Three years ago, my partner gave me a Japanese donabe pot . Since then, it's been one of my favorite things in the kitchen. I use it almost every day and look forward to cooking with it each time. A donabe is so much more than just a regular pot. It brings peace, warmth, and tradition to everyday life. At the same time, it makes healthy cooking surprisingly easy.
At first, I never would have thought that a simple clay pot would change my cooking habits so much. But today, I can hardly imagine my home without the Japanese donabe pot . It shows me how comforting simple, warm meals can be. And it motivates me to eat more consciously and naturally.
Why the traditional Japanese donabe is so special
A traditional Japanese donabe is a clay pot that retains heat exceptionally well. This allows it to cook ingredients slowly and evenly. The unique aroma that develops is difficult to achieve with modern pots.
You can find more about the history of the Donabe here:
Gentle cooking in the Donabe cooking pot
A traditional Japanese donabe is a clay pot that retains heat exceptionally well. This allows it to cook ingredients slowly and evenly. The unique aroma that develops is difficult to achieve with modern pots.
You can find more about the history of the Donabe here:
Healthy cooking with the Japanese Donabe pot
Many people think that healthy cooking takes a lot of time. The Japanese donabe pot proves the opposite. You simply put all the ingredients in, add broth, and let everything cook slowly. The food remains light, aromatic, and easily digestible. Plus, you only need a little fat – ideal if you want to cook consciously.
A Japanese clay pot for many dishes
A Japanese clay pot is extremely versatile. You can cook in it:
rice
Currys
Soups
stews
Tofu dishes
Vegetable hot pots
Udon noodles
Breakfast porridge
even desserts
The Donabe replaces several appliances in the kitchen. It is ideal for anyone who wants to live a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle.
Which Donabe from Japan suits you best?
The little Donabe for singles
A small Japanese donabe is perfect for single people. With a diameter of 18–20 cm and a capacity of 0.8–1.2 liters , it's ideal for a portion of rice, soup, or a small nabe dish . Thanks to its quick heating time and compact size, it fits on small stovetops and saves valuable kitchen space. Discover the joy of simple, quick cooking for one .
The large Donabe pot for families
A large Japanese donabe pot offers plenty of space for ingredients and multiple servings, ideal for couples, small families (2-3 people) as well as families of 4-5 people.
For 2-3 people: diameter 22-24 cm, capacity 1.5-2.5 liters – perfect for nabe, soup or several portions of rice.
For 4-5 people: diameter 26-30 cm, capacity 3-4 liters – ideal for large nape dishes or stews.
Sharing a meal from a donabe creates a warm, convivial atmosphere, quickly making the pot the centerpiece of the table.
💡 Cooking tip: Only fill the donabe 70–80% to ensure optimal heat circulation and prevent boil-over.
How a Japanese donabe pot changes cooking
Many people think that healthy cooking takes a lot of time. The Japanese donabe pot proves the opposite. You simply put all the ingredients in, add broth, and let everything cook slowly. The food remains light, aromatic, and easy to digest. Plus, you only need a little fat – ideal if you want to cook consciously.
More peace and quiet with a traditional clay pot
A donabe is not designed for very high heat. This automatically results in slower cooking. This process fosters calm and mindfulness. You become more aware of the ingredients, the aromas, and the cooking process itself.
Food gains meaning through the Donabe cooking pot
A traditional clay pot adds value to the food. The donabe cooking pot brings a piece of Japanese culture to the table. A special atmosphere is created, especially when eating together.
You can find more information about Japanese food culture here:
What I prepare daily in the Donabe cooking pot
Many people ask me what I cook so often at Donabe. The answer is: almost everything. Particularly popular are:
Tofu stews
Miso soups
Udon noodles
Vegetable hot pots
Currys
Steamed vegetables
rice
Breakfast porridge
These dishes are warm, light, and very comforting.
Why I love my Japanese donabe pot
After three years, I can say without a doubt: the Donabe has changed my cooking. It shows how simple good food can be. It also motivates me to cook fresh meals more often. As a result, I eat more mindfully and feel better.
The Japanese donabe pot brings tranquility, flavor, and joy to my kitchen. It becomes more precious with every use. That's precisely why I wouldn't want to be without it.
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