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June 5, 2014

TSG Hard Strong Glass Factory (Chiba)

by Yoko Kumano

When Kayoko and I started choosing glassware for the shop, we wanted simple and functional glasses that would also look beautiful in any kitchen. With that in mind, we knew one of our mainstays would be the Hard Strong Stacking glasses manufactured by Japan’s famous glass company Toyo-Sasaki. Ramen shops and teishoku (set meal) joints […]

May 19, 2014

Off to Japan!

by Kayoko Akabori

Yoko and I are on our way to Japan again! This time to Gifu prefecture to check out ceramics, knives and other fun stuff to bring back with us for ya. We’ll be also stopping off in Nagoya, Kyoto and OSAKA! So much to EAT! Follow us on Instagram @umamimart! See you on the flip […]

April 16, 2014

Inside Yukiwa Barware Factory

by Kayoko Akabori

Our main objective for our trip to Japan (besides noodles and ekiben) was to visit the many factories where they make the bar and glassware we select for Umami Mart. We wanted to go straight to the source, and meet the people behind the products. This ended up being far more fruitful than we could have […]

April 11, 2014

Adventures in Nakano: Hitomi Bar

by Kayoko Akabori

Male bartenders in Japan are full of themselves. There, I said it. From the few “star” bars we visited during our trip to Tokyo, I felt miffed by the arrogance and general unfriendliness of the bartenders. What is up with that? Where is the hospitality? People say that you have to keep going to these […]

April 7, 2014

Adventures in Nakano: Yakitori at Shimon-ya

by Kayoko Akabori

One of the most memorable nights I had in Tokyo was an adventure in Nakano, a hip neighborhood in Tokyo. We met up with our friend and Umami Mart writer Will, aka The Ramen Shaman, along with Eri, who suggested a yakitori joint called Shimon-ya. Eri, editor of Ecocolo magazine, brought along her entire staff, […]

April 4, 2014

Kodoku no Gurume (Solitary Gourmet)

by Kayoko Akabori

I’ve been watching a lot of Kodoku no gurume, a show from Japan. It is about a salesman in Tokyo named Goro who goes out to eat. That’s it. That’s the premise of the show. But his meals are centered around B-kyu cuisine, Japan’s comfort foods. So we follow him around town while he eats yakitori, […]

April 2, 2014

Japan’s Kit Kat Kraze

by Kayoko Akabori

When something takes off in Japan, it gets huge. For a hot minute. People have no qualms with waiting in a long line for hours, out in the butt-ass cold, to get their hands on the newest HOT food trend from abroad that they saw on the morning news. Whether it’s bamkuchen, Krispy Kreme donuts, […]

March 27, 2014

Umami Mart Now Hiring!

by Kayoko Akabori

We’re slowly growing our team. It’s an exciting time for us here at Umami Mart! We’re looking for someone bright and attentive to work with us at our Oakland headquarters. Please read the job description below and drop us a line if you’re interested; or please forward to a friend! Cheers, Kayoko + Yoko Umami […]

March 7, 2014

Postcard from Nahoko: A Pale Tone

by Nahoko Morimoto

A popular snack in Taiwan, these sandwiches contain a fried egg, rousong (pork floss), and cucumbers.

February 24, 2014

UMSF Closed for Renovations

by Kayoko Akabori

Our San Francisco location inside The Perish Trust will be closed through March for renovations. Please visit us in Oakland or online! Green tea Kit Kats shall arrive at any moment now, for your munching pleasures.