Café Kissa Introduces Donabe Series

Café Kissa Introduces Donabe Series, A Warm and Umami-Rich Dining Experience 

Café Kissa introduces The Soul of Donabe, a new menu inspired by the Japanese tradition of cooking with donabe, a clay pot that has been an integral part of Japanese culinary culture for centuries. Through this campaign, Café Kissa explores the warmth, comfort, and depth of flavor that define the donabe experience, bringing them to life through three thoughtfully crafted dishes—Wagyu Tare Donabe, Crab Ikura Donabe, and Salmon Sashimi Donabe. Built around fragrant rice, premium ingredients, layered flavors, and rich umami, each creation offers a comforting interpretation of one of Japan's most cherished culinary traditions. 

In Japanese culture, donabe is more than just a cooking vessel; it is a symbol of warmth and togetherness. Made from clay, donabe is known for its ability to retain heat for longer periods while producing rice with a softer texture and richer aroma. Its slow-cooking process also allows ingredients to absorb flavors more effectively, resulting in dishes with greater depth and complexity.

Inspired by this philosophy, Café Kissa presents the Donabe Series as a contemporary interpretation that combines traditional Japanese cooking techniques with premium ingredients and modern flavor combinations. Each dish is designed to offer a distinct donabe experience while staying true to its essence: warmth, comfort, and depth of flavor in every bite.

The Wagyu Tare Donabe features rich and buttery wagyu served over savory nori shoyu rice. Glazed with tare BBQ sauce, the wagyu delivers a balanced sweet-and-savory profile, complemented by an onsen egg and wasabi mayo that add a creamy texture and a subtle hint of spice. Guests may also opt for foie gras, adding a velvety richness that deepens every bite and turns the dish into a comforting yet refined creation layered with bold flavors and luxurious indulgence.

For seafood lovers, the Crab Ikura Donabe offers a lighter yet equally complex flavor profile. Sweet garlic crab is served over fragrant ginger edamame rice, then topped with yuzu kosho aioli and ikura. The combination of fresh, citrusy, savory, and umami notes creates a dish that feels refined, balanced, and elegant.

Meanwhile, the Salmon Sashimi Donabe features shoyu-marinated salmon sashimi served over aromatic furikake and spicy mayo rice. The addition of ikura and pickled daikon introduces a refreshing contrast with subtle acidity, creating a clean and delicate flavor profile that highlights the quality of its ingredients.

"People are now looking for dining experiences that offer more than just a satisfying meal. There is a growing desire for moments that feel warm, comforting, and allow people to enjoy food more intentionally. Through the Donabe Series, Café Kissa presents a modern interpretation of one of Japan’s most iconic culinary traditions while preserving the warmth and depth of flavor that define donabe," said Cendyarani, President Director of ISMAYA Group.

Through the Donabe Series, Café Kissa aims to offer a dining experience that goes beyond taste alone, focusing equally on the sense of comfort and warmth found in every dish. It is an invitation to slow down, savor the process, and discover depth and meaning in a meal that is simple, thoughtful, and crafted with care.