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May 16, 2016

Itani Ramen’s Gyoza Machine (and Recipe!)

by Kayoko Akabori

Kyle Itani used to have midnight ramen pop-ups at his Oakland restaurant, Hopscotch, a few years ago and Yoko and I would sneak in and snag a table. It was way past our bedtime but it was such a rare occasion for a restaurant in Oakland to be open past midnight, and, serve ramen! Now, […]

May 9, 2016

Code Name Mixology Laboratory (Tokyo)

by Kayoko Akabori

Mr. Shuzo Nagumo is a mad scientist behind the bar. With a twinkle in his eye and a firm stance when shaking, he has started a cocktail revolution in Tokyo that is a great departure from the cocktail bars we’ve become used to in Japan. That is: bartenders in tuxedos, gentle yet silent, each movement exacting and no detail missed. […]

May 2, 2016

Introducing Bar and Glassware by Umami Mart

by Kayoko Akabori

When we first launched Umami Mart in 2007, we were a wee food and drink blog. I informed NYers about secret ramen spots, Yoko mused about weird foods in Japan, Anders updated us about the latest on controversial food packaging, Erin uploaded stunning food photos, Ryohei obsessively battled himself in the kitchen and provided extensive play-by-play recipes, and Payman […]

April 6, 2016

Potheads You Can Take Home to Your Mom

by Umami Mart Staff

Japanese Los Angeles-based artist and toy designer Yoskay Yamamoto has gained a cult following with his playful pop paintings, sculptures, and installations. We’re fans and friends (he designed Kayoko’s wedding invitations!), so we are really happy to be offering these Pothead Planters that Yoskay designed for Sunny Side Up Studio. Co-founded by Yoskay and Emi Uchiki, […]

April 4, 2016

Take-Chan Niboshi Ramen in Tokyo

by Kayoko Akabori

The best bowl of ramen we ate on our last trip to Japan was in the Chofu neighborhood of Tokyo. We were on our way for some R+R at an onsen nearby and stopped by Take-chan, which specializes in broth made with niboshi (dried infant sardine). It was highly rated on Tabelog, so we wanted to try it. Plus, […]

March 28, 2016

Yona Yona Beer Works in Tokyo

by Kayoko Akabori

Yoko and I were so excited to find that one of Yoho Brewery’s tap rooms in Tokyo was right in our hotel! We waited until our very last night in the city to go in for a beer, and looking back, I wish we wouldn’t have. Yona Yona Beer Works was so great — we […]

March 24, 2016

Our Bestselling Mixing Glass Is Back!

by Umami Mart Staff

After our Seamless Plain Mixing Glass was lauded by Sweethome as Best Mixing Glass, we found that we had a real problem keeping them around. Fortunately, we just got a new shipment in and we’re back in stock again! We designed this elegant mixing glass for lovers of minimalism – it’s completely seamless and bears […]

March 18, 2016

Itani Ramen Now Open (For the Moment)

by Kayoko Akabori

We’ve all been patiently waiting for Itani Ramen to open its doors. The time has come… THIS WEEKEND! Kyle Itani, co-owner of Hopscotch restaurant, has been working on this project for years — we even went to his Ramen Nights at Hopscotch, way back when. Yes, opening a late-night ramen spot has always been a […]

March 17, 2016

Studio Arhoj + Umami Mart Travel Mug is Back In Stock!

by Umami Mart Staff

Last year, we sold out of our limited-edition porcelain travel mug designed exclusively for Umami Mart by Studio Arhoj. We got so many emails and walk-in customers asking us – sometimes begging us – to bring it back. One customer wrote, “It is my favorite mug and I cannot find it anywhere on your website. Do you […]

February 25, 2016

Umami Mart: Land of the Free (Shipping on Orders $125+)

by Umami Mart Staff

We’re always looking for ways to thank you for shopping with us, so here’s something new we’re excited to announce: When you spend $125 or more at Umami Mart, we’ll cover the cost of shipping. Yep, that’s free shipping for orders of $125 or more! Qualifying orders will be shipped via USPS or FedEx Ground. […]