Enjoy the vibrant food culture of Nagoya through an intimate, hands-on cooking class in a local resident’s home. Led by Akiko, this experience introduces you to classic regional dishes and the traditional techniques that define Nagoya’s culinary heritage. From savory miso stew to crispy shrimp tempura, you’ll gain insights into the art of dashi stock-making and the craft of onigiri rice balls. Whether you choose a lunchtime or dinner session, this personalized culinary journey promises to satisfy your senses and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the unique flavors of Nagoya.
Key Points
- Hands-on cooking experience to learn and prepare classic Nagoya dishes like red miso stew, shrimp tempura, and fried chicken in a local resident’s home.
- Guided instruction from host Akiko on mastering the techniques for making umami-rich dashi stock and shaping traditional onigiri rice balls.
- Intimate and immersive small group or private class setting, allowing for a deeper appreciation of Nagoya’s culinary traditions.
- Opportunity to choose between lunch or dinner options to suit the visitor’s schedule and preferences.
- Meeting the host at the train station and traveling together to Akiko’s home, the end point of the authentic cooking experience.
Overview of the Experience
This authentic Nagoya cuisine cooking class and meal with local resident Akiko offers an intimate, hands-on experience to learn and savor the flavors of the regional cuisine.
Guests can choose from lunch or dinner options, as they’ll learn to prepare classic Nagoya dishes like red miso stew, shrimp tempura, and fried chicken.
The small group or private class takes place in Akiko’s home, where you will learn to make traditional Japanese staples like dashi stock, miso stew, and onigiri rice balls.
With beverages, taxes, and gratuities included, this personalized culinary experience provides an authentic taste of Nagoya in a comfortable, local setting.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Aichi Prefecture.
Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class
Hosted by local resident Akiko, the Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class offers guests an intimate, hands-on opportunity to learn and savor the flavors of this renowned regional cuisine.
Whether you choose the lunch or dinner option, you’ll explore classic Nagoya dishes like savory red miso stew, crispy shrimp tempura, and juicy fried chicken.
Under Akiko’s expert guidance, you’ll craft these specialties from scratch, mastering techniques for preparing the foundation dashi stock and perfectly seasoned rice for onigiri.
With a small group or on a private basis, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the unique culinary traditions of Nagoya while enjoying the warmth of a local’s home.
Learning to Make Dashi Stock and Miso Stew
In the Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class, guests first learn to prepare the fundamental dashi stock, which forms the base for many Japanese dishes, including the classic red miso stew. Akiko, the local host, guides participants through the process step-by-step.
The key steps include:
- Simmering kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes to extract the umami-rich broth.
- Straining the liquid to remove any solids, resulting in a clear, aromatic dashi.
- Combining the dashi with red miso paste, vegetables, and proteins to create the hearty, flavorful stew.
- Customizing the stew to personal preferences, such as the thickness, saltiness, or addition of ingredients.
With the foundational dashi and miso stew under their belts, guests are well on their way to mastering authentic Nagoya cuisine.
Preparing Shrimp Tempura and Fried Chicken
Next, participants learn to prepare two signature Nagoya dishes – shrimp tempura and fried chicken.
For the shrimp tempura, Akiko demonstrates how to create a light and crispy batter by combining chilled sparkling water, all-purpose flour, and a touch of cornstarch. She carefully selects fresh, large shrimp and guides participants through the proper technique of dipping and frying to achieve the perfect golden-brown tempura.
The fried chicken is another Nagoya specialty. Akiko shows how to season the chicken with a blend of spices, coat it in a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture, and fry it to perfection. Participants learn the importance of maintaining the correct oil temperature and draining the chicken on a wire rack to ensure it’s deliciously crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Onigiri (Rice Balls) in the Nagoya Style
In an article titled ‘Learn to Prepare Authentic Nagoya Cuisine With a Local in Her Home’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Onigiri (Rice Balls) in the Nagoya Style’.
What makes Nagoya-style onigiri unique, Akiko explains, is the use of a special type of rice and the careful molding technique. She selects a short-grain, sticky variety of Japanese rice and gently shapes the onigiri into compact triangles, carefully pressing the rice to achieve the desired firmness and texture.
The key steps Akiko follows are:
- Rinsing the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch
- Cooking the rice to the perfect doneness
- Seasoning the rice with a touch of salt and vinegar
- Meticulously shaping the onigiri by hand
- Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local in Her Home
- Private Transfer From Nagoya Int Airport (Itm) to Shimizu Port
- 2-Hour Genuine Samurai Experience Through Kendo in Nagoya
- Private Transfer From Nagoya Airport NKM to Shimizu Cruise Port
- Half Day Countryside Tour in Shinshiro Japan
- Learn to Prepare Authentic Nagoya Cuisine With a Local in Her Home
Choosing Lunch or Dinner Options
Akiko offers guests a choice between a lunchtime or dinnertime session, allowing them to select the option that best fits their schedule and preferences.
The lunchtime class runs from 11:30am to 2:30pm, while the dinner session takes place from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
Both options provide the same comprehensive cooking experience, with participants learning to prepare classic Nagoya dishes like red miso stew, shrimp tempura, and fried chicken.
Regardless of the time, guests can expect an intimate, hands-on lesson in Akiko’s home, complete with a delicious meal showcasing the regional flavors of Nagoya.
The choice between lunch or dinner allows visitors to tailor the experience to their needs and enjoy authentic Nagoya cuisine at their preferred time of day.
Intimate Japanese Cooking Class and Meal
The cooking class and meal with Akiko offer a unique, intimate experience in her private home, allowing guests to enjoy traditional Nagoya cuisine and culture.
Participants will learn to prepare classic regional dishes using hands-on instruction, working alongside their host to master the techniques and flavors of this distinct culinary style.
The experience includes:
- Preparing dashi stock, the savory broth that forms the base of many Japanese dishes
- Learning to make mouthwatering miso stew, a Nagoya specialty
- Crafting delicate onigiri (rice balls) in the local style
- Gaining insights into the cultural significance of these time-honored recipes and techniques
This personalized class provides an authentic glimpse into the heart of Nagoya’s vibrant food scene.
Meeting and End Point of the Experience
Guests meet their host Akiko at the south exit of JR Kachigawa station to begin their authentic Nagoya cuisine experience.
From there, the group will travel together to Akiko’s home, the end point of the tour.
Akiko’s cozy residence provides an intimate and immersive setting for the cooking class and meal.
During the class, guests will learn to make classic Nagoya dishes like miso stew, tempura, and fried chicken in Akiko’s kitchen.
After the cooking is complete, everyone will enjoy the freshly prepared meal together at Akiko’s dining table.
The experience concludes at the host home, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Nagoya’s rich culinary traditions and the hospitality of their local guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many People Can Participate in the Private Option?
The private option allows for a personalized cooking class and meal with the host Akiko. The group size for the private experience is not specified, but it’s likely a flexible arrangement catered to the customer’s needs.
Is There a Dress Code for the Cooking Class?
There is no strict dress code for the cooking class. Participants should wear comfortable clothing that they don’t mind getting dirty from food preparation. Casual attire is recommended, as the focus is on the hands-on cooking experience.
Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Experience?
Participants are welcome to take photos and videos during the cooking class experience. However, it’s polite to ask the host for permission first. The host may request no filming in certain areas of the home for privacy.
Is the Host Proficient in English Communication?
The host, Akiko, is proficient in English communication. She will guide participants through the cooking class and provide detailed explanations throughout the experience, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable learning process for guests.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
There is no stated minimum age requirement for participants. The experience is suitable for all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. Specific dietary needs or restrictions should be communicated at the time of booking.
Recap
Enjoy the flavors of Nagoya’s vibrant food culture through this intimate, hands-on cooking class.
Led by a local resident, you’ll learn to prepare classic regional dishes, master the art of dashi stock-making, and craft traditional onigiri rice balls.
Whether you choose a lunchtime or dinner session, this personalized culinary journey offers a unique taste of Nagoya’s essence, allowing you to savor the authentic essence of the city’s cuisine.
More Tour Reviews in Aichi Prefecture
- Create Your Own Glass Cup and See Setos Lucky Cats in Japan
- Skip the Line Ticket to Sumo Morning Practice at Nagoya
- Sushi Making and the Art of Fermentation Handa Tour With a Guide
- Kimono, Tea Ceremony and Shodo in Kimono School
- Sake & Seasonal Delights Sake Pairing Lunch at the Brewery
- Half Day Countryside Tour in Shinshiro Japan
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Aichi Prefecture we have recnetly reviewed
- 3 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Aichi Prefecture
- Full Day Hiking Tour to Mt. Horaiji
- The Seto Mingei Pottery Museum Ticket + Seto Ware Gift
- Maneki Neko Museum Ticket+Special Grab Bag
- Explore Holy Mt Horaiji Private Tour
- Famous Inari Sushi Making Experience in Toyokawa
- Explore Holy Mt Horaiji Private Tour
- Create Your Own Glass Cup and See Setos Lucky Cats in Japan
- Skip the Line Ticket to Sumo Morning Practice at Nagoya
- Kimono, Tea Ceremony and Shodo in Kimono School
- Sake & Seasonal Delights Sake Pairing Lunch at the Brewery
- 4 Best Tours In Aichi Prefecture