Cooking & Culture: Okonomiyaki & Calligraphy in Chiba

Okonomiyaki: Japan’s beloved savory pancake stuffed with a medley of ingredients, topped with a drizzle of rich okonomiyaki sauce, a dollop of creamy mayo, a flutter of bonito flakes, and seaweed. Join Chieko–a certified chef and home cooking enthusiast–for an okonomiyaki cooking class at her home kitchen in Chiba! You'll learn everything from preparing the ingredients and mixing the batter to flipping techniques and artfully applying the condiments. Chieko is a culinary enthusiast from Tokushima Prefecture in Shikoku, Japan. Born into a family of farmers, Chieko grew up surrounded by fresh produce, watching her mother craft homemade meals in the kitchen. This upbringing kindled her passion for the culinary world from an early age. Having lived abroad, Chieko recognized the widespread popularity of Japanese cuisine due to its healthfulness, flavors, and aesthetic presentation. This fostered the idea of starting a cooking school… Today’s lesson? Okonomiyaki, of course! Okonomiyaki is derived from the “okonomi” (meaning “as you like”) and “yaki” (meaning grilled). This utterly Japanese street food features a batter base interwoven with a medley of ingredients. Cabbage, a key component, provides a satisfying crunch, while proteins like pork, seafood, or vegetarian options lend depth to the dish. It’s then topped with tangy sauce, mayo, bonito (fish) flakes, and seaweed. After you've made and enjoyed your handmade meal, learn the art of Japanese calligraphy! Write your favorite Japanese words, names, or characters (hiragana, katakana, kanji). Experience flow: Be picked up at Chiba Station (by your host) and transferred to the experience location Exchange greetings, settle in, and head to the kitchen Learn about Japanese cooking techniques and tools Make okonomiyaki and various side dishes Enjoy your handmade meal Calligraphy lesson