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Free CancellationCancel for free up to 2 days before your experience
Food for HappinessFor every guest in your booking, we donate 10 meals to children around the world
Why book with byFood?
Japan's #1 food travel platform
Trusted by 50,000+ travelers worldwideCurated by food lovers, for food loversFeatured in CNN, Forbes & NYT
Highlights
Description
Good to Know
FAQ
Cook classic Okinawan dishes at your own pace in a private class
Learn traditional methods and discover local ingredients in a professional chef’s kitchen
Explore the history and culture behind Okinawa’s signature dishes
Visit a central Naha kitchen, just steps from Shuri Castle
Adapt recipes for vegan and vegetarian diets upon request
Want to explore Okinawa beyond its beaches and popular attractions? This private cooking class in Naha offers a hands-on way to experience the island’s history, culture, and flavors.
You will meet Rina, a professional Okinawan chef with over seven years of teaching experience, at a nearby meeting point before heading to her kitchen.
There, you will dive into the blue zone diet, learning how Okinawans create nourishing, flavorful meals deeply connected to local traditions. Rina will guide you step by step as you cook together, demonstrating techniques and sharing stories about each dish.
During the class, you will make four traditional Okinawan dishes. You’ll stir-fry goya champuru, combining bitter melon and tofu; simmer kubu irichi with pork shoulder and vegetables; prepare jyushi, a rice dish infused with dashi; and fry umukuji andagii, a sweet purple potato tempura.
Along the way, Rina explains the ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural significance behind each dish.
After cooking, you will assemble your own Japanese-style bento and enjoy a relaxed meal while chatting with Rina. She is happy to answer questions about life in Okinawa and share recommendations for places to visit, eat, and explore.
The original menu includes animal products, but vegan and vegetarian options can be arranged upon request. Please inform your host when booking.
Please note that this cooking class will take place at the host’s home
The default menu includes animal products, but vegan and vegetarian options can be accommodated upon request. Please specify your request upon booking
You will cook four traditional Okinawan dishes: goya champuru, kubu irichi, jyushi, and umukuji andagii.
Vegetarian
Available
Vegan
Available
Halal
Not Available
Pescetarian
Not Available
Gluten-free
Available
Kosher
Not Available
Vegetarian
Available
Vegan
Available
Halal
Not Available
Pescetarian
Not Available
Gluten-free
Available
Kosher
Not Available
Course changes seasonally, exact dishes can't be confirmed in advance. byFood can communicate any dietary needs to the host when you book.
Cooking class fee
All ingredients and utensils
Drinks (water, tea, etc.)
Additional food or drinks
Yamakawa 2 Bus Stop in Naha
The meeting point will be the Yamakawa 2 Bus Stop in Naha. A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
We are two Swedish friends who chose to try cooking in Okinawa with Rina. We had high expectations that she fulfilled and so much more. The evening began with a warm welcome into her home. She spoke in detail - in perfect English - about Okinawan culture, daily life, stories about local ingredients and traditions. At the same time, we got to try new exciting dishes and cooking methods while she enriched every step with lots of information and knowledge. We ended the evening full and satisfied an...read more
TT
Teresa ThalerJuly 2026 • byFood
Rina war toll-wir haben viel gelernt und hatten sehr gutes Essen!
NA
Noriko AsoJuly 2026 • byFood
Rina did a wonderful job working with more college students from the same organization, making the cooking lesson fresh while making sure the different sessions had an excellent core experience!
NA
Noriko AsoJuly 2026 • byFood
Rina was an excellent teacher: patient, knowledgeable, and very engaging! We had a great time!
HK
Heidi KimFebruary 2026 • byFood
This cooking class is a triple threat! You learn culture, cook and eat delicious food, and have a lot of fun doing it! Rina is a kind and gracious host. We had four people in our group, including 1 vegan, and she adjusted our dishes according to this special diet. We enjoyed ourselves a lot!