9 Best Soy Sauces in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
For Filipino households, no pantry is complete without the ubiquitous soy sauce. It is a staple ingredient right next to patis and suka. It is definitely accessible; you can get it from most groceries or your local sari-sari stores. This versatile condiment serves as the base for many marinades and sauces in cooking as well as in sawsawan.
Read on to find out more about the different types of soy sauce as well as the methods of producing them in our buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales. We'll also share with you the 9 best soy sauces and an easy soy sauce chicken recipe for you to enjoy!
Quick List - Top Soy Sauces
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Uses of Soy Sauce
Soy sauce or toyo is a fermented sauce made from a mixture of soy, wheat, water, and salt. It is often used as a condiment in cooking, dipping, and marinating ulam. It is known for its distinct salty and umami flavor, which enhances a dish’s taste.
It is considered one of the oldest condiments in the world, which can be traced back to China’s Han dynasty as an alternative means to salt. It has since found its way to Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries.
It is heavily featured in Asian cuisine and in everyday Filipino cooking. You’d be hard-pressed to find ulams that don’t include toyo as a condiment or sawsawan from adobo, pancit, and barbecue to suka at toyo dipping sauce!
How to Choose a Soy Sauce - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Determine the production process.
- Select the type of soy sauce.
- Consider the country of origin.
- Opt for soy sauce with fewer ingredients and no additional preservatives.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Determine the Production Process
The production process pertains to how the soy sauce was made, which can either be done naturally or chemically. You might prefer the subtlety of a natural brew or perhaps you like your soy sauces to have a stronger taste.
Naturally Processed Produces a Rich Taste
Also known as the traditional method, this process requires roasting soybeans, adding cultures such as Aspergillus to kick-start the fermentation process, combining it with salt brine, and letting it brew for a certain amount of time. This can take anywhere between a few days to a few months. Some even take up to a year!
Letting soy sauce naturally ferment gives it that rich, brown color and umami taste, which occurs naturally during the fermentation process. This way, you would get to taste its complexities. A naturally brewed soy sauce would only contain a short ingredients list, which is comprised of soy, water, wheat, and salt.
This is ideal if you want to emphasize certain flavors in cooking or in a dish. However, the downside is it can be quite expensive. Also, this type of soy sauce does not have the best shelf life as it can oxidize fairly quickly and lose its taste when you don't use it right away.
Hydrolyzed Soy Sauce Packs a Saltier Punch
A chemically processed soy sauce, also known as hydrolyzed soy sauce, means it was prepared using hydrolyzed soy protein. This shortens the process and produces much quicker results that only last a few days. This type of soy sauce makes use of food coloring as well as additional ingredients such as corn syrup, caramel, and sugar in order to replicate the traditional soy sauce taste.
This type is ideal for everyday cooking, especially if you tend to consume a lot of soy sauce. And it has been noted to taste just a tad saltier than its natural counterpart, which is great if you want to add a stronger flavor to your dish.
Although some people scoff at the shortcut method, it does have its merits, as it is more accessible and affordable - you can even buy it from your local sari-sari store! Its production process also enables it to have a more stable formula and shelf life.
Select the Type of Soy Sauce
Now that we have differentiated the techniques in making soy sauce, we will now identify the types of soy sauce. You might be surprised, but there is more than one variety of soy sauce and they have different uses too!
All-Around Light Soy Sauce
Made from the first press of soybeans, it is also known as premium soy sauce, and sometimes, thin soy sauce. This type of soy sauce is characterized by a thinner consistency and a light, reddish-brown color.
Many people mistake light soy sauce as having reduced sodium content. But in reality, this particular type leans saltier. This makes it a great all-around companion in the kitchen as you can use it to flavor soups, stir fry’s, and basically any dish that needs a flavor boost.
If a recipe does not indicate what type of soy sauce you need to use, this is what is usually being pertained to. It can even be referred to as regular soy sauce. This can also be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings and sushi.
Flavorful and Bold Dark Soy Sauce
Dark soy has a darker, thicker, and almost syrupy appearance in contrast to light soy sauce. It is also fermented for a longer period of time. Molasses, caramel, or sugar is often added to it. This gives it a sweeter, bolder, and flavorful taste.
In this regard, it is great to use in meat dishes particularly if you are going to slow cook them to really bring out the flavor as well as the marinade. Think of those slow-cooked sarsa dishes. It is also great for fish, as you can bring out the umami taste without it being too salty!
Add a Twist With Sweet Soy Sauce
Sweet soy sauce can be identified by its sticky consistency and dark color. It contains palm sugar, anise, and a bit of spice and other flavorings such as mushrooms. It is often used in stir-fry and fried noodle dishes.
It is also great if you want to use it as a marinade. Why not try braising pork using this soy sauce? It is definitely a great option especially if you want to switch up your everyday ulam.
Consider the Country of Origin
When it comes to soy sauce, the most notable regions that come to mind are China and Japan. Both are purveyors of light and dark soy sauce. Chinese light soy sauce makes for an excellent seasoning and dipping companion, as you only need a few drops.
On the other hand, Japanese light soy sauce has a milder taste and aroma. It usually contains more soybeans and less wheat. It is commonly used to flavor soups and noodles. And sometimes it is even used as a dipping sauce for fish and sushi! Meanwhile, sweet soy sauce is mainly used in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
It is a common ingredient in making their sauces for satays or in stir-fried noodles. In the Philippines, toyo is noted to be saltier and darker in color. It is often used for dipping as well as in cooking. We even have a liquid seasoning sauce, which we often pair with fried food as much as we use it for cooking!
Opt for Soy Sauce With Fewer Ingredients and No Additional Preservatives
Ideally, soy sauce should only consist of soy, wheat, water, and salt. You want to check if the soy sauce contains additional ingredients and added preservatives. This is because soy sauce is widely used in Filipino households, so you can be sure that you will consume a lot of it.
We also have to make sure that we are not ingesting anything harmful to our body as it could contain choloropropanols, which are carcinogens that may be present in chemically-produced variants. In addition, soy sauce has a naturally high sodium content. If you are conscious of your sodium intake, you can go for reduced-sodium varieties.
10 Best Soy Sauces to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kikkoman Standard Grade Soy Sauce ｜Red Label | | Quality Soy Sauce That Enhances Any Dish | |
2 | Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce | | Mellow Taste That Delicately Flavors Your Dishes | |
3 | Amoy Gold Label Dark Soy Sauce | | Season Meat Dishes With Its Flavorful and Bold Taste | |
4 | ABC Sweet Soy Sauce｜Kecap Manis | | Add More Oomph With Its Sweet and Salty Taste | |
5 | HaiTian Haday Classic Mushroom Dark Soy Sauce | | Make Tasty Dishes With Its Delicious Flavor | |
6 | San-J Organic Tamari Reduced Sodium | | A Healthier Soy Sauce Alternative | |
7 | Marukin Koikuchi Soy Sauce｜Japanese Dark Soy Sauce | | An Authentic and All-Purpose Japanese Soy Sauce | |
8 | Pantai Sweet Soy Sauce | | Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Saltiness | |
9 | Marca Piña Soy Sauce | | Make Comfort Food With Its Robust Flavor |
Quality Soy Sauce That Enhances Any Dish
When it comes to quality soy sauce, Kikkoman is the staple brand for every Filipino household. The brand boasts a natural brewing process which is a tradition that has been kept for decades. It also contains 100% soybeans which give it a distinct and translucent brown color.
The taste has a fermented kick that provides the perfect boost for dipping sauces and mouth-watering dishes. It is often used as a sauce for sushi and sashimi as its flavor is one that is not too salty and overpowering.
It is one where you can taste the different complexities and not just the saltiness. This soy sauce is often used sparingly, as only a few drops are needed to enhance your dish's taste! It adds just the right amount of linamnam too without making it nakakaumay.
Mellow Taste That Delicately Flavors Your Dishes
Soy Sauce can always be found in Asian households as one of the condiments that can add flavor to your dish. Lee Kum Kee’s Premium Soy Sauce can be counted on to make your dish taste wonderful. This is made from soybeans and wheat flour that is brewed according to the traditional method.
This soy sauce is made from non-GMO soybeans that give it a rich soy flavor and aroma. It has a variety of uses, from a marinade to a dipping sauce. This high-quality product has a rich but mellow taste with a refreshing fragrance that can delicately enhance the flavor of any dish!
Season Meat Dishes With Its Flavorful and Bold Taste
Amoy prides itself in delivering consistent and authentic quality products by using non-GMO soybeans and utilizing natural fermentation to create their Gold Label Dark Soy Sauce. Surely, this soy sauce does not fall short of its name! Dark soy sauce has a richer and sweeter taste and a darker color than regular or light soy sauce.
This soy sauce works great with slow or long cooking such as braising or if you want to achieve a darker color on your meat dishes. By using this, you don’t need a great amount to bring color and flavor! Its bold and flavorful taste will surely be a delight to your tastebuds!
Add More Oomph With Its Sweet and Salty Taste
Aside from Mi Goreng, Indonesia can also boast its flavorful sauces. Kecap Manis is a traditional Indonesian sweet soy sauce infused with palm sugar. It has a viscous consistency and velvety umami flavor. And the name has even become synonymous with sweet soy sauce.
The caramel-like flavor is perfect for people who prefer a sweeter taste to their food. Reviewers have also described its aroma to be pleasant and appetizing - perfect for making satay and noodle dishes. ABC retains the traditional flavors with this iconic sauce in one bottle!
Make Tasty Dishes With Its Delicious Flavor
Most Chinese consumers are usually more familiar with HaiTian Haday, but whether you’re a Chinese food enthusiast or just an adventurous foodie, this soy sauce is definitely worth the try! Its taste has become synonymous with the Chinese-style flavor, which takes you a step closer if you want to get that authentic taste.
Dark soy sauce is known for its bold taste. Therefore, the strong flavor is best accompanied with dumplings, meats, and buns. It is also perfect to mix with Chinese dishes such as fried rice and stir-fry dishes. Despite its rich taste, the soy sauce is versatile, perfect for every pantry!
A Healthier Soy Sauce Alternative
This soy sauce is brewed with soybeans that have a rich and smooth flavor which makes it great for dipping! Having a higher concentration of soy protein, it has a milder taste compared to regular soy sauce. The Tamari Reduced Sodium has no wheat which makes it gluten-free and has 25% less sodium!
Tamari is a type of Japanese soy sauce that is darker and has a stronger umami flavor. This is traditionally made as a byproduct of miso paste thus, giving it a unique flavor. This has a smooth and more complex taste compared to regular soy sauce. This is great for those who want a healthier soy sauce alternative.
An Authentic and All-Purpose Japanese Soy Sauce
Marukin Koikuchi Dark Soy Sauce is a popular ingredient among Japanese kitchens, let the 82% consumer rate speak for itself! This all-purpose dark soy sauce is used for Japanese dishes such as donburis, udons, and even dango. This is ideal if you are looking to make Japanese dishes at home.
The flavor is balanced and does not overpower dishes. It has an excellent combination of umami and subtle sweetness. This makes it a great condiment both in cooking and as a dipping sauce. No need to scour different groceries, you can get this in the comfort of your own home!
Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Saltiness
Sweet soy sauce is a darker and more viscous type of soy sauce that is made from fermented soybeans and sweetened with palm sugar. This is for those who want to add a sweeter flavor to their dish without using too much sugar. This has the balanced taste of the soy's linamnam and a bit of sweetness.
Pantai’s sweet soy sauce is great for braises which call for a slightly sweeter flavor. This can give another depth of flavor to your dish by giving that harmony of salty and sweet. The sweetness of the soy sauce does not overpower its taste nor is it too subtle to not take note of the flavor. This works great for any type of dish!
Make Comfort Food With Its Robust Flavor
It's no secret that Filipino dads and moms keep this brand in their pantries. The iconic yellow lid and label give Filipinos overseas a taste of home. Its accessibility and affordability are also a bonus for consumers. This soy sauce is ideal for those looking to make yummy dishes on a budget!
The Piñakamasarap soy sauce gives a robust and nostalgic flavor to comfort dishes. Its taste caters to the strong taste of toyo that most Pinoys are familiar with. Along with its rich and dark color, the sauce provides adobo and fried rice that iconic dark tint that we are accustomed to.
Make Flavorful Dishes With These Condiments
No meal is complete without a sawsawan. It enhances a dish's taste and cuts through oiliness and lansa to keep you from becoming too umay. Check out these condiments that you can use in cooking, marinating, dipping, and dressing!
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Author: J. Cuizon
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Soy Sauces
No. 1: Kikkoman｜Standard Grade Soy Sauce ｜Red Label
No. 2: Lee Kum Kee｜Premium Soy Sauce
No. 3: Amoy｜Gold Label Dark Soy Sauce
No. 4: ABC｜Sweet Soy Sauce｜Kecap Manis
No. 5: HaiTian Haday｜Classic Mushroom Dark Soy Sauce
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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