Osaka Foodie Experience: Japanese Snack and Sake Class

Osaka, the culinary heart of Japan, beckons foodies with its vibrant gastronomic scene. One experience that stands out is the Osaka Foodie Experience: Japanese Snack and Sake Class. Led by a Michelin-trained chef, this immersive culinary journey offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of crafting authentic Japanese snacks while exploring the nuanced flavors of premium sake. From the umami-rich Simmered Yellowtail with Daikon to the guided sake tasting, this exclusive class promises to elevate one’s appreciation for the depth and complexity of Japanese cuisine. For those seeking an authentic taste of Osaka’s gastronomic delights, this class could prove to be a truly enlightening experience.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Food Tours In Osaka.

Key Points

• Hands-on cooking class led by a Michelin-trained chef, teaching participants to prepare 5 traditional Japanese snacks.
• Guided sake tasting of 3 premium sakes, including chilled and warm varieties, providing cultural insights into sake brewing.
• Emphasis on mastering traditional techniques and using high-quality ingredients to achieve authentic Japanese flavors.
• Dishes include vibrant Wasabi Garlic Potato Salad, tender Octopus and Cucumber Vinegar Salad, and fried Fish Tatsuta-age.
• Culminating experience of crafting visually appealing and flavorful Mixed Rice Onigiri, a beloved Japanese comfort food.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Experience

This Japanese Snack and Sake Class offers a comprehensive Osaka foodie experience. Lasting 4 hours, it’s led by a Michelin-trained chef and limited to just 2 participants.

You’ll learn to prepare 5 traditional Japanese snacks, from wasabi garlic potato salad to simmered yellowtail. The hands-on cooking is complemented by a guided sake tasting, sampling 2 chilled and 1 warm premium sakes. Throughout, you’ll gain cultural insights and master authentic techniques.

With a cozy apartment setting, small group size, and included photos, this class promises an immersive and personalized introduction to Osaka’s vibrant culinary heritage.

Cooking Traditional Japanese Snacks

At the heart of this Osaka foodie experience lies the hands-on cooking portion, where participants dive into the art of preparing five authentic Japanese snacks. Under the expert guidance of a Michelin-trained chef, they’ll learn traditional techniques and use premium ingredients to craft dishes like wasabi-garlic potato salad, octopus and cucumber vinegar salad, fish tatsuta-age, simmered yellowtail with daikon, and mixed rice onigiri.

This immersive culinary journey not only teaches valuable cooking skills but also provides cultural insights into Japanese culinary traditions. With a small group setting, participants receive personalized attention and can apply their newfound knowledge to recreate these delectable snacks at home.

Wasabi Garlic Potato Salad

Participants dive into the creation of the wasabi garlic potato salad, a vibrant and flavorful dish that encapsulates the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine. Under the expert guidance of the Michelin-trained chef, they’ll learn the art of balancing the pungent wasabi and the aromatic garlic to complement the creamy potatoes.

The chef will demonstrate the importance of using the right techniques to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Participants will be amazed by the depth of taste achieved through the careful selection and preparation of the ingredients. This hands-on experience offers an immersive journey into the rich culinary traditions of Japan.

Octopus and Cucumber Vinegar Salad

Next, the chef guides the participants in crafting the Octopus and Cucumber Vinegar Salad. They’ll learn to skillfully slice the tender octopus tentacles and crisp cucumbers, then toss them in a tangy vinegar dressing.

The chef explains how the cool, refreshing flavors and textures of this salad perfectly complement the richness of the prior dish. Participants meticulously assemble the salad, ensuring even distribution of the ingredients. The chef offers tips on achieving the ideal balance of acidity and crunch.

Once plated, the salad’s vibrant colors and elegant presentation impress the group. This authentic Japanese dish showcases the chef’s Michelin-trained expertise and the participants’ newfound culinary abilities.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Fish Tatsuta-age

Having mastered the previous salad dish, the group now turns their attention to crafting the traditional Japanese delicacy of Fish Tatsuta-age. This classic fried fish dish showcases the chef’s expertise in selecting and preparing the freshest ingredients. The preparation involves marinating the fish in a special blend of soy sauce, ginger, and mirin, then coating it in a light, crispy batter before frying to perfection. The resulting Fish Tatsuta-age is a savory, umami-rich treat that perfectly balances the delicate flavor of the fish with the crunch of the fried exterior.

Ingredient	Quantity
White Fish (e.g., Cod or Halibut)	300g
Soy Sauce	2 tbsp
Mirin	1 tbsp
Ginger, grated	1 tsp
All-Purpose Flour	1/2 cup
Vegetable Oil for Frying	As needed

Simmered Yellowtail With Daikon

Moving on, the group now turns their attention to crafting the sumptuous Simmered Yellowtail with Daikon. The chef demonstrates the intricate steps to create this quintessential Japanese dish.

First, they carefully sear the yellowtail fillets to lock in the flavor. Next, the daikon radish is skillfully sliced and simmered in a seasoned broth until tender. The yellowtail and daikon are then combined, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. The chef explains how the natural sweetness of the daikon complements the richness of the fish, creating a beautifully balanced dish. The participants follow along, eager to master this time-honored Japanese culinary technique.

Mixed Rice Onigiri

The final step in the Japanese snack-making experience is the creation of mixed rice onigiri. Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a beloved Japanese comfort food made by shaping steamed rice into bite-sized triangular or circular forms.

In this class, you will learn to prepare a delightful variety of onigiri fillings, including savory umami-rich ingredients like simmered yellowtail and daikon. Under the guidance of the Michelin-trained chef, they’ll carefully mold the rice, expertly wrapping the fillings within. The result is a visually appealing and flavorful onigiri that encapsulates the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine.

This hands-on activity allows participants to fully enjoy the art of onigiri making, culminating the Osaka foodie experience.

Guided Sake Tasting

After learning to craft the delightful onigiri, participants now turn their attention to experiencing the art of Japanese sake. Under the expert guidance of the Michelin-trained chef, they embark on a guided tasting of three premium sakes.

The selection includes a chilled junmai and junmai ginjo, as well as a warm sake, allowing participants to explore the nuanced flavors and aromas that distinguish each variety. The tasting provides cultural insights into the traditions and techniques of sake brewing, enhancing the participants’ appreciation for this iconic Japanese beverage.

Through this immersive experience, they gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and subtleties that define the world of Japanese sake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Menu to My Dietary Needs?

Yes, the chef can customize the menu to accommodate dietary needs. Participants can discuss any dietary restrictions or preferences with the chef in advance to ensure an enjoyable and tailored culinary experience.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Cooking Attire?

No, participants don’t need to bring any special cooking attire. The experience provides aprons to wear during the hands-on cooking session, ensuring participants stay clean and comfortable throughout the class.

How Long Does the Travel Time Take to the Venue?

The venue is located 30 minutes from Numba station, so the travel time to reach the apartment in central Osaka is approximately 30-35 minutes. The class takes place in a comfortable and accessible apartment near the city center.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Class Fee?

The class fee covers all necessary cooking ingredients, equipment, sake tastings, and cultural insights. There are no additional costs beyond the class fee. Participants will receive complimentary water and tea throughout the 4-hour experience.

How Does the Booking and Payment Process Work?

The booking process is straightforward – customers can reserve their spot and pay later. There aren’t any additional costs beyond the class fee, which includes all necessary materials and ingredients. The small group setting ensures personalized attention throughout the experience.

Recap

The Osaka Foodie Experience offers an immersive culinary journey, allowing participants to explore the rich traditions of Japanese cuisine. With the guidance of a Michelin-trained chef, guests explore the art of preparing authentic snacks while savoring the nuanced flavors of premium sake. This intimate class is a must for foodies seeking a genuine taste of Osaka’s renowned gastronomic delights.

You can check if your dates are available here: