Kawanaka Smoked Soy Sauce is a premium Japanese finishing shoyu (soy sauce) made by the family-owned Kawanaka Shoyu in Hiroshima Prefecture. Importantly, this sauce isn’t simply smoked soy sauce; it has been “seasoned” with smoked bonito, creating a complex, umami-forward condiment.

Kawanaka starts with naturally brewed koikuchi (dark) shoyu and infuses it with thick-cut katsuobushi (bonito flakes) that have been smoked over cherry wood. This creates a deep smoky flavour that doesn’t overpower the character of the soy sauce. The sauce is then sweetened with mirin and finished with kombu.

This is perfect for finishing dishes across a range of cuisines, pairing beautifully with grilled beef, sashimi, sushi, and donburi. We have been loving it as a marinade for soft-boiled eggs, as well as in dressings for avocado, tomato, and mushrooms. This is likely the secret ingredient you’ve been searching for.