By Candace Santiago
You’re probably staring at the price tag for this two-pack, wondering if soy sauce is really something you should be spending extra on. I get it. For years, my soy sauce came from a giant plastic bottle that lived next to the stove. It was fine. It did the job. Then I tried this.
Momofuku’s Soy Sauce and Tamari duo changed my perspective on what this basic ingredient can be. This isn’t a story, it’s a breakdown. Here’s what you’re actually getting into.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, this page earns from qualifying purchases. If a purchase is made through these links, a small commission may be earned at no extra cost. Ingredients and products featured here are selected because they complement the recipe or dish highlighted in the post.
What You Notice First: The Practical Stuff
You get two 8-ounce glass bottles. They look nice on the counter. The big thing to know upfront? A few people online have mentioned the caps can crack in transit, which is frustrating. The company seems to fix it if it happens, but it’s a real point of annoyance for a product at this price. Handle the box with a bit of care.
Now, let’s talk about the real reason you’re here: what’s in the bottles.
The Flavor: It’s Not Just Salty Water
This is the core of it. If your current soy sauce tastes one-note—just salty and dark—this will be a surprise.
- The Soy Sauce: Forget what you know. This is lighter in color and has a subtle, clean sweetness. The magic is the kombu (seaweed) they brew it with. It adds a deep, savory punch (that’s the umami) that makes your food taste more like itself, but better. One reviewer put it perfectly: they stopped cooking with it and now only use it for dipping or drizzling at the end, just to savor the taste.
- The Tamari: This is the gluten-free one. If you or someone you cook for avoids gluten, this is a fantastic option. It’s richer and smoother than a lot of other tamaris out there, without that harsh aftertaste some have. It’s brilliant for marinating tofu, glazing salmon, or anywhere you want a big flavor without the wheat.
How You’d Actually Use It (And How You Wouldn’t)
This is critical for the value question. You will not be pouring half a cup of this into a big stir-fry. That’s what your cheaper, everyday bottle is for.
Think of these like a good finishing oil or flaky salt. You use them to elevate, not to build.
- Do: Drizzle the soy sauce over avocado toast or a soft-boiled egg. Mix the tamari with a little maple syrup and ginger for a quick salmon glaze. Use a tiny splash of either to finish a soup or a pan sauce. They are your secret weapons for weeknight dinners that feel a bit special.
- Don’t: Expect the 8-ounce bottles to last through months of heavy, daily family cooking. They won’t. That’s not their purpose.
So, Who’s This Really For?
Be honest with yourself about your cooking style.
You might want to skip this if:
You use soy sauce primarily in large quantities for meal prep, you’re perfectly happy with your current Kikkoman or equivalent, or the idea of a “finishing soy sauce” seems unnecessary.
This is probably for you if:
- You geek out over ingredients and notice subtle flavor differences.
- You make a lot of ramen, rice bowls, or sushi at home and want that restaurant-quality depth.
- You need a reliable, high-end gluten-free tamari in your pantry.
- You see cooking as a creative outlet and a few drops of something amazing can make your whole day better.
The Straightforward Verdict
Is it worth it? It completely depends on what “worth it” means to you.
On one hand: It’s expensive for the amount you get. The bottle size is small, and there are occasional packaging hiccups.
On the other hand: The flavor is noticeably, tangibly different and better. It makes simple food taste exceptional. For the right person, the cost per flavor impact is justified.
You’re not just buying soy sauce. You’re buying a concentrated flavor tool designed by chefs who are obsessed with taste. It won’t replace your grocery store bottle, but it will sit next to it for those moments when you want to turn dinner from “just fine” into “wow, what did you put in this?”
If that sounds like your kind of kitchen upgrade, you can check out the details for yourself.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, this page earns from qualifying purchases. If a purchase is made through these links, a small commission may be earned at no extra cost. Ingredients and products featured here are selected because they complement the recipe or dish highlighted in the post.
