Osaka Cooking and Culture: Sushi, Okonomiyaki and Tea

Step into a welcoming Osaka home and immerse yourself in Japanese culinary culture with Chef Katsuji, who brings 38 years of experience to this hands-on cooking class. Your journey begins in a quiet residential neighborhood, where local markets, family-run shops, and everyday life offer a glimpse into authentic Japan. As you make your way to the venue, you'll experience the charm of the local community before Chef Katsuji and his wife warmly welcome you into their home, where modern comforts blend with traditional Japanese design. The experience begins with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a peaceful tea room. Learn the art of whisking matcha and enjoy traditional wagashi, whose delicate sweetness perfectly complements the tea's gentle bitterness. Next, head into the kitchen for a hands-on sushi-making session. Using fresh ingredients such as tuna, salmon, yellowtail, tamagoyaki, shrimp, salmon roe, and cucumber, you'll learn how to prepare sushi rice, slice ingredients, roll sushi, and present each piece with care. Then it's time to make okonomiyaki, Osaka's famous savory pancake. Mix cabbage, yams, flour, and eggs, then cook the pancakes on a hot griddle and finish with savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. The sizzling sounds and delicious aromas fill the kitchen as you cook together. Guests with dietary restrictions are welcome. Chef Katsuji is happy to accommodate different dietary needs whenever possible, including vegetarian and vegan sushi prepared with seasonal ingredients and traditional Japanese seasonings. After cooking, gather around the table to enjoy the meal you've prepared together while chatting with your hosts about Japanese food, culture, and everyday life. Before you leave, receive a handwritten piece of calligraphy created by Chef Katsuji as a meaningful keepsake. If time allows, continue exploring the neighborhood's parks, cafes, and local shops for an even deeper look at daily life in Osaka.