This cooking class is an educational experience where you can learn about the traditional Ryukyu cuisine of Okinawa through a short lecture and hands-on cooking experience.

The teacher is Kaoru Izena, who is a dietician and exercise instructor with a background in Ryukyu cuisine. Okinawa is well-known as being home to the most centenarians (people over 100 years old) in the world, and this is often attributed to their diet.

During this Traditional Ryukyu Cuisine Cooking Class, you will learn about the role of food in Okinawa, especially as one of the main factors of the Okinawan peoples’ longevity.

The menu makes use of the most delicious produce in the area. In this Traditional Ryukyu Cuisine Cooking Class, you will learn to make 4 dishes typical of Okinawan cuisine.

First up is Yushidofu Soup (also known as Yushi Tofu). Yushidofu is a type of tofu dish that has not been pressed into a block, like other tofu dishes you may have tried. The tofu curds are served fluffy and have a very soft texture, often dressed with ponzu sauce or shoyu (soy sauce).

Goya Chanpuru is another very traditional Okinawan dish you will learn to make, made from stir-fried goya (bittermelon) and other veggies.

You will also learn to make Jushi (a rice dish, similar to pilaf) and Rafute (simmered pork ribs).