Question 1

What makes 龟甲桑 different from other soy sauces?

Accepted Answer

龟甲桑 is naturally brewed using the Japanese Honjozo method — the same technique used by Japan’s finest producers. We’re JAS Special Grade certified, use non-GMO Northeast Chinese soybeans, and every bottle is free from artificial preservatives. We also offer three distinct variants, including a zero-additive Pure sauce made with just four ingredients.

Question 2

What’s the difference between naturally brewed and regular soy sauce?

Accepted Answer

Naturally brewed soy sauce (本醸造, Honjozo) is fermented over months using soybeans, wheat, water, and salt with koji culture. This creates deep, complex umami flavour. Many mass-market soy sauces use chemical hydrolysis — an acid-based process that takes days, not months, and produces a flatter flavour profile that often requires additives.

Question 3

What does JAS Special Grade mean?

Accepted Answer

JAS Special Grade (特级) is a certification from the Japan Soy Sauce Technology Center. It indicates the highest quality tier, with amino acid nitrogen content of ≥1.0g/100mL. This is the same standard carried by Japan’s leading soy sauce brands.

Question 4

What are the three variants?

Accepted Answer

All-Purpose (炒菜鲜酱油) — your everyday cooking soy sauce with rich umami and caramel depth. Less Salt (减盐酱油) — reduced sodium with zero caramel colour and zero preservatives. Pure (零添加酱油) — just four ingredients: water, soybeans, wheat, and salt. Nothing else.

Question 5

Which variant should I try first?

Accepted Answer

If you cook frequently and want one versatile bottle, start with All-Purpose. If you’re health-conscious, try Less Salt. If you care deeply about clean ingredients, go straight to Pure. Or get the Discovery Set (3 × 150ml) and try all three.

Question 6

Are the soybeans GMO-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 龟甲桑 uses non-GMO defatted soybeans (非转基因脱脂大豆) from Northeast China.

Question 7

Does 龟甲桑 contain MSG?

Accepted Answer

The All-Purpose variant contains monosodium glutamate as a flavour enhancer. The Less Salt and Pure variants contain zero flavour enhancers — just naturally occurring umami from the brewing process.

Question 8

Is 龟甲桑 gluten-free?

Accepted Answer

No. All variants contain wheat as a core ingredient in the brewing process.

Question 9

Is 龟甲桑 halal?

Accepted Answer

We are currently exploring halal certification. The brewing process does not use alcohol as an ingredient, but we recommend checking with your local halal authority for guidance.

Question 10

What sizes are available?

Accepted Answer

Each variant comes in 150ml (trial/gift size) and 1000ml (family size).

Question 11

Do you ship within Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer delivery across Singapore. Orders are typically delivered within 2–3 business days.

Question 12

Do you ship to Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia?

Accepted Answer

We are expanding to SEA markets soon. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when we launch in your country.

Question 13

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

If your bottle arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours with a photo and we’ll send a replacement.

Question 14

Who is Li Guosheng?

Accepted Answer

Li Guosheng (李国生) is the founder of 龟甲桑. He grew up in Jilin, China, watching his grandfather ferment soybeans. He later studied traditional brewing in Japan’s historic soy sauce regions before returning to create 龟甲桑.

Question 15

What does 龟甲桑 mean?

Accepted Answer

龟甲 (kikkō) refers to the tortoise shell pattern — a symbol of longevity and resilience in Japanese culture. 桑 (san) is inspired by the Japanese honorific, representing respect and warmth. Together, the name reflects craftsmanship that transcends borders.

Question 16

Where is 龟甲桑 made?

Accepted Answer

龟甲桑 is produced in a facility near Jilin, Northeast China, using locally grown soybeans and Japanese brewing techniques. The facility is certified for food safety and exports.

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