FAQs

All your Umami related questions, in one place.

AZABU FOODS

What is Azabu Foods?

Azabu Foods brings bold, authentic Japanese umami to the world. We craft our products in Japan using high-quality ingredients from boutique producers, ensuring deep, layered flavors in every bite. Our signature product, Umami Everything, is designed to add rich, savory depth to every dish.

What does 'Azabu' mean?

Azabu is the area where our founder first moved to in Japan and developed both Umami Everything recipes. It’s where he found inspiration for bold, Japanese flavors and where the journey of Azabu Foods truly began.

How does Azabu Foods source its ingredients?

The Azabu team not only focuses on taste, texture, and aroma but also on supporting artisans and farmers throughout Japan. We work closely with small-batch producers who share their incredible craftsmanship and traditions with us. We look forward to showcasing their amazing stories on our social channels soon.

UMAMI EVERYTHING

What is Umami?

Umami is the deep, savory taste that makes food irresistible. Think of the richness of miso soup, the depth of soy sauce, or the satisfying bite of aged cheese—that’s umami! Azabu Foods' Umami Everything is designed to bring that incredible flavor to everything you eat.

How do you use Umami Everything?

Spoon Umami Everything straight onto noodles, rice, dumplings, or pizza. Mix it into dressings, marinades, or sauces. Dip, drizzle, and spread—it’s called Umami Everything for a reason! You can also use it as a crust on your favorite protein—bake or broil for an extra crispy umami crunch.

What’s the difference between the Mild and Bold & Spicy versions?

The original Umami Everything is deep, smoky, and rich, packed with crispy Negi (Japanese leek) and garlic. Bold & Spicy brings extra heat with Japanese chili peppers and sansho, giving it a unique, electrifying tingle.

Is Umami Everything gluten-free and plant-based?

Yes! Umami Everything is 100% plant-based, gluten-free, and made with all-natural, high-quality Japanese ingredients. Plus, it’s 100% made in Japan.

Does Umami Everything need to be refrigerated?

Yes, once opened, keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor.

Can Umami Everything be used as a marinade?

Yes! Its deep, layered flavors make it perfect for marinating tofu, vegetables, or even your favorite plant-based proteins.

What’s the difference between the Mild and Bold & Spicy versions?

The original Umami Everything is deep, smoky, and rich, packed with crispy Negi (Japanese leek) and garlic. Bold & Spicy brings extra heat with Japanese chili peppers and sansho, giving it a unique, electrifying tingle.

UMAMI GYOZA

What is Gyoza?

Gyoza are Japanese dumplings with a rich history, inspired by Chinese jiaozi but adapted with thinner wrappers and a crispier texture. Traditionally filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and proteins, they are pan-fried, steamed, or air-fried to create a perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness. Over time, gyoza have become a beloved staple of Japanese cuisine, enjoyed at ramen shops, izakayas, and home kitchens alike.**

Is Umami Gyoza gluten-free?

At this time, Umami Gyoza is not gluten-free, but we plan to launch a 100% gluten-free version soon!

INGREDIENTS

What is Sansho?

Sansho is a Japanese citrus-pepper spice, a cousin of Sichuan peppercorn. It adds a unique, slightly numbing tingle that makes our Bold & Spicy Umami Everything stand out.

What makes Azabu Foods' ingredients special?

We source our ingredients from small-batch producers across Japan—like tamari aged in smoky barrels and hand-crafted miso. We’re not just making condiments; we’re telling the stories of the artisans behind them. Umami Everything is the result of this dedication to authentic Japanese flavors.

What is Tamari?

Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce with a richer, deeper umami flavor and little to no wheat, making it naturally gluten-free.

What is Miso?

Miso is a fermented soybean paste packed with umami. It’s used in soups, marinades, and sauces, giving dishes a deep, savory richness.

What is Mirin?

Mirin is a sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking. It adds depth and a subtle sweetness to dishes, balancing the salty and umami flavors.

WHERE TO BUY & MORE

Where can I buy Azabu Foods' Umami Everything?

Right now, you can find Umami Everything in select specialty stores in Los Angeles. We’re expanding soon, so stay tuned!

Can I cook with Umami Everything?

Absolutely! Stir Umami Everything into soups, brush it onto roasted veggies, or mix it into a dipping sauce. It’s a flavor boost for just about anything. You can also use Umami Everything as a crust on your favorite protein and bake or broil for an extra crispy umami crunch.

Does Azabu Foods offer recipes?

We're going to be launching a recipe section and videos soon. Check out our website and social channels for recipes, cooking tips, and creative ways to use Umami Everything.

Have more questions?

Reach out to us—we love talking about Umami Everything
almost as much as we love eating it!

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