Discover the Art of Washoku: A Hands-On Cooking Class in Tokyo
Join us for a unique hands-on cooking experience in Tokyo and explore the heart of Washoku (Japanese cuisine), a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This class is perfect for travelers and food lovers who want to master the foundational skills of authentic Japanese cooking: dashi (Japanese soup stock), basic washoku side dishes, the art of dashimaki tamago, and traditional onigiri (rice balls).

A Journey into Umami and Dashi
The class begins with a lecture on the five basic tastes and the concept of umami, Japan's savory “fifth taste.” Using a large screen, our instructors will explain the science and philosophy behind this key flavor.

Next, you'll see a professional demonstration on how to create three essential types of dashi:

Kombu dashi (kelp stock)

Katsuobushi dashi (bonito stock)

Awase dashi (combined stock)

You'll then taste each dashi, experiencing firsthand the “synergistic effect” where flavors combine to create a delicious and complex taste. This knowledge is essential for unlocking the true depth of Japanese cuisine.

Hands-On Cooking and Traditional Techniques
After learning about dashi, you'll dive into the hands-on portion of the class. You'll discover the structure of a traditional Japanese meal, ichiju sansai (one soup, three side dishes). Your instructor will demonstrate how to prepare classic miso soup and essential side dishes.

Then, it's your turn to cook! You'll prepare your own fluffy dashimaki tamago (Japanese rolled omelet) using a traditional rectangular pan. This skill is both challenging and rewarding.

You will also learn how to cook perfect rice and make traditional home-style onigiri (rice balls). You'll shape your own rice balls and fill them with a variety of classic fillings, adding a personal touch to your meal.

The Experience Flow
11:00 AM: Arrive and meet your host.

11:05 AM: Lecture on umami and the five tastes.

11:25 AM: Demonstration on how to make kelp, bonito, and combined dashi.

11:35 AM: Dashi tasting.

11:45 AM: Learn about the structure of a traditional Japanese meal.

11:50 AM: Demonstration of miso soup and side dishes, followed by a hands-on experience making your own dashimaki tamago.

12:05 PM: Hands-on experience making traditional home-style onigiri.

12:30 PM: Receive a certificate and take photos.

12:35 PM: Enjoy a tasting of your freshly prepared meal.

What You'll Take Home
No prior cooking experience is needed, as all instruction is in English. To ensure you can continue your culinary journey at home, you will receive a printed recipe set and a selection of original Japanese seasonings.

This class offers a rich cultural experience that goes beyond just a meal. Come hungry and leave inspired, with the skills and confidence to recreate the authentic flavors of Japan in your own kitchen!