Smoked, dried and shaved bonito (hanakatsuo) flakes . It is used in many Japanese dishes including miso soup, broth and noodle bowls, simple tofu plates, natto (fermented soybeans), chahan (Japanese fried rice), okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), and salads. Extremely rich in flavor, bonito flakes are also perfect as a simple topping on rice. When added to boiling water, bonito flakes make a superior fish stock or dashi.