Japanese Cat Rice 猫まんまNekomanma

It has been consumed for over a thousand years and was once considered a staple food for poor people during times of war and famine.

In Japan, “cat rice” is often referred to as “Nekomanma.” This dish is a simple rice mixture that is reminiscent of the leftover food given to cats. The name “Nekomanma” comes from the fact that the appearance of the dish resembles the leftover rice that would be given to dogs and cats. Despite its humble origins, “Nekomanma” has become a popular and convenient meal for people to eat. It is considered a taste of the common people in Japan.

What is cat rice

Japanese “cat rice”, also known as Nekomanna, is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. It consists of simple and easily accessible ingredients — white rice and the scraps of bonito flakes. Bonito is a type of fish that is commonly found in Japan, and it is often referred to as “firewood fish” due to its strong flavor.

READ MORE: Bridge to Japan

The name “cat rice” is derived from the fact that cats have a natural affinity for bonito. In the past, Japanese people would feed their cats a mixture of bonito and leftover food, which became known as “cat rice”. However, modern cat owners now know that salt is bad for their pets’ health, and so they avoid using it in their cats’ food.

Although “cat rice” is no longer made for stray cats, the dish has become a popular home-cooked meal in Japan due to the availability of its ingredients. The simplicity and uniqueness of the dish have made it a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine. While cat food and canned products are now commonly used to feed pets, Nekomanna continues to be a comforting and nostalgic dish for many people in Japan.