Behind every rare ingredient, a farmer you’re supporting.
When a Michelin-level chef colleague returned from holiday in Japan and posted a photo of the culinary “souvenirs” he’d collected, a light bulb went off for Ayako Yuki. A native of Japan’s countryside and a passionate home cook, Ayako realized chefs around the world—and curious home cooks—wanted access to the new and rare Japanese ingredients she missed in the U.S. In that moment, The House of Umami was born: to share Japan’s hidden flavors with the world and to support farmers struggling to survive in an aging, at-risk population.
Ayako and her husband, Nobu, began traveling from high mountain villages to remote coastal towns to curate a one-of-a-kind ingredient collection rarely available outside Japan. Because Ayako works directly with producers, she’s able to pay them more. Every purchase helps sustain these artisans and the traditions they carry—living pieces of Japan’s cultural heritage.
In Japan, a “Mikawaya” knocks at the kitchen’s back door to source what the chef needs. Ayako and The House of Umami embrace that spirit—bringing you innovative, hard-to-find ingredients while keeping small producers thriving. Whether you’re running a tasting menu or cooking at home, we can’t wait to see what you create.
Meshiagare.
Our Promise
One of a Kind
Heirloom Ingredients
Sustaining Farmers
Mikawaya Sourcing — For Professional Kitchens
One of a Kind
We often hear “This is astounding” and “Wow” in chef tastings. Our ingredients are unlike anything most have tried—and for the few you may recognize, our quality is on another level. We’re thrilled to share this chef-trusted collection for both professional kitchens and home discovery.
Heirloom Ingredients
Many partner families trace fifteen generations or more. Time—sometimes slower than “slow food”—unlocks depth. That patience is the secret behind these remarkable flavors.
Sustaining farmers
Japan faces a demographic crisis; with fewer hands to carry on the work, farms and crafts risk disappearing. Because we buy direct, more of your purchase reaches small producers—supporting families, preserving skills, and funding the next generation.
Mikawaya Sourcing — For Professional Kitchens
We honor Japan’s mikawaya tradition: we listen to chefs’ requests and hunt down hard-to-find, small-batch ingredients—yes, even the extremely rare. When it’s feasible and responsible, we’ll take on the challenge. Home cooks shop retail; pros get trade pricing, case sizes, and custom sourcing.