3-Hour Guided Musubi Japanese Home Cooking Class

Enjoy the art of Japanese home cooking during this 3-hour guided Musubi class. You’ll learn to prepare a delectable main dish and two side dishes from scratch, uncovering the secrets of umami and dashi under the tutelage of Akiko. With personalized instruction in a cozy setting, this hands-on experience promises a memorable culinary adventure for just six participants. Discover the true essence of Japanese cuisine and leave with the skills to recreate these dishes at home.

Key Points

• A 3-hour hands-on cooking class in Tokyo, Japan, teaching participants to prepare a main dish and two side dishes from a menu of ramen, sushi, karaage, gyoza, or okonomiyaki.
• The class is limited to a small group of 6 participants for personalized learning, and includes lunch, coffee/tea, local taxes, and transportation to/from the meeting point.
• Participants will learn to make Umami/Dashi, the essential Japanese soup stock, and receive a recipe copy to replicate the dishes at home.
• The class is held at the instructor’s home, a 5-minute walk from the Musashi-Koganei Station, and is led by Akiko, who provides fluent English instruction and adaptability for all skill levels.
• The class covers the importance of Umami and Dashi, the savory and complex flavors crucial to Japanese cuisine, and how to create flavorful Dashi from scratch.

Class Overview

The 3-hour guided Musubi Japanese home cooking class takes place in the instructor’s home in Tokyo Prefecture, Japan.

It’s a hands-on experience where participants prepare one main dish and two side dishes from scratch. The menu options include ramen, sushi, chicken karaage, gyoza, and okonomiyaki.

The class is limited to a small group of 6 people, ensuring a personalized and interactive learning environment. Participants will learn to make umami/dashi (soup stock) and take home a recipe copy of the dishes they’ve prepared.

The class includes lunch, coffee/tea, and local taxes, with transportation to/from the meeting point.

What’s Included

The Musubi cooking class includes a small group setting with a maximum of 6 participants.

The class covers one main dish, two side dishes, miso soup, and rice. Students learn to make Umami/Dashi, the essential soup stock.

All ingredients, aprons, and cooking utensils are provided. Participants take home a recipe copy to replicate the dishes.

Lunch, coffee/tea, and local taxes are included. Transportation to and from the meeting point at Musashi-Koganei Station is also provided.

The class is wheelchair accessible, and the instructor is fluent in English. Dietary requirements must be advised during booking.

Meeting Point and Directions

Participants meet at Musashi-Koganei Station, located 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station.

From there, the group walks together to the instructor’s home, a 5-minute stroll. Punctuality is key, as the class starts promptly.

Once at the residence, the cooking lesson begins in the cozy, welcoming space.

After the hands-on cooking experience, the session concludes back at the original meeting point.

With easy access and a short walk to the class location, participants can focus on seeing the authentic Japanese home cooking adventure.

Preparing the Meal

Once participants arrive at the instructor’s home, they begin the hands-on cooking lesson.

Akiko, the instructor, leads the group step-by-step through preparing the menu items. First, they make the umami-rich dashi stock, the foundation for many Japanese dishes.

Next, they dive into the main course, whether it’s ramen, sushi, or another selection. As they cook, Akiko shares tips and techniques, encouraging participants to engage.

The side dishes come together quickly, with everyone pitching in. Soon, the aromas fill the kitchen, and the group sits down to enjoy the homemade feast they created together.

Cooking With Akiko

As the class begins, Akiko warmly welcomes participants into her home, exuding a contagious enthusiasm for Japanese cuisine.

She efficiently outlines the day’s menu, demonstrating each step with careful attention to detail. Participants eagerly follow her lead, deftly chopping, simmering, and assembling the dishes.

Akiko’s fluent English and adaptability ensure everyone, regardless of skill level, feels comfortable and engaged.

The aroma of sizzling chicken karaage and savory okonomiyaki fills the air as the group works in harmony.

Akiko’s expertise and personable teaching style make this an immersive and unforgettable culinary experience.

Discovering Umami and Dashi

What exactly is umami, that elusive fifth taste so crucial to Japanese cuisine? Umami refers to the savory, meaty, and complex flavor that enhances dishes.

Dashi, a stock made from dried seaweed and dried fish, is the foundation for this umami. During the class, Akiko demonstrates how to create a flavorful dashi from scratch.

Participants learn the importance of quality ingredients and proper techniques to extract the maximum umami. By understanding umami and mastering dashi, students can elevate the depth of flavor in their home cooking.

This knowledge becomes a game-changer for recreating authentic Japanese dishes.

Enjoying the Final Dishes

The class culminates with participants savoring the fruits of their labor. Everyone gathers around the table, eager to taste the dishes they carefully prepared. The hearty miso soup, fragrant rice, and flavorful main and side dishes are met with impressed nods and satisfied hums.

Highlights include:

1. Tender chicken karaage with a delightfully crispy coating
2. Springy handmade gyoza with a savory filling
3. Fluffy, savory okonomiyaki packed with delicious ingredients
4. The umami-rich dashi stock that ties all the flavors together

As the meal concludes, participants exchange compliments and discuss ways to recreate the recipes at home, leaving with newfound cooking skills and a deeper appreciation for Japanese cuisine.

Replicating the Recipes at Home

With the recipes and techniques learned in the class, participants can confidently recreate the delectable dishes at home.

The thorough instruction and hands-on experience ensure they can replicate the savory ramen, tender chicken karaage, and flavorful gyoza with ease.

The provided recipe copies serve as a helpful guide, jogging their memory on the key steps.

Applying the tips on umami and dashi creation, they can infuse their homemade meals with the same depth of flavor.

Equipped with the class knowledge, participants can share the joy of Japanese home cooking with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Cooking Tools?

No, you cannot bring your own cooking tools. The class provides all necessary aprons and utensils. Participants are encouraged to fully engage with the instructor’s guidance and equipment to ensure a cohesive, hands-on learning experience.

How Much Advance Cooking Experience Is Required?

No prior cooking experience is required for this class. The instructor tailors the lessons to beginners, providing hands-on guidance to prepare Japanese dishes from scratch. Even those new to cooking can expect an enjoyable and informative culinary experience.

Do I Need to Speak Japanese for the Class?

No, you don’t need to speak Japanese for the class. The instructors are fluent in English, so participants can fully engage in the hands-on cooking experience and learn how to prepare authentic Japanese dishes without any language barriers.

Can I Book a Private Class for My Group?

Yes, you can book a private class for your group. The class accommodates up to 6 people, so you can reserve it exclusively for your party. The instructor can also adapt the menu to your dietary preferences.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

There’s no strict dress code for the cooking class. Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing they don’t mind getting dirty. The focus is on the hands-on cooking experience, not formal attire.

The Sum Up

This 3-hour guided Musubi Japanese home cooking class offers an immersive culinary experience. You’ll learn to prepare a delicious main dish and two side dishes from scratch, while discovering the secrets of umami and dashi. With personalized instruction from Akiko in a cozy setting, you’ll enjoy a memorable cooking adventure and leave with the ability to replicate the recipes at home.