Ancient Drink, Modern Glow: How Amazake Sydney is Bringing Japanese Wellness to the Beaches

There’s something about discovering a drink with a story. Not a phony-baloney marketing gimmick, but a genuine story that spans cultures, families, and continents, finally finding its way into your hands on a breezy Sunday morning at Manly Markets.

That’s what you get when you meet Lauren and Ritsu from Amazake Sydney, who are quietly creating a movement among locals seeking genuine, gut-friendly wellness in a world full of shortcuts.

Lauren, who is Spanish-Romanian, first met Ritsu in Japan while she was living there, and they felt an instant connection that was more than just a passing moment.

“We had such a beautiful connection from the moment we met,” Lauren says, and it’s clear from the way she speaks that their partnership extends far beyond business.

Eventually, they decided to move to Australia to build a family and a future, and like so many who land here, they felt pulled towards the Northern Beaches.

“We wanted a relaxed lifestyle and to be able to go for a quick swim anytime we wanted to.”

It was a natural progression for the couple to combine their passion for health with the traditions they loved. Already devotees of “glow from within” foods, they found themselves drawn to sharing a piece of Japanese culture with their new community through amazake, a fermented rice drink that’s been a staple in Japan for centuries.

“We wanted to share something healthy and different,” Lauren says. “We also cherish Japanese culture, and that gives us pride and joy.”

So what exactly is amazake? It’s a traditional Japanese drink made from Koji rice, which is inoculated with beneficial enzymes that, during fermentation, release glucose, B vitamins, folic acid, and antioxidants. The result is a naturally sweet, dairy-free, gluten-free drink that’s nourishing, gentle on the gut, and a beautiful alternative to sugar-heavy breakfasts and snacks.

“Koji is inoculated with good enzymes, and when it ferments, the magic happens,” Lauren says. “Amazake is versatile; you can enjoy it with everything you like.”

At home, Ritsu prefers his amazake blended with matcha for a calming yet energising start to the day, while Lauren loves a zingy lemon and ginger version, sipped slowly from a small cup.

It didn’t take long for them to realise that amazake was something worth sharing, not just for its health benefits but for the connection it brings.

“There are many popular products in this ‘glow from within’ trend, but few people know about Koji and Amazake,” Lauren says.

For them, standing behind a stall at the markets isn’t just about selling a product, it’s about educating people and sharing something meaningful.

“The most exciting part of going to the markets is bonding with the Northern Beaches community,” Lauren says.

“Everyone is curious about it, they try it, and they are supportive. We are really grateful for that.”

Of course, like all good market stories, there have been a few mishaps along the way.

“The first day we went to the Manly Market, it was so rainy and windy we almost went back home. I guess that’s when we learned never to trust the weather forecast in Sydney,” Lauren laughs.

There was also the small matter of their gazebo, which proved trickier to set up than they expected, with market manager Mike stepping in to help. And then there’s Margaret, their very first customer at Manly, whose name they still remember with gratitude.

“Margaret, if you read this, thank you so much!”

Starting a small food business isn’t easy, and Lauren and Ritsu have faced their fair share of challenges, from navigating certifications and insurance to managing the day-to-day juggle of working locally while building their dream.

Ritsu works as a chef, and Lauren as a pharmacy assistant, and in their downtime, they’re testing recipes, brainstorming, and planning the next chapter of their crafted foods business.

“There are lots of costs, certifications, and insurance requirements behind it,” Lauren admits.

“But the most rewarding part is going to the markets and feeling safe about your product.”

Their life on the Beaches is exactly the kind of wellness many of us aspire to: active, intentional, and community-oriented.

“We like being active, so we stay busy,” Lauren says, sharing that their downtime is often spent catching up with friends, going for a swim, or enjoying a moment of calm together in between their many commitments.

When asked what wellness means to her personally, Lauren doesn’t hesitate.

“Wellness is about making the right choices for your health. It’s about what you eat, what you do, and even what you think. Everything is connected.”

Her advice for anyone looking to take the first step towards better health is simple but powerful.

“Quit sugar, eat healthy, and stay positive.”

And if you’re looking for an easy, delicious way to support your gut and skin health, she has one more tip.

“Drink amazake!”

You can find Lauren and Ritsu at the Manly Fresh Market every Sunday from 8:30am, where they’re always happy to chat and share samples with curious locals. For them, each Sunday is an opportunity to connect with the community, share a little bit of tradition, and offer a wellness ritual that’s as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body.

For updates, recipes, and a peek behind the scenes of their small-batch creations, you can follow them on Instagram @amazake.sydney, where they share everything from new flavour blends to their market adventures.

“Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated,” Lauren says. “Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a moment to slow down, sip something nourishing, and remember what’s important.”

Because in a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, there’s something deeply comforting about a drink that’s been brewed with love, rooted in tradition, and shared with real heart in the community you call home.

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