MUJI "Smaller Gohan" series - Comparison

The "Smaller Gohan" series is sold at MUJI stores (except some stores). These freeze-dried porridge and risotto dishes are convenient for "when you just want a quick meal.

The six types of rice dishes we will compare this time are "Tomato Risotto with Spinach and Fried Eggplant," "Ume Zosui with Scallops and Wakame," "Chicken Mizutaki Nabe-style Zosui," "Ishikari Nabe-style Zosui with Salmon and Cabbage," "Mushroom Cheese Risotto," and "Egg Zosui with Shirasu and Seaweed. Each is priced at 190 yen (tax included). All are made with domestic rice.


The recipe is simple. Put the contents into a bowl or mug and pour boiling water (the amount of hot water depends on the type). Stir well, and voila!

Tomato Risotto with Spinach and Fried Eggplant

Tomato Risotto with Spinach and Fried Eggplant" is a flavorful dish with the richness of fried eggplant and the acidity of tomatoes. Each serving contains 79 kcal.


The good aroma of tomatoes that stimulates the appetite is softly fragrant. It is filled with plenty of vegetables, making it a satisfying meal. The soft and fluffy texture makes it easy to eat. It would be delicious with additional melted cheese.

Scallops and Wakame Plum Porridge

The "Ume Porridge with Scallops and Wakame" is a richly flavored combination of scallops, plums, and bonito dashi (bonito soup stock). Each serving contains 58 kcal.


The refreshing flavor of ume plum and the subtle aroma of shiso (Perilla frutescens) give the dish a consistent taste. The savory taste of brown rice adds a nice accent. When you bite into a fluffy scallop, the flavor spreads out in a delicious way!

Chicken Mizutaki Nabe Style Porridge

Chicken Mizutaki Nabe-style Porridge" is made with the rich flavor of chicken and the sweetness of vegetables such as Chinese cabbage in a Mizutaki style. Each serving contains 78 kcal.


The sweetness of the vegetables matches the richness of the chicken. Compared to other dishes, the seasoning seemed a little stronger. The crunchy texture of the vegetables (leafy greens) was very nice, and went well with the rice, which had absorbed a lot of flavor. A little bit of yuzu kosho (Japanese citrus pepper) may be added as an accent.

Ishikari nabe-style porridge with salmon and cabbage

Ishikari nabe style porridge with salmon and cabbage, finished with the richness and flavor of rice miso and sake lees. Each serving contains 66 kcal.


This dish is a hearty and satisfying meal with the richness and flavor of rice miso and sake lees. The seasoning is a little strong. After swallowing, the flavors of miso and sake lees gradually spread in your mouth. It is a perfect finish to your alcoholic beverage.

Mushroom Cheese Risotto

Mushroom Cheese Risotto is richly flavored with aromatic Gouda and Gorgonzola cheese. The calorie count is 86 kcal per serving.


As soon as the package is opened, the rich aroma of cheese spreads out. I thought it would be mild and rich, but the cheese flavor might be weaker than expected...? Personally, I would be happy if it were a little richer. The presence of the mushrooms in the dish is a nice touch.


I added a piece of melted cheese to the risotto to see if it was enough, and it was the right choice! It adds smoothness and saltiness, and the cheese risotto is thick and rich. It is worth the extra calories, but it's worth a try!

Shirasu and Nori Egg Porridge

The umami of bonito and the aroma of nori (seaweed) linger in the gentle flavor of "Shirasu to Nori no Tamago Zosui" (Porridge with Shirasu and Nori Eggs). Each serving contains only 69 kcal.


This dish has a strong flavor of nori (seaweed). It has a slightly gentle flavor, and the texture and aroma of the sesame seeds add a nice accent. It is easy to eat and has no harshness, so it is a good choice when you have a poor appetite.

Convenient to stock up on

In addition to the great taste, all of the dishes are ready in a minute by pouring hot water, and each has less than 100 kcal per serving. Incidentally, the author recommends the "Ume Zosui with Scallops and Wakame seaweed"! The refreshing flavor of ume matched with the savory taste of brown rice is just as delicious as you would expect.

MUJI's small rice series is convenient to keep in your bag or desk drawer when you don't have the energy to cook for yourself or when you are feeling a little hungry. Some flavors are sold in sets of 15 for bulk purchases. Give them a try!