In recent years, home cooking has seen a creative revival, with more people looking for ways to make everyday meals taste exceptional. One local brand answering that need is Sauce Lab, a handcrafted sauce company based in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Known for their small-batch sauces that are free from preservatives and MSG, Sauce Lab brings restaurant-style flavour straight into home kitchens.
Founded during the early months of the pandemic, Sauce Lab has grown steadily through community support, Instagram exposure, and word-of-mouth. With over 15,000 jars sold and a product lineup that reflects bold, contemporary flavours, the brand is carving out a strong presence in Malaysia’s artisanal food scene.
A Business Born from the First MCO
Sauce Lab was founded by Basil Tan in 2020, during Malaysia’s first Movement Control Order (MCO). Tan, who was previously operating a café, had to close one of his outlets due to lockdown restrictions. Rather than pause operations completely, he decided to experiment with small-batch sauces as a new offering for customers who were cooking more at home.
What started with three basic sauces soon expanded to a broader menu. In the first five months alone, Sauce Lab sold over 4,000 jars and generated RM 50,000 in revenue, primarily through word-of-mouth and Instagram. Tan’s background in the F&B industry gave him the confidence to transition from café service to product-based sales with minimal overhead.
A Growing Range of Flavourful, Small-Batch Sauces
All Sauce Lab products are made in small batches and without preservatives, ensuring freshness and quality. Popular flavours include Basil Pesto, Sambal Mayo, Salted Miso Caramel, Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, and Ginger Scallion Oil. The sauces are versatile enough to be used in Asian and Western dishes, making them accessible to a wide range of home cooks.
A particularly notable item is the Truffle-Infused Butter, which was initially launched as a limited-edition product during Christmas 2020. Due to overwhelming customer demand, the item became a permanent part of the Sauce Lab range. Reviews have praised its rich flavour and luxurious texture, making it a best-seller for the brand.
Exploring New Avenues
While Sauce Lab began as a home-based delivery business, Basil Tan has shared his intention to expand. Long-term goals include supplying products to restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets, while maintaining their commitment to quality and handcrafted production.
To test market response, Sauce Lab has participated in pop-up booths and weekend bazaars, offering on-site sampling and connecting directly with customers. Although there are currently no confirmed plans for a standalone café, the brand continues to explore new ways of growing its presence—while staying grounded in the food culture from which it first emerged.
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