Push Flavor Boundaries.
Win a Trip to Japan.
Think you’ve got the chops? We’re calling on chefs and culinary professionals across the U.S. to create a menu masterpiece that showcases the bold umami flavor and versatility of Kikkoman’s foodservice products. From soy sauce and teriyaki to glazes and finishing sauces—this is your moment to flex your creativity and flavor mastery.
Show us what you can do with Kikkoman, and you could be on your way to Japan.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Grand Prize: A culinary trip for two to Japan – includes airfare, hotel, and a curated itinerary, including a tour of the Kikkoman Noda Plant and Soy Sauce Museum
Two Runner-Up Prizes: $2,000 each
Fan Favorite Prize: $1,000, selected by public vote
HOW TO ENTER:
STEP 1: Register to Compete: Fill out the form below by June 22 with your info and a quick description of your recipe idea. Pick one of these three categories to enter:
- Soy Sauces
- Teriyaki Sauces
- Finishing Sauces
See qualifying products below.
STEP 2: Submit Your Entry: If selected to compete, you’ll be notified by July 7 and receive complimentary samples of products from the category you selected. Final recipe submissions are due by July 27 (11:59 PM PST) and must include:
- One high-res photo of your dish
- A written recipe (we’ll send you a simple template)
Note: Only products from one category will be shipped, if you choose to use multiple products and/or submit recipes outside of your original category, you will be responsible for sourcing those additional products on your own. See qualifying products below.*
Want extra flavor points? You will be able to share your dish on Instagram! Don’t forget to tag @chefsroll and @kikkomanfs and use #InspiredByKikkomanCompetition.
STEP 3 : Stay Tuned for the Finals: A panel of expert judges will choose the top recipe in each category. Finalists’ dishes will be recreated in the Chefs Roll Studio Kitchen and shared on Chef’s Roll’s social media profiles for Fan Favorite voting.
STEP 4: Winners Announced: On October 1 (National Soy Sauce Day), we’ll announce the Grand Prize winner, two Runner-Ups, and the Fan Favorite.
*Eligible Kikkoman Products Include:
- Soy Sauces: Soy Sauce, Less Sodium Soy Sauce, GF Soy Sauce, Tamari Soy Sauce, GF Tamari Soy Sauce, Less Sodium GF Tamari Soy Sauce,
- Teriyaki Sauces: Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce, LS GF Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce, Teriyaki Glaze, LS Teriyaki Glaze, Teriyaki Baste & Glaze with Honey & Pineapple
- Finishing Sauces: GF Hoisin Sauce, GF Orange Sauce, Sushi Sauce, GF Thai Chili Sauce
WHY KIKKOMAN FOR FOODSERVICE?
Not all soy sauces are created equal. Kikkoman is traditionally brewed and aged to deliver deep, complex umami flavor—crafted from just water, soybeans, wheat, and salt. That signature mellow richness enhances everything from Asian fare to modern American menus.
Beyond soy sauce, Kikkoman’s foodservice lineup includes bold, crave-worthy options like teriyaki sauces, glazes, breadings, coatings, and finishing sauces—all designed to streamline kitchen operations without compromising on flavor.
With gluten-free, non-GMO, and reduced sodium varieties, Kikkoman helps meet the needs of today’s diners—and keeps your menu ahead of the curve.
Put America’s #1 Soy Sauce to work in your kitchen and unlock the secret to umami-packed flavor.*
*Based on U.S. sales data, 52 weeks ending 4/19/25
Ready to put your culinary creativity to the test? Register to compete and show us how Kikkoman can elevate your signature dishes!
NEED INSPIRATION?
Looking for a little inspiration? Visit KikkomanUSA.com/Foodservice for product details, chef-driven recipes, and videos that showcase how culinary pros across the country are pushing flavor boundaries with soy sauce, teriyaki, glazes, and more. Check out our three winning recipes from last year’s competition for inspiration!
- Chef Brian Redzikowski’s Wild King Salmon “Rice Bowl”
- Chef Nathaniel Malone’s Miso Cured Smoked Pork Jowl with Sticky Soy and Choy Sum
- Chef Evan Gonzalez’s Mi Quang (Vietnamese Turmeric Chicken Noodle Soup)
REGISTER NOW:
Fill out the form below to register for your chance to compete in the 2025 INSPIRED BY KIKKOMAN Chef Competition.
Terms and conditions apply. The full contest rules can be found here.
Images courtesy Chef’s Roll and Kikkoman.
