2k 
SAORI Premium Japanese Sauce
location_on Upwey, Melbourne
local_activity classes: Japanese Cooking • Cooking
4.9 (27)
4.9 stars (100+)
Saori Kojima founded her brand of traditional Japanese sauces and seasonings in 2013 in her newly adopted home of Upwey, in Victoria’s leafy Dandenong Ranges.
When Saori first moved to Melbourne from Hokkaido in 2011, she was delighted to discover the incredible array of fresh produce and ingredients available, but found it difficult to find authentic Japanese sauces and condiments that were not overly processed and full of unnecessary additives and flavour enhancers. Having always been accustomed to preparing food from scratch in Japan, she began making traditionally prepared sauces for her own enjoyment.
At first her intention was to simply to recreate the flavours of home to share with her family and friends, but what began as a hobby soon flourished into an award winning business.
Between 2013 and 2019 Saori’s products have won a total of 10 medals at the Australian Food Awards, Melbourne Food Awards and Hobart Fine Food Awards.
Saori’s guiding philosophy is ‘ Quality food; Quality life’ . With a well founded belief that Japanese cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, she has made it her mission to share the benefits of real Japanese cooking with Australian people. ‘I want to share my knowledge of easy, healthy and delicious ways of cooking at home. I want to contribute to a healthier Australia!’
Classes
Reviews
(27)
Paula McNeill • Mar 2024
This was 2nd time that I’ve done the Japanese Vegan Cooking Class with Saori and I could not fault it.
So much to learn and her sauces are out of this world. 10/10 recommended.
Thank you Saori
Teacher's response
Thank you!
Debi Hamilton • Jan 2024
What a wonderful class! Set in a house nestled in the Dandenong ranges, run by a hospitable and knowledgeable teacher, this class offered detailed, practical information and hands-on participation in preparing vegan ramen dishes. A real highlight was sharing the prepared food - and conversation - with fellow students in a dining room overlooking an amazing view across Melbourne.
De-Anne Waters • Jan 2024
This was an amazing class. Saori was a wonderful teacher and the recipes were really delicious!
We learned some great new recipes and will definitely be taking another class with her next time we are in Melbourne. Thank you Saori
Ling Ka Yi • Sep 2023
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Saori is a knowledgable teacher who is passionate about cooking and her sauces. We had good fun learning how to cook various yaki dishes and got to nibble between dishes. There was more than enough food and you could bring home if you brought a box to do so. Just remember to bring your own apron if you'd like one. Also, Saori's home is on top of a hill, so get a Uber/cab from the train station, it is really a walk.
Meenakshi P • Aug 2023
Saori is a great teacher. Her enthusiasm is infectious. The class was relaxed but detailed. The food was delicious and I left feeling confident I could make all the dishes at home. Thank you Saori
Steven Lamattina • Apr 2023
3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews
Saori was lovely and it was such a nice place to learn about Japanese cooking. I loved the variety of dishes and how we all worked together to make them, and it was great to do in a small group. Would definitely recommend!
Danielle Mystek • Mar 2023
Great experience, enjoyed the class, easy heathy dishes learnt to make. Teacher Saori was very knowledgeable, kind, explained everything clearly and funny. Supporting local businesses will be going back for more classes and buy great local products.
Over all good positive experience A+
Cheng Yeo • Oct 2022
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Saori was great, so knowledgeable and so many great ideas during the lesson. Recipes were simple and easy to do, even my 14 year old could manage the recipes.
And what a feast at the end!
Finley Tobin • Jul 2022
Saori is such an amazing teacher and the food we cooked was simple and delicious. Highly recommended, especially the Karaage Shimeji mushrooms
Mariane Silva • Apr 2022
Saori is a loving, fun and very acknowledgeable teacher, my boyfriend and I really enjoyed our class! It was amazing to learn cooking tips and recipes from her, not only she taught us the steps, but we got to help her cooking, chatted a lot and she brought heaps of curiosities and important information that you don't come across easily. Plus we ate so much and so well! Thanks a lot Saori, I definitely recommend your class!
