Kobe Cooking Class: Make Tempura & Udon Noodles

Japan has many iconic dishes and, among the likes of ramen and gyoza, tempura udon remains an all-time favorite. The crispy, warm tempura gives this dish a unique crunch that strikes a perfect balance of flavors and textures with the smooth udon noodles and the rich soy sauce-based broth. Making sure all the elements go well together can be tricky, but your knowledgeable host, who has extensive home cooking experience, will share her best tips and tricks and guide you step-by-step in making a delicious and comforting tempura udon, a recipe you can replicate at home anytime!

Your host, Ayumi, will welcome you into her Japanese-style apartment in a residential area of Kobe, where you'll go straight into the kitchen to begin your cooking class. Against the backdrop of a typical Japanese home kitchen, your host will introduce the ingredients and the class flow, and guide you through making your delicious meal. You’ll start by making the udon noodles from scratch, and even use unique and unorthodox methods — like kneading the dough with your feet, a fun and memorable experience.

Next, your host will guide you through making tempura. First, you’ll prepare the shrimp and vegetables, then batter and fry until golden brown. Once both dishes are finished, enjoy them together as tempura udon with your host.

As you enjoy your delicious lunch together, feel free to ask your host about Japanese food culture, etiquette and cultural aspects. A foodie keen on international exchange, your host enjoys learning about different food cultures, so feel free to share your country’s traditions. To remember the experience, you’ll take home a pair of chopsticks held inside cute holders of origami and mizuhiki decorations.

This cooking class lets you explore the food culture and traditions of Kobe through the unique perspective of a local host who will share her best home cooking secrets to help you master Japanese cooking!