Learn to Make Home Style Tempura Udon and Gyoza

Discover the art of preparing authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Tokyo. This hands-on cooking class invites you to master the techniques behind tempura udon and gyoza, two beloved comfort foods. Under the guidance of an experienced local chef, you’ll mix, roll, and fry your way to culinary success. With all ingredients and equipment provided, this immersive experience promises a delightful taste of Japanese culture. Get ready to savor the fruits of your labor – and uncover the secrets behind these time-honored dishes.

Good To Know

• Hands-on cooking class teaching traditional Japanese techniques for preparing tempura udon and gyoza.
• Personalized guidance from an experienced instructor for a group of up to 6 travelers.
• Includes all necessary ingredients, tools, and an English recipe booklet for the authentic meal.
• Offers accommodations for vegetarian and pescetarian diets, with flexibility on gyoza fillings.
• Convenient meeting point at Nerima Station and seamless transportation to the activity site and back.

Experience Overview

This cooking experience allows travelers to learn the art of making home-style Tempura Udon and Gyoza.

It includes all necessary ingredients and tools, along with an English recipe booklet. The meal consists of udon with tempura and gyoza, served with barley tea.

With a maximum of 6 travelers per session, you will receive personalized guidance and attention from the host.

The experience provides a hands-on opportunity to master traditional Japanese cooking techniques and flavors, culminating in a delicious homemade meal to savor.

Meeting and Transportation

The meeting point for this cooking experience is Nerima Station, located at 1-chōme-3-5 Nerima, Nerima City, Tokyo 176-0001, Japan.

Detailed location information and a Google Maps link will be provided by the host.

Participants will travel to the activity site together, with transportation to and from the location included.

At the end of the experience, the group will return to the original meeting point at Nerima Station.

The host ensures a seamless transportation experience so travelers can focus on the cooking lesson.

Booking Information

How much does the Home Style Tempura Udon and Gyoza experience cost?

This cooking class costs $81.95 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

After booking, you will receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The class accommodates vegetarian and pescetarian diets, and travelers can specify their gyoza-filling preference at booking.

However, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, and single male participants can’t attend on their own.

Dietary Requirements and Preferences

Although the cooking class accommodates dietary restrictions such as vegetarian and pescetarian, it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Participants can specify their gyoza-filling preference at booking – minced pork, minced pork and shrimp, or vegetables only.

Single male travelers can’t join the class on their own. The maximum group size is 6 travelers per session, ensuring a personalized experience.

The instructor, Emi, is known for her ability to adapt the menu to meet individual dietary needs, as highlighted by the positive reviews praising her flexibility and guidance.

Reviews and Feedback

Participants have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this home-style cooking class, with a perfect 5.0-star rating across 3 reviews.

Reviewers highlight instructor Emi’s clear guidance and adaptability to dietary needs. They found the cooking techniques valuable and the food delicious, describing the experience as a memorable addition to their trip.

Participants expressed eagerness to recreate the tempura udon and gyoza at home, emphasizing the class as a highlight of their visit.

The reviews demonstrate the class provides an authentic, hands-on opportunity to learn traditional Japanese dishes in an intimate, welcoming setting.

Preparing the Gyoza Dough

To begin preparing the gyoza dough, the class starts by gathering the necessary ingredients – flour, water, and salt.

The instructor explains that the key is achieving the right consistency, not too sticky or too dry. Participants measure the flour and add the water little by little, kneading the dough until it forms a smooth, pliable ball.

The dough rests for 30 minutes, allowing the gluten to develop.

Emi demonstrates how to roll the dough into thin wrappers, emphasizing the importance of even thickness for consistent cooking.

The class then fills the gyoza wrappers with their chosen fillings, ready to be pan-fried.

Crafting the Tempura Batter

As the participants finish preparing the gyoza dough, the instructor turns their attention to crafting the tempura batter.

Tempura batter is a delicate balance of flour, ice-cold water, and sometimes an egg yolk. The instructor explains that the key is to keep the batter light and airy, avoiding overmixing.

They demonstrate sifting the flour to incorporate air, then slowly whisking in the icy water. The batter should have a consistency similar to heavy cream, with visible specks of unmixed flour.

The participants carefully follow along, eager to master the technique for crisp, golden tempura.

Cooking the Udon Noodles

Next, the instructor turns the class’s attention to cooking the udon noodles. She explains that pre-cooked udon are typically used for this dish, so the process involves reheating them rather than cooking from scratch.

The noodles are first placed in a pot of boiling water for a couple of minutes to warm through. Then, they’re drained and rinsed under cold water to remove any excess starch.

Finally, the noodles are arranged in serving bowls, ready to be topped with the tempura and broth. The class watches intently, eager to replicate this simple yet crucial step in crafting the perfect tempura udon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Entire Experience Last?

The entire cooking experience lasts 2-3 hours. Participants learn to make both tempura udon and gyoza, enjoy the prepared meal, and return to the original meeting point at the end of the session.

Can I Bring My Own Wine or Beer to the Class?

No, participants cannot bring their own alcohol to the cooking class. The experience includes a traditional barley tea to accompany the meal, but no alcoholic beverages are permitted. The class focuses on learning to prepare the Japanese dishes.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions mentioned for this cooking experience. The description indicates it is open to participants of all ages, though single male participants cannot attend on their own. Children may join when accompanied by an adult.

Is the Instructor Available for Questions After the Class?

The instructor, Emi, is available for questions after the class. Participants can reach out to Emi directly to clarify any cooking techniques or get additional guidance on recreating the dishes at home.

Can I Take Home Any Leftover Food From the Class?

Unfortunately, participants cannot take home any leftover food from the class. The food is prepared and portioned specifically for the class experience. Any unused ingredients or dishes remain with the host to ensure food safety and quality.

The Sum Up

This culinary experience offers the chance to learn traditional Japanese cooking techniques from an experienced instructor. With a small group size, you will receive personalized attention as they prepare Tempura Udon and Gyoza, enjoying their creations along with barley tea. It’s a memorable way to take in Japan’s vibrant food culture during a visit to Tokyo.