Private Japanese Homecooking in Kyoto With a Lovely Local Michiyo

Explore the rich culinary traditions of Japan in the charming Kyoto home of Michiyo, a skilled local chef. This private cooking class offers an intimate, hands-on experience where you’ll learn to prepare authentic Japanese dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guided by Michiyo’s expertise, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the flavors and techniques that define this celebrated gastronomic heritage. The class culminates in a delightful meal that showcases the beauty and complexity of Japanese cuisine.

Key Points

1. Authentic Japanese cooking experience hosted by Michiyo, a local expert, in her Kyoto home.
2. Hands-on preparation of traditional dishes like dashi soup, chirashi sushi, nikujaga, and Japanese-style fried chicken.
3. Emphasis on utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients to create an immersive culinary journey.
4. Intimate setting allows guests to gain valuable insights into the art of Japanese cuisine.
5. Diverse menu showcases the balance and refinement of Japanese culinary traditions, including a refreshing dessert.

Experience Overview

This private cooking class with local host Michiyo in her Kyoto home offers a unique opportunity for travelers to learn authentic Japanese cuisine.

With a 98% recommendation rate from 47 previous guests, the experience provides an intimate setting to explore traditional dishes.

Michiyo, a passionate home cook, shares her expertise and guides participants through the preparation of menu items like dashi broth and chirashi sushi.

The class utilizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the meal is enjoyed in a welcoming atmosphere with Michiyo and her husband.

This immersive culinary experience promises an authentic taste of Japanese home cooking.

Cooking Experience

During the private cooking class, participants have the opportunity to learn the preparation of authentic Japanese dishes under the guidance of their host, Michiyo. The menu includes a dashi-based soup starter, a main course of chirashi sushi with salmon, nikujaga, and Japanese-style fried chicken, and a dessert of marinated silken tofu with canola flower leaves and mango. Michiyo utilizes fresh, seasonal ingredients to create these traditional Japanese specialties. The cooking experience allows guests to enjoy the art of Japanese cuisine and gain valuable insights from a local expert.

Dish	Key Ingredients	Preparation Technique
Dashi Soup	Stock, seasonal vegetables	Simmering
Chirashi Sushi	Sushi rice, salmon, vegetables	Assembling and garnishing
Nikujaga	Beef, potatoes, onion	Simmering in a savory broth
Fried Chicken	Chicken, panko breadcrumbs	Frying
Dessert	Silken tofu, canola flowers, mango	Marinating and chilling

Dashi-based Soup

The dashi-based soup starter is a quintessential element of the cooking experience.

Dashi, the foundational Japanese broth, forms the base of this simple yet flavorful soup. Guests will learn to prepare this umami-rich liquid using bonito flakes and kombu seaweed, key ingredients that impart the distinct savory taste.

The soup may feature seasonal vegetables or a delicate protein, further enhancing its depth of flavor. Sipped alongside the meal, this dashi-based starter provides a harmonious introduction to the Japanese culinary tradition, setting the stage for the chef-led exploration of authentic dishes to come.

Chirashi Sushi and Nikujaga

Moving from the soothing dashi-based soup, guests then learn to prepare two signature Japanese dishes – chirashi sushi and nikujaga. Chirashi sushi, a deconstructed take on traditional sushi, features pieces of fresh salmon layered atop seasoned sushi rice. Nikujaga, a hearty stew of beef, potatoes, and onions, is a comforting household staple. Through hands-on instruction, Michiyo guides her guests in mastering these flavorful recipes.

Chirashi Sushi	Nikujaga
Sushi rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt	Beef, potatoes, and onions simmered in a savory broth
Fresh salmon sliced and arranged atop the rice	Comforting and satisfying stew-like dish
Garnished with colorful vegetables for a visually stunning presentation	Warming and homey flavors

Japanese-style Fried Chicken

Another signature dish introduced during the cooking class is Japanese-style fried chicken.

Also known as karaage, this dish features bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken thighs coated in a light and crispy batter.

Michiyo shared the technique of marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before dredging it in potato starch and quickly deep-frying to perfection.

The result is a flavorful and crunchy fried chicken that pairs beautifully with the other dishes, such as the delicate chirashi sushi and hearty nikujaga.

It’s a beloved staple in Japanese home cooking that showcases Michiyo’s mastery of traditional recipes.

Marinated Silken Tofu and Mango

While the savory dishes during the cooking class highlighted Michiyo’s expertise in traditional Japanese cuisine, the meal’s conclusion featured a delightful dessert of marinated silken tofu with canola flower leaves and mango.

The soft, creamy tofu was delicately infused with a sweet, tangy marinade, providing a refreshing contrast to the preceding hearty entrees.

Accentuating the tofu were the delicate canola flower leaves, imparting a subtle floral note, and juicy mango cubes, adding a tropical sweetness.

This light, yet satisfying, dessert exemplified the balance and refinement characteristic of Japanese culinary traditions.

Beverages and Meal Setting

Oftentimes, guests are offered the option of pairing alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages with the multi-course meal. This allows them to fully enjoy the authentic Japanese dining experience.

The meal can be enjoyed either during lunch or dinner, providing flexibility to fit one’s schedule.

Michiyo and her husband warmly welcome guests into their home, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The setting allows guests to savor the dishes and beverages while engaging in conversation with their local host, further enhancing the cultural exchange.

• Alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink options available
• Lunch or dinner meal settings offered
• Welcoming atmosphere in Michiyo’s home
• Opportunity to interact with local host

Logistics and Meeting Details

Guests are asked to meet at Otsukyo Station in Otsu, Shiga, Japan, where their host Michiyo will pick them up in her navy blue car.

The activity ends back at the meeting point after the cooking class and meal. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

This private experience is limited only to the booking party, allowing for a more personalized and intimate setting.

Dietary requirements can be specified at the time of booking, though the experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability, and free cancellation is allowed up to 2 days in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages to the Event?

Guests are not permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages to the cooking class. However, the host offers the option to enjoy alcoholic drinks paired with the meal, which can be selected during the booking process.

Are Children Allowed to Participate in the Cooking Class?

Children are allowed to participate in the cooking class, though the experience may be more suitable for older children and adults. The host can accommodate dietary restrictions as needed during the booking process.

What Is the Duration of the Overall Cooking Experience?

The overall cooking experience lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, including the meal and interaction with the local host. The duration allows for a comprehensive learning opportunity and enjoyment of the prepared dishes in a relaxed setting.

Is It Possible to Take the Leftover Food Home After the Meal?

The experience does not include the option to take leftover food home. The meal is enjoyed on-site with the host, and any remaining food is consumed during the communal dining experience.

Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Required for the Class?

There is no specific dress code or attire required for the private cooking class. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for spending time in the kitchen.

The Sum Up

Michiyo’s private cooking class in her Kyoto home offers an immersive journey into authentic Japanese cuisine. Guests learn to prepare traditional dishes under Michiyo’s hands-on guidance, culminating in a delightful meal that showcases the beauty and flavors of this culinary heritage. With a high recommendation rate, this experience provides invaluable insights into the techniques and traditions of Japanese cooking.