What is a Yunomi cup?

Yunomi is the most common type of Japanese teacup, designed for daily or informal tea drinking. Tumblers come in many shapes and are usually cylindrical in shape, with the ideal size being between 90ml and 160ml.

If the idea of ​​a handleless teacup confuses you, you're not alone. For many Westerners, this might be similar to the first time you saw chopsticks and wondered how they were used.

For centuries, the Chinese have brewed and served tea in a handleless cup or bowl, and it is an essential part of traditional Chinese tea culture.

So when tea arrived in Japan from China, it was natural that the shape of Japanese teacups would be influenced by the Chinese and follow a similar shape. Since the teacup does not have a handle, you should grip it with your right hand, with your left hand cupping the bottom for support.

When you hold the cup this way, you can also enjoy its warmth - traditionally Chinese and Japanese tea is served at a much lower temperature than boiling water, particularly as green tea gives the best flavor when l The water is around 70 degrees Celsius. A tea cup without a handle doubles as a measuring stick if you've served the best tea!