuobushi Ikedaya, a katsuobushi and dashi specialist in Wako, Saitama, started selling these shavings after it began setting up at farmers' markets. Dashi ingredients on their own barely sold there, so the shop put out something people could eat without cooking, hoping it would lead them to dashi.

There was an idea to add MSG to keep the price down, but the shop chose not to. At first the product was simply called "Taberu Kezuribushi" (shaved bonito you eat). While offering tastings in person, the staff tried several phrases, and "bonito like prosciutto" drew the strongest reaction. Once that phrase went on the package, people started picking it up from the shelf too.

It won the Grand Prix in the food and drink category of the Omiyage Grand Prix 2020.