Table Setting #216
A Weekend Spread with Style for Kushikatsu and Beer

For a laid-back weekend dinner, kushikatsu and beer are an unbeatable combination as the fried bite-size skewers of vegetables, seafood, and meat pair well with a cold drink. Mino ware pieces with beautiful side plates make the setting even more inviting. Ideal for get-togethers, here’s how to set up your table for a fun dinner with friends.

Contents

• Skewered Delights: Setting the Stage with Mino Ware
• Bizen Ware Beer Glasses: Pouring the Perfect Cold One
• Featured Item

Key points of this table setting

1. Skewered Delights: Setting the Stage with Mino Ware

Kushikatsu, originating as a beloved Osaka street food, has been around since the early Showa period (1926 CE–1989 CE). These crispy, bite-sized skewers of veggies and meat have a light crunch compared to the thicker crust of tonkatsu, thanks to the finer panko crumbs. To really set the stage for our kushikatsu party, we’ve placed the skewers on one of our larger Mino ware plates. It's the perfect centerpiece, adding a subtle touch of color to your table without being too flashy.

For that lively izakaya vibe, we’ve included some classic sides. A refreshing plate of hiyayakko, cold tofu, cools things down, while the ever-popular potato salad adds a bit of creaminess. Japanese bowls from different origins offer variation in shape and patterns.

The Kyo ware bowl with its classic tokusa pattern is one of our favorites to serve small salads, stewed vegatables and Japanese-style pickles, tsukemono. 

On one corner of the table, smaller plates hold bite-sized appetizers, great for snacking as you sip a smooth, cold beer. This kind of layout is a wonderful way to get all you smaller plates together and put them on display. When the conversation is the main focus, all you need is just a small bit of everything.  

2. Bizen Ware Beer Glasses: Pouring the Perfect Cold One

When it comes to drinks, nothing beats a cold beer with kushikatsu. Enter tumblers made of Bizen ware—one of Japan’s oldest pottery styles, known for its unique textures and natural glaze. Each glass has its own character, with earthy tones that make them stand out on any table.

Bizen ware isn’t just about looks, though. These cups keep your beer perfectly chilled, while the fine porous texture of Bizen ware naturally enhances the beer’s head, creating a delicate, creamy foam that ensures every sip is as refreshing as the first. Their classic style fits right in with modern dining, offering a cool contrast to the golden kushikatsu and lively table setting.

Keep your kushikatsu party on point by following the no double-dipping rule. Once your skewer hits the shared sauce, that’s your only dip—no second chances. It’s a tradition that keeps things fun and authentic. So, dive into a lively kushikatsu feast with good food on beautiful Japanese dinnerware, great company, and a little tradition to make it all the more special!

Featured Items

Bizen Ware

Bizen ware is a traditional stoneware produced in the Imbe area of Okayama Prefecture. It is one of the oldest ceramics in Japan, and is made using the yakishime technique, in which pieces are fired at high temperatures without glaze to make them durable and water-resistant. Bizen ware is called "the art of clay and fire" for the exquisite colors and patterns produced by the kiln's flames, and is characterized by its minimalist, wabi sabi design.