Author Archives: Umami Mart Staff


September 16, 2016

Our New Jumbo Cobbler Shaker is Large and in Charge

by Umami Mart Staff

Japanese cobbler shakers are notably smaller than their American counterparts. One of the biggest reasons is completely functional – compact shakers are easier and lighter to handle, especially for the Hard Shake, a mesmerizing cocktail making technique created and perfected in Japan. However, we realize sometimes you need to go big. Over the years we’ve gotten requests for larger cobbler shakers, […]

September 15, 2016

This Just In: Yo-Ho Brewing’s Sorry Umami IPA

by Umami Mart Staff

Japanese craft beer makers, Yo-Ho Brewing Company in Nagano, makes a beer called Sorry, which is actually an umbrella name for a series of unique brews that share one thing in common – they’re beers that the brewmasters wanted to drink. The series’ full name is “I’m Sorry! I Didn’t Ask You What You Like.” All […]

September 9, 2016

We Definitely Think You’re Ready for This Jelly

by Umami Mart Staff

Ikezo Sparkling Jelly Sake’s tag line is “Fun for Life.” That’s a bold claim! But we have to say, these little cans of bubbly, fruity jelly sake live up to the hype. They were a hit when we took a few cans to a party, which makes a lot of sense because they’re basically like lightly […]

September 8, 2016

A Stainless Steel Mixing Cup That’s Cool (But Not Too Cool)

by Umami Mart Staff

Stainless steel mixing cups are pretty cool. No, literally, they stay very cool and keep cocktail ingredients super chilled. But the trade-off is that your hands can get downright frigid while making drinks. Unless, that is, you’ve got one of our Double Walled Stainless Steel Mixing Cups. Made by the ever-dependable Japanese barware makers, Yukiwa, these mixing cups have […]

August 31, 2016

Meet the Bedside Carafe of Your Dreams!

by Umami Mart Staff

Do you ever wake up parched in the middle of the night? Half-asleep and comfortable in bed, you try to ignore your thirst, but then you can’t fall back asleep because all you can think about is that refreshing glass of water – so many steps away in the kitchen or bathroom. What a nightmare! […]

August 25, 2016

Savor the Flavors of Far Leaves Teas

by Umami Mart Staff

Far Leaves Tea in Berkeley sources exceptionally high-quality teas from around the world. We now carry three Far Leaves premium teas at Umami Mart for your sipping pleasure: Far Leaves Matcha Sencha If you need a little caffeine boost during the day, we recommend Matcha Sencha. It combines two traditional Japanese green teas – sharp, […]

August 24, 2016

Join Us at The State of Cocktails: East Bay Edition

by Umami Mart Staff

It wasn’t too long ago that San Francisco was the place to be when it came to going out. If you lived in the East Bay, more often than not, you’d have to make the trek over the Bay Bridge or take BART (and risk missing the last train at the end of the night) for a night […]

August 17, 2016

Our New Condiment Ware Line is a “Glass” Act

by Umami Mart Staff

If you know us – even if just from reading our blog or visiting our shop – you probably know we have a thing for condiments. Seasonings, spices, sauces, herbs, syrups, and other flavor enhancers make the world a better place. Needless to say, we always have lots of condiments on hand. Unfortunately, the containers store-bought ingredients come […]

August 10, 2016

New Decadent Shoyu for You: Black Garlic and Matsutake

by Umami Mart Staff

Looking to add new flavors to your tried-and-true recipe repertoire? May we suggest our latest offerings? Haku Black Garlic Shoyu and Haku Matsutake Shoyu are premium soy sauces full of flavor and complexity that’ll take ho-hum dishes to new places they’ve never been before. Brewed in Kyoto, Japan by master shoyu makers, both varieties are […]

August 3, 2016

We’re Celebrating Our Birthday with a Huge Anniversary Sale!

by Umami Mart Staff

We turn 4 years old today! Back on August 3, 2012, Umami Mart opened its doors as a retail store on Broadway in Old Oakland, where we’re still located today. Per usual, we’ll be throwing ourselves a big birthday party next weekend, but we’re also celebrating our fourth year with a huge anniversary sale – […]