Cooking and Culture Class in Chiba: Takoyaki and Calligraphy

Enjoy a day of cooking and culture in Chiba, a charming seaside town just outside Tokyo. Your host, Chieko, will pick you up from Chiba Station and escort you to her home, where the experience begins with a warm greeting and a chance to settle in. Start by learning about Japanese cooking techniques and the tools used to make authentic dishes. Then, get hands-on making takoyaki, a beloved Japanese street food, along with a variety of side dishes. Chieko will guide you through every step, from mixing the batter and selecting fresh ingredients to mastering the art of flipping the balls in their special molds. Takoyaki is made with flour, eggs, and dashi, filled with chopped octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions. Cooked on a hot griddle, the balls become golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and creamy on the inside. Chieko will share insights into the dish’s history, culture, and flavors as you cook. After cooking, enjoy your handmade takoyaki and side dishes. Then, try a Japanese calligraphy lesson, writing your favorite words, names, or characters in hiragana, katakana, or kanji under Chieko’s guidance. Chieko began her culinary journey in Tokushima, where her family’s farming inspired a love for fresh ingredients. She has traveled across Japan and to Los Angeles, refining her skills and learning how food brings happiness. Today, she shares her passion for Japanese cuisine and culture through hands-on experiences like this one. By the end of the day, you will have acquired new cooking skills, developed a deeper appreciation for Japanese street food, and created a personal calligraphy piece to remember your visit.