If you’ve heard of a donabe—a Japanese clay cooking pot that resembles a lidded casserole—that’s probably thanks in part to Naoko Takei Moore, aka Mrs. Donabe, who’s been importing the pots from Japan for more than a decade.
Photography courtesy of Toiro.
To spread the art, Takei Moore taught donabe cooking classes for several years, and in 2015, she published the cookbook Donabe: Classic and Modern Japanese Clay Pot Cooking.
Shelves at the front of the store prominently feature Takei Moore’s donabe offerings, including Rice Cookers, Steamers, Smokers, and more.
Displayed on tables and benches at the center of the store, the wares include Iga-yaki ceramics—including Sake Flasks, Rice Bowls, and Suribachi Sets (a Japanese mortar and pestle).
Toward the back of the shop, where Takei Moore teaches cooking classes, a plywood shelving unit displays a wide range of donabe.
Toiro’s mission is, in part, to “promote wonderful Japanese food culture.” Opposite the donabe display is a variety of Japanese foods, including Smoked Soy Sauce ($14), organic Black Sesame Paste ($22), and Fresh Ramen ($4).
Naoko Takei Moore at the plywood table she uses for cooking classes and workshops.
The Kamado-san double-lid donabe is the classic donabe for rice: It has a porous clay body designed to heat rice gently, and a double-lid system that functions like a pressure cooker.
The Donabe Egg Baker is a “cute-size donabe for a variety of purposes” that can go in the oven, microwave, or on the stove.
Toiro shop is located at 1257 N. La Brea Ave. in West Hollywood.