Embark on a unique culinary adventure ten minutes by train from Kyoto Station and step into Midori's Kyoto kitchen, where you can learn to make a classic Japanese meal.

A culinary researcher and food enthusiast, Midori will teach you to make tonkatsu (a crispy pork cutlet), onigiri rice balls, and miso soup, to enjoy with a seasonal vegetable side dish and fresh tea.

Tonkatsu is the ultimate comfort dish: a crispy pork cutlet deep-fried until golden brown and typically served brushed with a savory sauce in a cushion of shredded cabbage and warm rice. Everyone can enjoy this decadent dish thanks to this host accommodating several dietary restrictions.

Atsuage (deep-fried tofu) is used instead of pork for vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly options and a non-gluten alternative to panko (bread crumbs) is used for gluten-free guests. Upon booking, let your host know your dietary needs and enjoy your time cooking!

After welcoming you into the kitchen, Midori will go over the ingredients and give you an overview of Japanese condiments like sake, mirin, soy sauce, and miso. You will also taste dashi (a fish stock widely used in Japanese cuisine) before you get cooking. You will make your meal following Midori's careful guidance, learning about techniques and tips to improve your Japanese cooking.

Before you know it, it will be time to enjoy your tonkatsu cutlet, onigiri rice balls (typically filled with grilled salmon and tuna mayonnaise), miso soup, and a side vegetable dish. While eating, feel free to ask Midori for her recommendations in Kyoto or ask for insights about Japanese cuisine.

A friendly host and culinary researcher, Midori has over three decades of experience studying Southeast Asian cuisine and used to live in Singapore, where she ran a Japanese cooking studio. She loves connecting with travelers through her love of food and designs tailor-made private lessons so that you can enjoy cooking at your own pace no matter your dietary needs!