Our Story

Notoko started in our family kitchen, crafted by Chef Chris Notaro, an Italian chef blending his culinary roots with Japanese-inspired flavors. After training at the Florence Culinary Institute and returning home, Chris began experimenting in the kitchen, aiming to create a sauce that would complement his seared sesame tuna dish.

He envisioned something that captured the essence of soy sauce and teriyaki, but with a lighter, more balanced finish. The result was a smoky, sweet, and savory blend of sesame, soy, fresh lime and lemon juice, Italian olive oil, honey, and ginger, made with all natural ingredients.

The turning point came during a seafood night in Long Beach Island, NJ, where family and friends gathered around the table. Guests couldn’t stop raving about the sauce, some even dipped their Italian bread in it, savoring every drop. That’s when Chris’s father said, “You’ve got something special. You need to bottle this.”

From that moment, Notoko became more than a family favorite. Today, it’s made with the same care and intention as in our home, with less sodium than leading soy sauce and teriyaki brands. Notoko complements dishes with a touch of richness, not the overpowering saltiness of traditional sauces. Versatile and easy to use, it’s perfect for grilling, marinating, dipping, or drizzling, bringing a bold, comforting flavor to every dish.