Cooking & Culture Class in Chiba: Takoyaki & Calligraphy

Enjoy a day of cooking and culture in Chiba, a charming seaside town just outside of Tokyo. Learn how to make takoyaki (battered octopus balls) and various side dishes with your host, Chieko. After you’ve mastered the recipes and feasted on your handmade meal, end the day with a calligraphy lesson! Chieko's culinary journey began in Tokushima, where her family's farming heritage ensured fresh ingredients year-round. From there, she traversed Japan and even Los Angeles, honing her passion for food and its power to bring happiness. Guided by her mother's culinary finesse and inspired by the harmony of ingredients, Chieko's mission is to foster an appreciation for Japanese culture through its cuisine. Recipe target for the day: Takoyaki, a Japanese street food beloved for its unique combination of flavors and textures, plus its scalding hot serving temperature. Takoyaki is made from a batter of flour, eggs, and dashi (a savory broth), which is poured into a special spherical mold. Chopped octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions are added to the batter before the balls are cooked on a hot griddle, expertly turned with specialized tools until they become golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and creamy inside. During this class, you'll get hands-on experience mixing the batter, selecting the freshest ingredients, and mastering the technique of flipping takoyaki. Chieko-san will guide you through the process, sharing insights into this beloved street food's history and cultural significance. 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 and transferred to the experience location Exchange greetings, settle in, and head to the kitchen Learn about Japanese cooking techniques and tools Make takoyaki and various side dishes Enjoy your handmade meal Calligraphy lesson