Honō (炎) means flame.

We named it Honō because that's what it does - wakes up everything it touches. But Honō isn't another hot sauce designed to make you sweat. It's built on umami: the savory, layered depth of Japanese cooking.

Fresno chilies give it bright heat. Kombu, shiitake, and koji give it the kind of depth you usually only get from a long-simmered broth. The result is heat that finishes clean instead of just burning.

Built on Umami

Made by Mayumi & Brad.

We're a husband-and-wife team in Castro Valley, California. Mayumi grew up in Japan cooking with the deep, layered flavors of Japanese home kitchens. We made Honō because we couldn't find a hot sauce that respected those flavors. So we made one ourselves.

FAQs

When does Honō launch?

We are aiming at a June 2026 launch Kickstarter. Everyone on this list gets the early supporter 35% off offer.

How spicy is it?

Honō delivers a balanced medium heat designed to complement food, not overpower it. The focus is depth, umami, and a clean finish.

Is it gluten-free or vegan?

Yes. Honō is made with plant-based ingredients and does not contain gluten ingredients. It’s built on umami, balance, and everyday versatility.

Why Kickstarter?

Kickstarter allows us to launch Honō independently and intentionally, with the support of early believers instead of large retailers or outside investors. Every early supporter helps bring our first production run to life.

Be first in line.

Honō was created around a simple idea: hot sauce should add depth, balance, and flavor to food, not overpower it. Inspired by Japanese ingredients and a flavor-first approach to cooking.

Follow the pre-launch now to unlock 35% off on launch day. Once Honō launches publicly, these special pre-launch offers will disappear.