Trade Osaka’s neon for a warm seat at a local kitchen table.

Your host, Maya, grew up in her grandmother’s shabu-shabu restaurant, surrounded by food and hospitality.

Today, she welcomes guests into her home to share the comforting dishes that define Osaka’s food culture. On some days, her sister Arisa or their mother joins, adding to the relaxed, family feel where guests feel at home.

This experience dives into Osaka’s “konamon” culture, famous for its comforting flour-based dishes. It’s fully hands-on, so you’ll learn practical home-cooking techniques while making everything from scratch.

Begin with takoyaki, Osaka’s beloved octopus balls. Make a flavorful dashi batter and practice flipping each piece on a hot griddle until golden outside and creamy inside.

Next, stir-fry yakisoba noodles with fresh vegetables and a savory umami-packed sauce.

To finish, craft fruit daifuku, a classic wagashi sweet. Wrap seasonal fruit and sweet bean paste in soft, chewy mochi, then cut it open to reveal its colorful center.

After cooking, sit down together to enjoy your handmade meal. Guests aged 20 and over can choose to pair their dishes with a Japanese drink, while non-alcoholic options are also available.

Through shared cooking and conversation, gain a deeper connection to Osaka’s home-style food culture and leave with skills you can recreate in your own kitchen.