TonTon Sauce - Delicious Fusion Of Traditional Japanese Sauces!

In a world where food brands come and go, TonTon® Sauce stands as a rare testament to authenticity, tradition, and craftsmanship. Founded by acclaimed Japanese chef Yoshi Shioda and his wife Toshiko, TonTon® began as a labor of love—each sauce born from decades of experimentation in the Shioda family kitchen. Their recipes, once reserved for close friends and restaurant guests, are now bottled and shared with the world, carrying with them the essence of Japanese culinary heritage. When Yoshi and Toshiko returned to Japan for retirement, the brand remained in the family, passed on to their daughter Mayumi, who further cultivated its reach and reputation. But in 2021, a new chapter began when Sarah and her team took the reins, promising to uphold the family’s unmatched standards and honor the legacy of the Shiodas. Today, Delivery Rank sits down with Sarah to explore how TonTon® continues to thrive—handcrafting each bottle with the same care and intention that sparked its beginnings. 

TonTon Sauce has a rich history rooted in the Shioda family’s culinary expertise. How do you balance maintaining their traditions while also bringing your own vision to the brand? 

The Shioda family’s culinary legacy is the heart of TonTon—it's where everything began. Their commitment to authentic Japanese flavors set a standard we proudly uphold. At the same time, evolving the brand means bringing fresh perspective and creativity to that foundation. We see it not as changing tradition, but as building on it.  It’s a respectful collaboration between past and present, where every new step is guided by the same care and integrity that defined the Shioda family’s recipes.

TonTon sauces are known for their handcrafted quality and premium ingredients. What is the key to ensuring consistency while scaling production for a larger audience? 

Maintaining handcrafted quality at scale starts with a refusal to compromise on ingredients or process. At TonTon, every batch begins with premium, carefully sourced Japanese ingredients—like naturally brewed soy sauce, real ginger, and fresh garlic—which form the backbone of our flavor. As we scale, we’ve invested in small-batch production techniques that replicate our original kitchen methods.  Quality control is also critical: our team rigorously tests each batch to ensure the flavor profile remains true to our roots. Ultimately, it’s about honoring our craft while using smart, intentional processes to bring authentic taste to a wider audience.

With TonTon’s deep Japanese heritage, are there specific regional influences or flavors that have shaped the brand’s signature sauces?

Absolutely. TonTon’s signature sauces are deeply rooted in Japan’s rich culinary heritage, drawing inspiration from specific regional flavors that have long defined Japanese cooking. For example, our use of garlic and soy draws heavily from Kyushu, especially the Fukuoka region, which is known for bold, umami-rich tastes. We also incorporate subtle sweetness and depth often associated with Kansai cuisine, particularly the use of mirin and dashi that balance savory with delicate notes. These regional elements come together in our recipes to create sauces that are both traditional and globally appealing—bold yet versatile and always crafted with authenticity in mind.

You emphasize using the finest and freshest ingredients. Can you share more about your sourcing process and the challenges of maintaining such high standards?  

Sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients is central to everything we do at TonTon. We work closely with trusted suppliers who share our commitment to quality. From cold-pressed sesame oil to freshly grated ginger and hand-picked garlic, every element is chosen for its flavor integrity and traceability. Maintaining these standards takes extra effort, but it’s non-negotiable for us. It's the reason our sauces consistently deliver that bold, clean, and deeply satisfying flavor that defines TonTon.

Are there any exciting new products, collaborations, or markets that you’re looking to explore in the near future? 

Absolutely—we’re always exploring new ways to share the TonTon experience with a broader audience. We’re in early conversations about collaborations with chefs and food creators who align with our values of authenticity.  The goal is to stay true to our roots while continuing to evolve in meaningful, creative ways.

To read more about TonTon Sauce, please visit https://tontonsauce.com/