Flavors of Japan: Fermented Food Lunch Workshop

I had a fun time in this cooking class! The instructor was friendly and kind, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. She was also knowledgeable about koji, the Japanese fermented seasoning, and shared fascinating insights about its health benefits, the fermentation process, different types of miso, and even its history. As a vegetarian, my main dish was tofu steak, and it came out much better than I expected. —juicy, soft, and packed with flavor. The dishes we made were simple yet scrumptious and, best of all, easy to recreate at home. I rarely cook and like to cook fast and easily, so it was great. No prior cooking experience is needed, as everything is well-prepared, and all ingredients and tools are provided. This class is perfect for travelers because you don’t need to bring anything—just show up and enjoy learning about koji-based cuisine. The location is also super convenient, only a few minutes from the station. It was my first time tasting miso made from bean-based koji. We also prepared a variety of vegetable dishes with a light miso-based sauce that enhanced, rather than overpowered, the natural flavors of the ingredients. This simplicity truly highlights the essence of Japanese cuisine. I recommend this class to anyone interested in Japanese food, history, and culture or those looking to experience something beyond typical tourist activities. It was a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors while learning about traditional cooking techniques!

We had an amazing experience at this Japanese fermented food master class with Naoko! She is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate Fermented Food Expert who made the session both educational and enjoyable. Her in-depth insights into the history, health benefits, and practical uses of fermented foods were fascinating, and she explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and apply. Naoko was also a wonderful host—very kind, welcoming, and eager to answer all our questions. She went above and beyond by recommending specific brands to buy and where to find them, which was incredibly helpful. On top of that, she provided printed recipes for us to take home, making it easy to recreate the dishes on our own. During the class, we cooked six delicious dishes and enjoyed a wonderful lunch afterwards! Every dish was flavorful and showcased how easy it is to incorporate fermented ingredients into everyday cooking. Naoko carefully demonstrated each recipe in detail, sharing many useful hints and kitchen tools that made the process even more efficient and enjoyable. The class was well-structured and just the right length (2 hours). The location near Akasaka Mitsuke Station was super convenient. I highly recommend this class to everyone who loves to cook/ or just cook! It’s an inspiring, hands-on experience that will leave you excited to bring Japanese fermented flavors into your own kitchen ( as we do 😊).

This class is both fun and educational! We learned many things about Japanese fermentation and got inspired to continue to do this at home! We got the chance to ask many questions about the Japanese food and also learn a bit more about the Japanese culture.