Chef’s Tasting Box — 6 Chef-Approved Essentials
Discover Japan’s ingredient craft at home.
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What’s inside?
Six Japanese umami ingredients chefs keep asking for after our kitchen tastings.
This edition introduces Bafun Uni Salt and Smoked Tamari Soy Sauce.
Umami Dashi Pack Tomato
(0.25 oz / 7g x 5 packs)
Chefs' favorite vegan dashi made with soprano tomatoes, onions, basil, and oregano. Steep the packet for broth, or tear open the packet and sprinkle for seasoning.
Bafun Uni Salt
(0.35 oz / 10 g)
Made with an extract collected during the production of shio uni, Japan's prized salted sea urchin roe. Deep brininess, subtle sweetness, and a lingering ocean aroma.
Smoked Tamari Soy Sauce
(2.4 fl oz / 70 ml)
From a small-batch producer in Gunma. Brewed from soybeans and salt, then finished with smoke from sakura (cherry) wood for a rich, deeply savory flavor.
Yuzu Kosho Paste
(3.2 oz / 90g)
A fermented paste of aromatic green yuzu zest, fiery green chili, and kettle-cooked sea salt from the mineral-rich coast of Yamaguchi.
Rinkosan Black Vinegar
(5.1 fl oz / 150 ml)
Brewed from brown rice in Gifu, Japan, this black vinegar brings gentle acidity and subtle rice sweetness to dressings, dipping sauces, and grilled dishes.
Koji Sauce
(6.3 oz / 180 g) *one variety included: Shio, Soy, or Sweet.
Made from rice koji, these sauces bring savory depth and versatility to everyday cooking.
Koji Variant: Shio / Sweet / Soy (one included)
Due to small-batch production, each box includes one 180 g koji sauce: Shio, Soy, or Sweet:
Shio, Soy, or Sweet.
The variety depends on the production lot and availability.
If you prefer a specific variety, please add a note in your cart. We'll do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability.
Soy Koji Sauce contains soybeans and wheat. If you have food allergies, please contact us before ordering, as we cannot guarantee a specific variety.
Furoshiki Gift Wrapping
Every set comes in a House of Umami presentation box at no additional charge.
For an extra touch, choose optional furoshiki wrapping in one of four patterns.
About The House of Umami
Welcome! I’m Ayako Yuki, the Umami Curator and Founder of The House of Umami. Our mission is simple: to bring rare, extraordinary Japanese ingredients to culinary explorers in the U.S. — while supporting the small farmers and artisans behind them. Many of these makers are at risk of disappearing due to an aging population with no one to carry on their craft. By purchasing this Chef's Tasting Box, you’re not only tasting umami at its purest. You’re helping preserve centuries-old techniques, deep-rooted traditions, the very source of incredible umami flavors. Thank you for being part of this movement.