本ほんわさび

Meanings

real wasabi; true Japanese wasabi

Refers to genuine wasabi (Wasabia japonica), as opposed to the more common horseradish-based substitute often labeled 'wasabi' in the West. Used especially in culinary contexts to emphasize authenticity.

Kanji

本book, present, main
山mountain
葵hollyhock

Related words

西せい洋ようわさび
Western horseradish, often used as a cheaper substitute for real wasabi. 本わさび specifically contrasts with this.
わさび
General term for wasabi, which can refer to either the real plant or horseradish-based paste. 本わさび unambiguously means the genuine article.

Written forms

本ほんわさび
Standard mixed kanji-kana spelling; clearly distinguishes real wasabi from Western horseradish.
本ほんワサビ
Katakana variant sometimes seen on menus or packaging for emphasis.
本ほん山葵わさび
Full kanji spelling; less common in everyday use.

Etymology

Compound of 本 (hon, 'true' or 'real') and わさび (wasabi, the Japanese horseradish plant). The prefix 本- is commonly used to distinguish genuine native varieties from foreign or substitute versions.