Osaka: Cooking Class & Sake Tasting With Local Market Visit

Osaka is renowned for its dynamic food culture, and this immersive cooking class promises to whisk visitors right into the heart of it. Under the guidance of an English-speaking expert, you will learn to prepare iconic Japanese dishes like niku-sui, okonomiyaki, and gyoza. The class incorporates a visit to a local supermarket, where attendees can select fresh ingredients before honing their culinary skills. Of course, no Japanese experience is complete without a sake tasting, offering a chance to explore four distinct varieties. For those eager to dive into Osaka’s vibrant gastronomic scene, this hands-on adventure could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Hands-on cooking experience of three iconic Osaka dishes: niku-sui, okonomiyaki, and gyoza.
• Local market visit to select fresh ingredients and learn about daily life in Osaka.
• Authentic yet simple recipes designed for easy home cooking, guided by an English-speaking tour guide.
• Sake tasting featuring four different kinds and tea, providing insight into Japanese culinary culture.
• Small-group experience (up to 7 participants) suitable for anyone over 12 years old, with dietary needs accommodated.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The activity offers a hands-on experience exploring Osaka’s vibrant food culture.

Over 4 hours, a small group of up to 7 you will cook iconic local dishes under the guidance of an English-speaking live tour guide.

The experience includes a trip to a local supermarket, cooking in a welcoming studio, and sake tasting.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this activity provides a unique culture at a discounted price of $82.62 per person.

The cooking class is open to anyone over 12, but not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Cooking Experience

As part of the experience, you will cook three iconic local dishes – niku-sui (beef soup), okonomiyaki (savory pancake), and gyoza (dumplings).

The recipes are designed to be authentic yet simple, allowing easy home cooking. All ingredients for the cooking and lunch are included.

During the class, you will also enjoy a local sake tasting, featuring four different kinds, as well as tea.

The cooking takes place in a welcoming studio environment, with step-by-step guidance from the English-speaking live tour guide.

Market Visit and Preparation

Before the cooking commences, participants begin with a trip to a local supermarket to pick fresh ingredients. This provides an insightful glimpse into daily life in Osaka.

At the market, the guide shares tips on selecting the freshest produce and shares cultural context about the ingredients. Guests actively engage, choosing the components for the dishes they’ll soon prepare.

Back at the welcoming studio, the cooking lesson begins with step-by-step guidance from the English-speaking instructor.

With the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in hand, participants are ready to craft authentic Osaka specialties in a hands-on, immersive culinary experience.

Participant Information

This cooking class and sake tasting experience is open to anyone over 12 years old. The cooking involves cutting and heating, so participants must be able to handle these tasks.

Vegans and vegetarians are welcome, but gluten-free options are unavailable. Guests should inform the host of any dietary needs or allergies at least one day in advance.

• Not recommended for those with mobility issues; private tours are suggested for guests with walking difficulties.

• Tour photos taken during the experience will be emailed afterward.

• Japan’s climate varies, so dress accordingly for summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F).

• Respect for all guests is expected; the tour starts on time, and late arrivals can’t join or receive refunds.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Details

The meeting point for this experience is in front of FamilyMart, a 1-minute walk from the 4B Exit of Minami Morimachi Station.

Photos from the tour will be emailed to participants afterward.

As Japan’s climate varies greatly, guests should dress accordingly – summer highs reach 40°C (110°F) and winter lows drop to -5°C (20°F).

Respect for all guests is expected, as the tour starts on time. Late arrivals can’t join or receive refunds.

This small-group experience is limited to 7 participants and is open to anyone over 12 years old, though mobility issues may require a private tour.

Explore Osaka’s Food Culture

Osaka is renowned for its vibrant food culture, and this cooking class offers an immersive experience that lets participants explore it hands-on.

The class covers iconic local dishes, including:

• Niku-sui: A comforting beef soup
• Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake packed with flavors
• Gyoza: Delectable dumplings

Recipes are designed to be authentic yet simple, allowing participants to recreate these specialties at home.

The experience also includes a trip to a local supermarket, providing insights into daily life in Osaka.

Throughout the class, participants can enjoy local sake tasting and tea, further enhancing their culinary journey.

Authentic and Simple Recipes

The class’s recipes are designed to be both authentic and straightforward, allowing participants to recreate Osaka’s iconic dishes with ease in their own homes.

Guests will learn to prepare niku-sui – a comforting beef soup, okonomiyaki – a savory pancake, and gyoza – delectable dumplings.

These recipes use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and feature step-by-step guidance from the English-speaking chef.

The goal is to provide an immersive experience that empowers participants to continue exploring Osaka’s vibrant food culture long after the class ends.

Alongside the cooking, guests can enjoy a tasting of four local sake varieties and tea.

Indulge in Local Sake Tasting

Along With the cooking experience, guests can savor a tasting of four local sake varieties as they learn about this quintessential Japanese beverage.

The sake tasting includes:

• Junmai: A pure, full-bodied sake with a rich, umami flavor.
• Ginjo: A premium sake with a delicate, fruity aroma.
• Daiginjo: The highest grade of sake, featuring a refined, complex profile.
• Honjozo: A lighter, more versatile sake with a clean, balanced taste.

Throughout the tasting, the instructor provides insights into the history, production, and ideal pairings for each sake, enhancing the immersive cultural experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?

No, participants cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages to the cooking class. The experience includes a sake tasting, but outside alcohol is not permitted. Guests should enjoy the provided drinks as part of the inclusive experience.

Are There Any Discounts for Groups or Families?

Yes, the cooking class offers discounts for groups and families. Groups of 4 or more can save up to 10% per person, while children under 12 receive a 50% discount when accompanied by an adult.

Do I Need to Bring Any Cooking Utensils or Equipment?

No, participants don’t need to bring any cooking utensils or equipment. The class provides all the necessary tools and ingredients for the hands-on cooking experience. Participants can simply show up and enjoy the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration cannot be extended. It is a fixed 4-hour experience. However, the tour offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if participants need to adjust their plans.

Can I Take Home Any Leftover Food or Ingredients?

Participants can’t take home any leftover food or ingredients from the cooking class. The experience is designed to be enjoyed on-site, with all the prepared dishes and sake tasting consumed during the 4-hour session.

The Sum Up

This immersive cooking class in Osaka promises an unforgettable culinary adventure. Participants will explore the city’s vibrant food culture, preparing iconic dishes with guidance from an English-speaking expert. The hands-on experience includes a visit to a local market, where fresh ingredients are selected, followed by a welcoming sake tasting. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this small-group experience offers a delicious exploration of Japanese cuisine.

You can check if your dates are available here: