Exploring Tokyo and Its Food Attractions
Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is a vibrant and lively metropolis that is home to millions of people. It is known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and efficient transportation system. Tokyo is also famous for its food culture, which is a blend of traditional Japanese cuisine and influences from other countries around the world.
There are an abundance of restaurants and street food stalls in Tokyo that offer a wide variety of dishes. Some popular Japanese foods that you can find in Tokyo include sushi, ramen, tempura, and tonkatsu. Sushi, which is raw fish served with rice and vegetables. Ramen, which is a type of noodle soup, is another popular food in Tokyo, and many restaurants specialize in this dish. Tempura, which is a type of deep-fried food, and tonkatsu, which is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, are also popular dishes in Tokyo. In addition to traditional Japanese foods, you can also find a variety of international cuisines in Tokyo, including Chinese and Korean.
The Complete Sushi Guide in Tokyo
Sushi has taken the world by storm in the past few decades. It is a popular dish in Tokyo and can be found in restaurants and street food stalls throughout the city. It is typically made with vinegared rice, raw fish, and other ingredients such as vegetables and seaweed.
There are several types of sushi that you can try in Tokyo.
- Nigiri sushi is a type of sushi that consists of a piece of raw fish or other ingredients placed on top of a small ball of vinegared rice.
- Maki sushi is a type of sushi that is made by rolling vinegared rice, raw fish, and other ingredients in seaweed and slicing it into rounds.
- Uramaki sushi is a type of sushi that is similar to maki sushi, but it is rolled with rice on the outside and seaweed on the inside.
- Temaki sushi is a type of sushi that is made by rolling vinegared rice, raw fish, and other ingredients in a cone-shaped piece of seaweed.
Curated List of Best Sushi Making Classes in Tokyo
In this article, we have curated a list of some of the best traditional sushi making classes available in Tokyo.
1. Sushi Making in Tsukiji Fish Market
In this tour you will be able to combine a visit to the Tsukiji fish market in Japan with a sushi-making class. The tour begins with a visit to the outer market area, where you will learn about different types of Japanese food and how they are made. You will then visit the Uogashi wholesale market and move on to the sushi-making workshop, where you will learn to prepare nigiri sushi under the guidance of a sushi master.
After the workshop, you will be able to enjoy the sushi you have made for lunch. The tour also includes transportation to the sushi restaurant and a local guide to provide information and assistance throughout the tour. If you are allergic to any ingredients, remember to inform the guide in advance to make the necessary arrangements. This fun tour can be availed for $139 USD from Viator.
2. Japanese Rolled Sushi Cooking in Tokyo
Go deeper into learning about sushi in this Japanese cooking class. When you opt for this class, you will learn how to make three different types of sushi: rolled sushi, chirashi sushi, and inari sushi. The class is designed to be easy and approachable, with each dish taking about 20 minutes to prepare. The class is available online or on-site, and the on-site option has a small class size of 8 students or fewer, allowing for a more personal and interactive learning experience.
Your instructor will provide a detailed demonstration and guide you through the process of creating these dishes. At the end of the class, you will be able to enjoy the food you have prepared together with your fellow students. This class is a great opportunity to learn some new and delicious Japanese recipes that you can recreate at home. The traditional sushi-making class can be availed for $65 USD from K Look.
3. Sushi-Making Class by Professional Chef
This tour is unique in that it combines several different aspects of Japanese culture and allows you to experience them firsthand. The sushi-making experience with master sushi chefs is a chance to learn about and participate in a traditional Japanese art form, and the visit to the historical shrine allows you to learn about the spiritual and cultural significance of shrines in Japan.
The sake tasting at the local sake shop is also a chance to learn about and try different types of traditional Japanese rice wine. The tour also includes a local guide who can provide in-depth information and insights about these experiences and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, the tour includes photos taken by your guide as a souvenir of your experience. This sushi and sake-tasting tour can be purchased for $92 USD from Magical Trip.
4. Nigiri Sushi Making for Everyone!
The sushi class at Chagohan offers a chance to learn how to make traditional Japanese sushi in a charming and beautiful kitchen. The class includes a menu of dishes such as Japanese broth "dashi," sushi rice, miso soup, and various types of sushi such as nigiri sushi, gunkan-maki sushi, and inari sushi. There is also a vegetarian option available with dishes such as rolled sushi made with vegetables.
The class is held in the neighbourhood of Asakusa, which is a short walk from the Tawaramachi or Asakusa metro stations. The class is suitable for small groups or private classes, and the instructors are thorough in their explanations of traditional Japanese cooking techniques. Sake is also available for tasting at an additional charge. This traditional sushi-making class can be availed for $119 USD from Cookly.
5. All-in-One Sushi Class
In this Japanese cooking class in Tokyo, you will learn how to make various types of sushi, including nigiri sushi, inari sushi, hosomaki (thin roll), and California roll. The class is suitable for anyone who loves Japanese food and culture, and the instructors are friendly and knowledgeable about Japanese cooking and culture.
You will learn about the history and stories behind the recipes and methods, as well as have the opportunity to taste and enjoy the dishes you have prepared. The class includes dishes such as sushi rice, rolled egg, tuna roll, cucumber roll, and miso soup. The class can accommodate dietary requirements, such as vegetarian options that replace meat and fish with vegetables and other ingredients. The Japanese sushi-making class can be purchased for $66 USD from Cookly.
6. Sushi Making Class in Kanagawa!
This sushi cooking class is designed to help visitors get an opportunity to learn how to make sushi and understand more about the dish in a fun setting. The class is hosted by a Japanese sushi chef and Japanese high school students who can assist with communication during the class to ensure that everyone can participate and understand the instructions.
The class covers three types of sushi: nigiri sushi, chakin sushi, and temaki sushi. The class begins with a gathering and introduction, followed by an explanation from the chef. The cooking time is followed by a tasting session, and the class ends with a farewell and the end of the class. This is a great chance to learn about and experience the process of making sushi in Japan. This friendly sushi class can be purchased for $65 USD from Cookly.
7. Group Sushi Making Class
This sushi-making class in Tokyo is a great opportunity to learn the basic techniques of making iconic sushi dish in an intimate setting. The class is small, with a group size limited to ten people, and all of the utensils and ingredients are provided. The class starts with a lesson on making dashi, a fundamental soup stock in Japanese cooking, and covers various seasonings and toppings.
You will learn how to prepare sushi rice and roll and shape different types of sushi, including nigiri (hand-shaped sushi), inari (fried tofu pouch sushi), and various sushi rolls. The class includes demonstrations by the instructor and assistance is available to help you throughout the process. At the end of the class, you can enjoy the sushi you have made, accompanied by wasabi, miso soup, and green tea. The three-hour group sushi-making class can be purchased for $72 USD from Viator.
8.Kawaii Vegetarian Sushi Cooking Class
This sushi-making class focuses on using only vegetables as ingredients, allowing vegetarians and those who follow diets that exclude animal products to enjoy sushi. The class teaches you how to make various types of sushi toppings using only vegetables and includes a menu of nine different kinds of "kawaii" (cute) vegetable sushi, as well as miso soup, side dishes, grilled tofu with sweet miso paste, and Japanese dessert and drinks.
The class lasts for 2 to 2.5 hours and includes demonstrations and instructions on how to prepare the various dishes. At the end of the class, you will have the opportunity to taste and enjoy the dishes you have made. The vegetarian sushi-making class can be availed for $137 USD from Kawaii Cooking.
9. Decorative Tokyo Sushi Class
In this decorative sushi-making class in Tokyo, you will learn how to make two types of decorative sushi designs: a frog and a flower. These cute and Instagrammable designs are sure to impress your family and friends. The class is hands-on and includes expert guidance from a Japanese cooking instructor, as well as recipes and instructions in English.
All of the necessary cooking ingredients and tools will be provided. After completing the class, you will be able to take the recipes home with you and recreate these decorative sushi rolls on your own. This is a great opportunity to learn some new sushi-making skills and has fun getting creative with your food. The class also includes some well-earned dessert with tea or coffee at the end. This decorative sushi-making class can be availed for $57 USD from By Food.
10. Traditional Sushi Making Class
This sushi-making class in Tokyo is a great opportunity to learn how to make different types of sushi at home. The class is taught by local instructors who speak English and provide step-by-step instructions on how to make 8 to 9 kinds of sushi, including nigiri, inari, and sushi rolls.
The class is hands-on and takes place in a friendly and informal atmosphere, with a small group size of 8 people to ensure individual attention from the instructors. The class covers techniques for making tasty sushi rice and includes all of the necessary ingredients and utensils, as well as towel and apron rentals. At the end of the class, you will be able to savour the sushi you have made, accompanied by miso soup. The traditional sushi-making class can be purchased for $67 USD from Get Your Guide.
What to Expect During a Sushi Making Class?
A sushi-making class is a fun and interactive way to learn about the art of sushi making and the culture of Japanese cuisine. During a sushi-making class, you can expect to learn about the different types of sushi, the ingredients used in sushi, and the techniques used to prepare and serve sushi. Typically, a sushi-making class will begin with an introduction to the history and culture of sushi, followed by a demonstration of how to make various types of sushi. You may also have the opportunity to try your hand at making your sushi under the guidance of the instructor.
Eating sushi can be a fun and delicious cultural experience, but it is important to follow certain etiquette guidelines to ensure that you are enjoying the dish respectfully and appropriately.
Do:
- Use your hands to pick up the sushi and dip it in soy sauce before eating it.
- Eat the sushi in one bite to fully appreciate the flavors and textures.
- Use the small dish of soy sauce provided to dip your sushi, rather than pouring soy sauce directly onto the sushi.
- Eat the pickled ginger (gari) between bites of sushi to cleanse your palate.
Don't:
- Over-douse the sushi in soy sauce, as this can mask the flavors of the fish and rice.
- Mix wasabi into the soy sauce, as this is considered rude in Japanese culture. If you want to add wasabi to your sushi, place a small amount on top of the sushi.
- Eat the sushi with your fingers and then return it to the plate, as this is considered unsanitary.
- Use your chopsticks to spear the sushi or hold it vertically in a bowl of soy sauce.
- Leave your chopsticks sticking out of your rice, as this resembles the incense sticks used in Japanese funerals.
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Conclusion
What is your favourite sushi? Learn how to make it while learning more about the ingredients and becoming a sushi chef yourself. It is a fun experience and also very tasty! Depending on the class, you can also receive a kit from the host or arrange the needed ingredients and equipment yourself. Happy travelling!