fbpx
OPPORTUNITIES

The 2026 Inspired By Kikkoman Chef Competition


Push Flavor Boundaries with Chicken!

Win a Trip to Japan.

The Inspired by Kikkoman Chef Competition is back—with a new challenge.

This year, we’re inviting chefs and culinary professionals across the U.S. to create an original chicken dish that showcases the bold umami flavor and versatility of Kikkoman foodservice products.

Chicken continues to lead menu innovation nationwide, and Kikkoman gives you the tools to take it further. From traditionally brewed soy sauces to craveable sauces, coatings, and flavor foundations, we want to see how you transform a familiar protein into something unforgettable.

Show us how you elevate chicken with Kikkoman—and you could be headed to Japan.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Grand Prize:
A culinary trip for two to Japan, including:

  • Roundtrip airfare
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Curated culinary itinerary
  • Exclusive tour of the Kikkoman Noda Plant and Soy Sauce Museum

Two Runner Ups:
$2,000 cash prize each

Fan Favorite Prize:
$1,000 cash prize, selected by public vote

Aerial view of Tokyo cityscape with Fuji mountain in Japan.
Enter Now!

HOW TO ENTER:

STEP 1: Register to Compete: Chose one category to compete in – Soy Sauces or Flavor Foundations. Then complete the entry form by June 3 with your information and a short description of your recipe concept.

  • Soy Sauces:
    • Soy Sauce
    • Less Sodium Soy Sauce
    • Tamari Soy Sauce
    • Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce
    • Less Sodium Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce
  • Flavor Foundations:
    • Gluten Free Panko
    • Rice Vinegar
    • 50% Gluten Free Low Sodium Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce
    • Orange Sauce
    • Tempura Batter Mix

STEP 2: Submit Your Entry: Selected participants will be notified by June 19 and will receive complimentary product
samples from their chosen category.

Final submissions are due by July 15 (11:59 PM PST) and must include:

  • One high-res photo of your dish
  • A written recipe (template provided)

Note: Only 3 selected products will be provided as a sample for chosen participants. Additional ingredients or products must be sourced independently.

[Disclaimer] *Product Availability Notice: All promotional items and “free gifts” are subject to stock availability. Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. makes no guarantees regarding the fulfillment of any free gift. We reserve the right to modify, cancel, or limit the promotion at any time without prior notice. If a gift becomes unavailable, Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. is under no obligation to provide a replacement item or monetary compensation.

Want extra visibility? Share your dish on Instagram using @chefsroll + @kikkomanfs and use #InspiredByKikkomanCompetition.

STEP 3 : Finalist Selection: A panel of expert judges will select three finalists across the categories.

Finalists’ dishes will be recreated in the Chef’s Roll Studio Kitchen and featured on Chef’s Roll social channels for Fan Favorite voting

STEP 4: Winners Announced: On October 1 (National Soy Sauce Day), we’ll announce the Grand Prize winner, the Runner UPs, and the Fan Favorite.

Click here for full rules.

WHY KIKKOMAN FOR FOODSERVICE?

Not all soy sauces are created equal. Kikkoman is traditionally brewed and aged from just four ingredients—water, soybeans, wheat, and salt—to deliver deep, balanced umami flavor that enhances everything from global cuisine to modern American menus.

Beyond soy sauce, Kikkoman’s foodservice lineup includes:

  • Teriyaki sauces
  • Glazes
  • Breadings and coatings
  • Finishing sauces
  • Menu-ready flavor solutions

With gluten-free, non-GMO, and reduced-sodium options, Kikkoman helps chefs meet evolving diner expectations while streamlining kitchen execution.

Put America’s #1 soy sauce to work in your kitchen—and unlock the power of umami.*

*Based on U.S. sales data, 52 weeks ending 3/21/26

Ready to put your culinary creativity to the test? Register to compete and show us how Kikkoman can elevate your signature dishes!

NEED INSPIRATION?

Explore chef-driven recipes, product ideas, and technique videos at KikkomanUSA.com/Foodservice.

Or check out last year’s winning dishes:

Ready to compete? Register now and show us how you push flavor boundaries with Kikkoman.

REGISTRATION HERE:

Terms and conditions apply. The full contest rules can be found here.

Images courtesy Chef’s Roll and Kikkoman.

Copyright 2026 Chef's Roll Inc.