Cook Authentic Japanese Food with a Passionate Home-Cook in Shinjuku

I had the absolute pleasure of attending a private Japanese home cooking course in the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Our instructor, Sato, is an incredibly delightful man who made this a culinary adventure. We began by learning to prepare an autumn salad with Aubergine (eggplant) was a delightful surprise. Sato's creative approach to combining fresh ingredients and his secret dressing recipe resulted in a salad that was both light and bursting with flavors, capturing the essence of the season. Then we prepare karage, a classic Japanese fried chicken dish. Sato's expertise and patient guidance ensured that each piece of chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. However, the real highlight of the class was making Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that's a Japanese comfort food classic. Sato's passion for this dish shone through Sato's warm and friendly demeanor made the entire cooking process enjoyable and educational. He patiently answered all our questions and shared interesting anecdotes about Japanese cuisine and traditions. It felt like we were learning from a friend rather than an instructor. This private Japanese home cooking course was an enriching and authentic experience that not only improved my cooking skills but also deepened my appreciation for Japanese culture and cuisine. I highly recommend Sato's class to anyone visiting Tokyo who wants to savor the flavors of Japan and learn from a true culinary expert.

I had the absolute pleasure of attending a private Japanese home cooking course in the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo, our instructor, Sato, is an incredibly delightful man who made this a culinary adventure. We began by learning to prepare an autumn salad with Aubergine (eggplant) was a delightful surprise. Sato's creative approach to combining fresh ingredients and his secret dressing recipe resulted in a salad that was both light and bursting with flavors, capturing the essence of the season. Then we prepare karage, a classic Japanese fried chicken dish. Sato's expertise and patient guidance ensured that each piece of chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. However, the real highlight of the class was making Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that's a Japanese comfort food classic. Sato's passion for this dish shone through Sato's warm and friendly demeanor made the entire cooking process enjoyable and educational. He patiently answered all our questions and shared interesting anecdotes about Japanese cuisine and traditions. It felt like we were learning from a friend rather than an instructor. This private Japanese home cooking course was an enriching and authentic experience that not only improved my cooking skills but also deepened my appreciation for Japanese culture and cuisine. I highly recommend Sato's class to anyone visiting Tokyo who wants to savor the flavors of Japan and learn from a true culinary expert.

Authentic Japanese recipes and ingredients, all well explained by Sato prepare yourselves a tasty meal, in a good atmosphere. We recommend him to anyone with good taste when visiting Tokyo! Be sure to be at the easy-to-find pickup point plenty of time, he will appreciate that! (Tokyo is big, we almost miscalculated the travel time and walking at the stations to change lines, but were on time) 佐藤さん、ありがとうございました！

My wife and I always try to do a cooking class when we travel. The thought process is that we get to learn about how folks prepare food in the place we're visiting, meet someone who lives there, and enjoy great food together. This was a 10/10 for what we were looking for. Sato was a great teacher and was a fun person to spend a couple of hours with. The food was incredible (props to Sato for making it easy :D) and it was a wholesome, fun experience to share the meal we made together. On top of this, we showed up late after I mixed up the scheduling. Not a very nice thing to do when the chef has a busy day. Sato didn't hold it against us and quickly was joking around just like friends back home would. I don't advise showing up late! Just expressing my gratitude for the class teacher being kind and fun even when the students showed up late!

Sato is just the perfect host, I enjoyed a great evening in good company with the best ramen and gyoza I had in Japan.

Thank you so much for the wonderful cooking class you provided for us in March. We all enjoyed being with you in your kitchen and participating in the preparation of the wonderful meal. So many different flavours and textures. It was a really amazing experience for us all.

We‘ve been invited into a small but charming Japanese flat and had a great time cooking with the host, Sato-San. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming as well as relaxed and fun. Don‘t expect a high-end restaurant cuisine experience; but if you are looking for an authentic evening that feels like you‘re cooking like the locals do, at a dear friend‘s place, this is just perfect!

We really enjoyed the evening! We did not only learn how to prepare a Japanese meal- we although Haft such a Great insight into Japanese Culture and way of Life . Thank you Sato- you are a Great host and person!

Sato was super fun and gave a great history of Japanese cooking while we were preparing our lunch. Lots of laughs and I really enjoyed the background and cultural significance of each step and ingredient. If you're thinking about doing a cooking class then book with Sato - you won't regret it. Lovely food and good company.

Sato-San was welcoming and easy - he shared both himself and his cooking skills. Taking his class was definitely a highlight of our trip

Sato sensei is the best of the best. I've taken classes all over Japan, four with Comburger, and he is the best.

I have been staying abroad in Tokyo this past semester. When my parents came to visit, my mother booked us a cooking class with Sato for us to get a taste of home-cooked Japanese cuisine. Upon meeting Sato at the train station, I knew we were in good hands. He was welcoming, funny and a great tour guide as we wove through the streets of Shinjuku to his apartment. He carefully walked us through each step of the cooking process while carefully explaining the cultural significance of seasonal ingredients in Japanese Cuisine. He even provided the freshest ingredients from his family’s farm. He gave detailed instructions and was engaging throughout the entire process. We laughed, shared life stories, and bonded over a love of food. Not only was the entire process inspiring, but the results were well worth the labor. One of the best meals I have eaten here in Japan (and maybe even in my life). You can truly taste the love in the dishs, and the fresh ingredients that I learned so much about only made the meal taste that much better. I cannot wait to get back to a non-dorm kitchen to recreate these dishes for myself. Sato’s food and instructions were top notch and I also left feeling a greater sense of connection to Tokyo and Japan. Sato recommended upcoming festivals in the area, his favorite spots around Tokyo that I need to see before the semester ends, and support if I ever need any. I am truly so thankful my mother booked this experience, it was one of the highlights of their 3 week trip and one I have been raving to my friends about. Sato’s welcoming nature felt like home, even though 6,000 miles away. This was the home cooked meal I needed and a memory with my parents that I will cherish forever. I cannot recommend this experience enough. Sato is #1! We ❤️ you!

Had an amazing evening learning how to cook some of my favourite japanese dishes. Will have to have a few more goes then show the family. Everything was done to make sure the session ran smoothly. Sato-san was a great host! If you're in tokyo and want to pickup some japanese dishes it's a great way to do it.

Cooking with Sato-san was a fabulous experience that I'd highly recommend to anyone - traveler, Native local, chef, or even foreign local! The experience is unique and personal as it is a private experience which allows you to not just gets hands-on with the food but also allows you to make the evening truly one-of-a-kind. Getting to know Sato's experiences throughout life and how it's shaped him to have the passion to teach cooking classes today made it personable and friendly. This is an experience you definitely cannot get in a large class setting. He even took candid photos during our experience and shared them with us the day after our class so that we could hold onto the memory. We made Okonomiyaki, Karaage, and Yakisoba. He taught us about the dishes as we progressed, provided recipes for us to take home with us to make on our own and also gave little tips bout certain parts of the process to really get the best flavor out of the food. He was also able to take requests for certain dishes and catered to allergies (though we did not have any). If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience with a kind person, I highly recommend cooking with Sato!

Food and family made for a very nice time with Sato-Sensei. He opened his home for our cooking lesson, his heart and knowledge for a very tasty meal. My day is memorable also for chatting on Sato's upbringing, his family up in Hokkaido and his time in the USA.

Satoru was so enjoyable to spend time with learning to cook a Japanese home meal. His background is fascinating. The meal was delicious. I especially appreciated the info and communication in advance of the class.

Great time! Such a unique experience. Highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this class. Our host was super friendly and easy to get along with. We had a great conversation and the dishes we made were delicious. I'm so happy I took this class cause I realized how easy it is to make things I usually buy in store! I would definitely visit him again when I go back.

Sato was very accommodating to dietary requirements. Learnt about Japanese culture, traditions and cooking. We made the best miso soup I’ve ever eaten, I’d go back again even just for the soup.

It was a wonderful experience and cooking time with Sato-san. I enjoyed it so much, and I would recommend this class to everyone. Lovely atmosphere, enjoyable cooking, delicious food!

Sato's cooking class was amazing! He was very considerate, generous, and hospitable. We enjoyed our time cooking with him. Highly recommend. We learned how to cook alot of things and even made the same Japanese food at home!

I especially liked hearing about his family connection with the food.

I can honestly say that taking this cooking class with Comburger was one of the best highlights of my trip. Sato San was an awesome host, very welcoming and super fun to talk to. I was very fortunate to be the only student in his class. We cooked in his kitchen at home which made the experience more like cooking at a friend's house than a class....very warm and relaxing. He taught me how to make miso soup, shiso salad, ginger pork and mixed rice. It was traditional Japanese home cooking at its very best. Everything we made tasted delicious, fresh and healthy. His recipes are easy to follow and the dishes can be replicated at home. I highly recommend taking this class to anyone who wants to learn Japanese cooking.

This class was a highlight of our time in Tokyo. Sato san is a great cook and teacher and a genuinely fun person to spend time around. His instructions and recipes were accessible and easy to recreate and the end products were delicious. We made pork gyoza and miso ramen, both dishes that we enjoy but had never thought we could make ourselves. Throughout the lesson Sato shared a wealth of kitchen tips and tricks as well as stories about his life, family, culture, and community. We highly recommend Comburger to other home chefs and look forward to cooking something different with Sato next time we're in Tokyo!

Sato was such a fantastic host and creates such a wonderful experience! This was by far the best meal we had in Tokyo and how fun that we made it ourselves! Great experience for post grads travelling abroad and well worth it. We can’t wait to go back soon!

The Chef was very welcoming and friendly - The atmosphere with the other students was brilliant - We prepared and ate a very Japanese food, I enjoyed very much - Arigatoo gozaimasu

The cooking class with Sato was a great experience! He is a very nice person and the dishes we cooked with his help were delicious. Special mention for the miso soup. Definitely recommended if you're in Tokyo and want to taste real japanese home style cooking.

The chef answered all my questions. Very informative, fun and delicious evening.

My friend & I took the cooking class with Sato which brought us to his very cute little place. Sato is so funny & very good teacher! We learned how to cook Chicken Teriyaki, Miso soup & Japanese Salad! We had a great time with Sato as he is super friendly & very funny! At the end of our class, he took us to his friend's gallery, a manga artist! We would definitely take another class when we come back to Tokyo!

Host Sato was really wonderful. His English was excellent and even though something went wrong with our reservation, he adjusted the program and made sure everything was fine. The food was delicious and Sato-san explained everything perfectly. Greatly recommended.

Me and my boyfriend really loved it! We learned really useful techniques from the expert himself. We felt at home and the cooking environment was great too. We learned to cook delicate Japanese food mixed with western style. We also made Japanese junk food. Who would’ve have thought that it may look difficult to make but really it isn’t. The entire cooking class we were all laughing, sharing personal stories as if we were an old friend from college. It was really an awesome feeling! An overall 5 star experience. Many thanks sensei Sato!

Sato was an incredible host and teacher. He was extremely friendly and easy to get along with, we felt like we were cooking lunch with an old friend. The food was amazing and felt authentic while also aimed at an appropriate level for us (as we haven't cooked Japanese cuisine before). We would highly recommend this class to anybody!

Sato is a great cook and an even better host, he made us feel very welcomed in his home. On our first trip to Japan, my wife, son and I joined Sato for dinner. Together we cooked a wonderful meal and shared a lot of laughs. This was a highlight of our trip and we highly recommend it to others.

Sato is a very nice guy, interesting and funny, and of course knowledgeable in Japanese cooking. We learned with Sato not only how to make gyoza and curry, but also about Japanese culture. Sato allowed us to experiment with almost every element of food preparation. If you have a favorite menu, it is important to note this when ordering in the free text. The food was delicious, and at the end of the meal Sato even accompanied us to the grocery store to buy some cooking utensils that we used. Since the apartment is relatively small, the workshop is for a few people (up to 3 in my opinion). For us it was excellent and we even got a private lesson!

Very nice and memorable experience with Satoru Endo. He was very friendly and professional! We have made a great cooking class and a lovely dinner

What an amazing experience! Sato was so welcoming through the whole process. We (I was a solo traveller with another solo traveller also in the class) were welcomed into his home and taught beautifully traditional meals including miso soup and teriyaki chicken. The process was so easy while guided by such an experienced person and while I do not enjoy cooking all too often myself, I had an absolute blast! And everything was suuuper delicious. At the start of the process while purchasing tickets I was asked if there were any foods I could not or didn't want to consume and Sato went above and beyond to make sure that my requirements were met while still making a beautiful and traditional meal set. I will surely come back if I find myself in Tokyo again. Highly reccomended. Thanks Sato!

This was one of the highlights of our stay in Tokyo. Satu is friendly, fun and very knowledgeable about all things food and Japan.

This was really one of the highlights of my day in Japan. We had an amazing time with Sato-san learning how to make two of my fav: Gyoza and delicious ramen with his special miso recipe. , amongst other things. Sato san really made the experience a wonderful one, we learned a lot about Japanese culture beyond just food. I would highly recommend this class to everyone :)

Cooking with Sato was a wonderful experience and I would recommend the class to everyone who wants to gain insides into traditional Japanese food you will be able to cook at home. Sato explained in excellent English every step and let me also prepare things on my own. He also prepared copies of all recipes I took home with me. While eating the delicious food at the end of the class we talked about life and exchanged views on our countries and I think you can talk with Sato about everything for hours! He is an excellent chief, host and simply a lovely person. As the other reviewers already stated: this class is 100% recommendable! :)

Evening cooking class with Sato was one of the most pleasant experiences during our 3 week travel through Japan. Sato has such a good sense of humor - we were laughing whole time. Got lots of advises and information about Japanese food products and culture, were taught how to make delicious ramen and gyoza (super delicious recipe!), decorated table with beautiful Sato's dishes and even went to a small street trip - this evening was a full bouquet of tastes and feelings. Thank you our wonderful host Sato - shall visit him again when back to Tokyo!

Our cooking experience with Sato was honestly one of my favorite things we did in all of Japan. Sato is a fabulous host, he met us outside of the train station, walked us to his home and gave us a brief tour of popular and favorite spots along the way. His home was so welcoming and we cooked, ate and drank for hours! I assumed he'd kick us out right at time but he didn't. He is such a kind soul. We miss him already! Do yourself a favor and meet Sato and he'll make you feel right at home!

Shortly after I arrived to Tokyo, I learned how to make Kara-age with Sato San. His instructions to find him at the The Shinjuku Station were simple and accurate. He gave me a copy of the recipes and walked me through the processes. I love his stories and his charming kitchen. We made his famous miso soup along with other salads. He also taught me tricks on how to cook rice. I loved ignoring so much I went back to learn how to make bento boxes and I even brought two friends. We had a blast and learned so much! I highly recommend booking this experience. You’ll leave full, educated and with a new friend in Tokyo!

Sato san is an ultimate chef, an awesome teacher and a wonderful person! I had great time cooking a tasty and authentic Japanese meal with him and I learned so much! I would love to and I likely will take a part in his class again. If you're visiting Tokyo and you need to choose one cooking class, this should be it. I recommend this class 100%.

This was one of the best things I did on my recent trip. Sato-san is very welcoming and will make you feel at home in his little apartment. This is a small group, intimate, session working together in Sato's kitchen. We cooked some common foods that Japanese would make for their families on an average day. It was great to learn about what people normally eat and drink and not just when they go out for occasions at restaurants. Sato is very open in sharing his family history and their traditions through food. I learned a great deal and would recommend this for anyone looking for good food and recipes they can easily take home and replicate.

Sato's class was amazing! He shared so much history behind the food he makes and why he cooks and is a lovely person to talk to. On top of that, he was a great teacher, and helped us to create some delicious gyoza, miso soup and other sides. I would highly recommend his class!

Cooking with Sato was an amazing truly japan experience! He explained us so many things about Japanese cuisine, ingredients and tools, and about Tokyo and Japanese culture as well! It was all very interesting! We had a really good time and a great dinner! We definitely recommend to cook with Sato in his cozy flat, he has been a great chef and great host :)

Sato was great, very friendly and knowledgeable about Japanese cooking. We made miso, teriyaki chicken, fried fish and veggies - all delicious and all in casual Japanese style. He gave us lots of tips about Japanese cooking and Japan in general. Would highly recommend a course with Sato!

Satoru Endo thankyou very much for your cooking class. You accommodated all my requests happily, and your passion of Japanese cooking and culture was very evident. Your instructions and communication was very clear and it was nice to get a handout with the recipes we cooked. The tour around Shinjuku was an added bonus to the class and the group photos were an added treat. Thanks very much for sharing everything with us.

It was freezing cold in Tokyo on the 3rd day of the New Year when the city was pretty quiet (with the locals still on holiday and most tourists on their way home). After having a bowl of hot soba noodles inside the Shinjuku station, I met up with Sato-san at the designated meeting point – the quivering Sato-san was holding the Comburger signboard, waiting for me, the only student that morning (Lucky me - it was a private one-to-one cooking class!!! ) Weird that I followed a stranger to his place without hesitation? Well, I did Muay Thai training in Thailand (so I believe I am more dangerous, LOL) and, of course, I trust my intuition……. The recipes that morning were: okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), yakisoba (stir fry noodles), chikuwa tempura (deep fried fish cakes) with wasabi mayo dipping sauce. As a fan of Japanese cuisine and frequent visitor to Japan, I was not initially impressed by these recipes but Sato-san did manage to add characters and originality to the dishes, I must say I had the best okonomiyaki which I would be delighted to replicate in my own kitchen. The stir fry noodles with yuzu vinegar and the chikuwa tempura were also awesome. Comburger is definitely a hidden gem for people who would like to take a look at what and how locals cook on a daily basis. As a bonus probably, you would be amazed by the background of Sato-san who speaks with an American accent, was educated in the US, and worked as a photographer. Sato-san also designs innovative recipes for local restaurants.

My wife and I took the cooking class and it was one of our highlights in Tokyo. Sato is not only an amazing chef but he also takes very good care of all organization. If you are looking for a great overall experience you should go with Sato as your host. 5 stars! Cheers Kadir

Satki speaks great English! Comes from a long line of cooks. The food we made with him was simple, easy to execute, but robust in flavor. He even took us to a grocery store and suggested some igredients for us to take back home with us.

I will try not to repeat similar experiences in this review which you can find from other users who wrote their own above or below. Comburger is a Japanese home-style cooking class that you will learn how to make easy, delicious, and authentic Japanese home-style food taught in English or Japanese by Sato-san. You will have the option to choose a 10:30 AM morning class or a 6:00 PM night class at his small apartment in Shinjuku. Due to the size of his property, a maximum of three people is allowed for each session and it lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. You will learn around 2 to 3 recipes each lesson chosen by Sato-san and the menu for each day is different. For example, I made burdock salad, deep fried chikuwa, and teriyaki chicken. Please do note that you may not have the option to choose the recipe that you learn. Sato-san will send you an email to confirm your booking and provide you the details of how and where to meet at the East Exit of the JR Shinjuku Station. He will greet you with a warm smile with your name written on a placard and you will have fun conversations with him to make you feel comfortable and relaxed while guiding you to his apartment. Sato-san is extremely friendly and thoughtful to his students. For example, he brought an extra umbrella for me because it was raining that day. In terms of the learning experience, I had many chances to do various types of hands-on work such as frying. Sato-san not only taught me the basic recipes, but he also gave me tips to processes that require special care. You are given the recipes with all the necessary and extra details provided afterwards. In my opinion, the best part of the lesson was how Sato-san created a fun, personal, and friendly environment at his place. This made me felt like I was actually visiting an old friend's home instead of an actual lesson. For example, he always filled me up with joy and excitement! In addition, I learned a lot of different perspectives of the Japanese culture through the conversations we had. For example, we discussed about some of Sato-san's family history while having our food which allowed me to understand the Japanese culture in a more personal and deeper view. Sato-san's passion to teach people about Japanese food and his culture had really filled me with joy. I learned a lot about Japanese culture through our conversations. I recommend Comburger to anyone who wants to learn more about Japanese culture and meet a passionate teacher! Fun Fact about Comburger: In my opinion, it is worth mentioning about how Comburger was named. Sato-san's dream is to bring joy to everyone around the world by cooking rice burgers. Comburger was created because "com" means rice in Vietnamese. Hence, the title contained Sato-san's dream and passion. I can really feel his passion and joy during his lessons!

Booking Sato's class was one of the best decisions we have made during our trip to Japan. Due to some rainy days we had chosen to book a cooking class quiet spontaneously and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. The dishes were delicious and Sato such a nice host. We can't wait to try the recipes at home. Thanks Sato!!

Why would you want to learn how to make sushi, leave that to the experts behind the sushi bar at your local Asian Restaurant. However, if you want to know and want to learn what Japanese eat on daily basis, if you want to know what families eat at home, if you want to know how to prepare and enjoy these dishes, then COMBURGER, is the place. Sato is your host in his Shinjuku apartment, you and two others will be treated to a fantastic experience. A cozy, environment, all hands on, really simplistic with the objective of a truly healthy Japanese meal. Do not miss it if in Tokyo! My fun event was making an awesome bento box meal. Yes, Bento box, but nothing like you will ever get a chain restaurant or store bought. A Miso soup like no other, and teriyaki chicken that really "shines". Teriyaki means shine!!! The other delicacies in the box are so easy to prepare and will be a knock out homerun at any dinner party. Even the rice was prepared in the true traditions of Japanese cooking.

Sato was an incredible person both when showing us the ropes of the cooking and telling us about himself and his experiences, with a great sense of humour and a wealth of life experience. The food was absolutely delicious and we learned each of the steps along the way in detail, getting hands on to create four dishes and then eat together in Sato's cozy apartment. On top of all that, he went above and beyond and helped us out at the supermarket when we asked for advice on which ingredients to buy to take home. I cannot recommend this enough. Fantastic.

A kindy and nice person that shares with you the japanese traditions plats. A happy moment!

Lovely atmosphere, really enjoyable night. Very laid back. Sato answered all our questions and even helped us to book a reservation for a restaurant during our time in Tokyo! Food was great, we made oconomiyaki and left feeling very full!!

Sato changed the menu for me. He was the perfect teacher and host. Thanks for the best Okonomiyaki ever! I look forward to cooking this back home in Australia.