Ramen Making Experience: Entirely From Scratch!

Ramen enthusiasts seek out authentic experiences that showcase the art of crafting this beloved Japanese dish from the ground up. The Ramen Making Experience promises to deliver just that – an immersive opportunity for participants to learn the intricate steps of noodle-making, broth preparation, and chashu pork cooking under the tutelage of an expert guide. With a guided tour of Akihabara’s vibrant food scene woven into the mix, this three-hour culinary adventure promises to elevate one’s appreciation for the complexities of true ramen mastery.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience in making authentic Jiro ramen from scratch, including preparing noodles, crafting soup base, and cooking chashu pork.
• Guided tour of Akihabara and visit to a local grocery store to understand the cultural and culinary influences on ramen ingredients.
• Small group setting with an English-speaking instructor who provides step-by-step guidance throughout the 3-hour ramen-making process.
• Participants receive a recipe to recreate the Jiro-style ramen at home, enabling them to continue the authentic ramen-making experience.
• Emphasis on the importance of quality ingredients and the balance of flavors in achieving the signature Jiro ramen taste.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Ramen Making Experience

The Ramen Making Experience offers participants the unique opportunity to create authentic Jiro ramen entirely from scratch.

Over the course of 3 hours, a small group of up to 6 people will learn to make ramen noodles from flour, prepare the soup, and cook chashu pork under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor.

Attendees will also enjoy a walking tour of Akihabara, including a visit to a local grocery store, to learn about the importance of each ingredient.

Participants will leave with the recipe to recreate the ramen at home.

Preparing the Noodles From Scratch

As participants begin the ramen making experience, they learn the meticulous art of preparing the noodles from scratch. Under the instructor’s guidance, they measure and mix the flour, water, and salt, kneading the dough until it reaches the perfect consistency. The dough is then rested, rolled, and cut into long, thin noodles. Participants marvel at the transformation, observing how the simple ingredients come together to create the foundation of the ramen dish.

Step	Description
1	Mix flour, water, and salt
2	Knead the dough until smooth
3	Roll and cut the dough into noodles

The homemade noodles are the heart of the ramen, and participants take pride in crafting them from scratch.

Crafting the Flavorful Soup Base

With the noodles prepared, participants now turn their attention to crafting the flavorful soup base that will complete the ramen dish.

Under the instructor’s guidance, they meticulously combine an aromatic blend of simmered chicken and pork bones, along with flavorful dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.

The air fills with the rich, umami scent as the soup simmers, deepening in flavor.

Participants learn the importance of each ingredient and technique, understanding how to balance the perfect harmony of savory, salty, and subtle sweetness.

With the soup base complete, the ramen nears its final stage of transformation.

Cooking the Chashu Pork

Participants now turn their attention to cooking the chashu pork, a key component in authentic ramen.

They learned earlier that chashu is braised pork belly, slow-cooked until tender and infused with savory flavors. Under the instructor’s guidance, they carefully brown the pork on all sides, creating a delectable caramelized crust.

The aromatic blend of soy sauce, mirin, and spices simmers as the pork becomes meltingly soft. Careful slicing reveals the perfectly marbled texture.

Participants eagerly await the moment they can top their freshly made ramen bowls with the glistening, flavorful chashu pork.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Guided Tour of Akihabara and Grocery Visit

The ramen making experience now shifts gears as the participants embark on a guided tour of Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town.

This part of the class offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and culinary influences that shape authentic ramen.

The tour includes:

1. A visit to a local grocery store, where the instructor explains the importance of each ingredient used in ramen.
2. A stroll through the bustling Akihabara district, known for its electronics, anime, and gaming culture.
3. Insights into how these elements intertwine to create the unique flavors and traditions of Jiro-style ramen.

Importance of Each Ingredient

As the participants gather around the kitchen counter, the instructor emphasizes the importance of each ingredient in crafting the perfect Jiro-style ramen.

They learn that the quality of the flour is crucial for creating the chewy noodles, while the pork bones and chicken carcasses lend depth to the rich, umami-packed broth.

The chashu pork is meticulously braised, its tenderness and flavor complementing the dish.

Even the tare, a concentrated seasoning, plays a vital role in balancing the saltiness and sweetness.

Every component, the instructor explains, must work in harmony to achieve the renowned Jiro ramen experience.

Takeaway Recipe and Tips

As the class winds down, the instructor provides participants with the recipe and key tips to recreate the Jiro-style ramen at home.

Students eagerly jot down the detailed instructions, knowing they can now bring the authentic flavors of Tokyo to their own kitchens.

The takeaway includes:

1. A step-by-step guide for making the signature ramen noodles from scratch, including the exact flour-to-water ratio.
2. A comprehensive recipe for the rich, umami-packed broth, highlighting the importance of slow-simmering the ingredients.
3. Tips on perfectly preparing the chashu pork, from the ideal marinade to the cooking technique.

With these resources in hand, participants are equipped to masterfully replicate the ramen they just learned to craft.

Participants, Policies, and Meeting Details

A small group of up to 6 you will join the Ramen Making Experience. The class is not suitable for children under 5, people with back problems, wheelchair users, vegans, and vegetarians. Late arrivals over 10 minutes will not receive refunds. The meeting point is at 11 AM outside the JR Akihabara Station Central Ticket Gate, but the class ends at the Patia Kitchen Studios, a few minutes from the station.

Participant Policies	Details
Age Limit	No children under 5
Physical Limitations	No back problems, wheelchair users
Dietary Restrictions	No vegans, vegetarians
Arrival Time	Late arrivals over 10 minutes receive no refunds
Meeting Point	JR Akihabara Station, ends at Patia Kitchen Studios

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to the Class?

No, participants cannot bring their own ingredients to the class. The experience is designed as a comprehensive hands-on workshop where all necessary materials are provided, and the instructor guides attendees through the entire ramen-making process from start to finish.

Is the Class Suitable for Individuals With Food Allergies?

The class is not suitable for individuals with food allergies. The description specifically states it’s not suitable for vegans and vegetarians, indicating the class uses ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions in some participants.

Do I Need to Have Prior Ramen-Making Experience?

The ramen-making experience does not require prior experience. It’s designed for beginners, providing step-by-step guidance on creating ramen from scratch, including making the noodles, preparing the soup, and cooking the chashu pork.

What Is the Dress Code for the Class?

The dress code for the class is casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear clothing that allows for easy movement, as they’ll be actively involved in the ramen-making process. There are no formal dress requirements specified.

Can I Take Home the Leftovers From the Class?

The class allows participants to take home the ramen they’ve prepared, including the noodles, soup, and chashu pork. This provides a valuable opportunity to recreate the authentic ramen experience at home after the class.

The Sum Up

The Ramen Making Experience immerses participants in the art of authentic ramen production. From handcrafting noodles to simmering a rich broth, every step is meticulously guided by an expert instructor. The hands-on workshop culminates in a satisfying meal and a treasured recipe to recreate the flavors at home, offering a truly memorable journey into Japanese culinary tradition.

You can check if your dates are available here: