First Press Pure Sesame La-Yu

Artisan Sesame Chili Oil, by Yamada Seiyu

Crafted in Kyoto, this artisan sesame chili oil is the result of seven years of dedicated development by Yamada Seiyu. It layers their finest first-pressed sesame oil with rare domestic Japanese chili pepper and carefully selected spices to create a chili oil with aroma, richness, and umami woven into every drop of heat.

Unlike mass-produced chili oils, every bottle is still made entirely by hand, with no artificial seasonings or additives of any kind.

This is a finishing oil, so just one drop transforms cold tofu, noodles, rice, soups, stir-fries, and Chinese-style salads into something deeply satisfying. The spiciness is warm rather than sharp, with a subtle sweetness in the finish that makes it as approachable for those who don't love heat as it is rewarding for those who do.

A Dedication to Exceptional Ingredients

The chili pepper used is a rare, purebred Takanotsume variety, sometimes called the "phantom chili" for its scarcity. Unlike most commercial chili oils, which blend multiple varieties, this is single-origin. Each bottle contains one whole Takanotsume chili pepper, a small but intentional detail that speaks to the care behind every bottle.

The sesame oil base is Yamada's own first-pressed oil, used generously. The white onion comes from Tottori Prefecture, grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and prized for its fragrance and natural sweetness. The ginger is sourced fresh from Kochi Prefecture, an unwashed "soil ginger" that is exceptionally fragrant and prepared entirely by hand. The blend is rounded out with four signature spices: cinnamon bark, citrus peel, sansho (Japanese pepper), and star anise.

100% First Press Only, Produced in Kyoto Since 1934

Yamada only uses the very first pressing of the sesame seeds, resulting in a smooth, clean finish without bitterness or harshness.

Sesame seeds are naturally composed of roughly 50% oil, but Yamada intentionally extracts only the first 30% because it is the cleanest and most flavorful portion.

A trusted producer since 1934, Yamada Seiyu embodies the spirit of shokunin (an artisan deeply devoted to their craft through years of discipline and care) through their uncompromising dedication to traditional sesame oil making.

Mrs. Donabe's Recipe Suggestions

Dashi-Rich Steam-Fry Hiramasa and Napa Cabbage
Pork Shumai Dumplings
Daidai Chive Sauce
Steam-Fry Carrot in Oyster Mayo Sauce 
Corn Rice
Sansho Hummus
Smoked Chinese-style Cold Noodles
Cold Ramen with Spicy Pork & Sesame Dipping Broth
Tomato Ginger Rice
Shiso Chicken Meatball and Grated Daikon Hot Pot
Green Beans and Nori Salad
Classic Japanese Chicken & Root Vegetables Stew
Curry & Tamari Flavored Vegetable Yakisoba Noodle
Oyster Sauce Flavored Steam-Fry Pork Yakisoba Noodle
Nao-Jan (Naoko’s Yakiniku Sauce)
Shrimp Wonton Hot Pot
Steamed Tofu and Mushrooms with Black Sesame Sauce
Spicy Soy-Marinated Tuna Rice Bowl 
Beef Bowl 
Toban Beef with Miso Sauce 
Sizzling Shoyu Chicken & Cabbage
Shio-Kombu Carrot
Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce
Ginger Hijiki Beef Rice
Halibut and Daikon Hot Pot
Simmered Beef and Tofu with Egg
Shio-Kombu & Japanese Sweet Potato Rice
Lu Rou Fan (Braised Minced Pork Over Rice)

• Net weight: 2.1 oz | 60g
• Ingredients: Sesame oil, chili pepper, cinnamon bark, citrus peel, sansho, star anise, ginger, scallion
• Producer: Yamada Seiyu
• Origin: Japan

Usage & Care

• Store in a cool, dark place
• Do not refrigerate. 

Domestic Orders

• Usually ships out in-stock items within 3 business days of order.
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• This item is not available to ship outside of Continental US.
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International Orders

• This item is not available to ship outside of the US.
• Please note if this item is included in your order, shipping method or price won't show in the check out page, and you won't be able to proceed to check out.