Tokyo: Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class with Supermarket Walk

Summary

Tokyo food class making ramen and gyoza then exploring a local market

You’ll roll up your sleeves in a Tokyo home kitchen to make ramen and gyoza from scratch with a local chef guiding each step. Wander through a neighborhood supermarket picking out real ingredients, share laughs over language slips, and sit down together to taste your creations—leaving with new skills and maybe even a few new friends.

What’s the experience like?

Chopsticks in one hand, apron tied just a bit crooked—my first attempt at rolling gyoza dough had me grinning at my own clumsy fingers. Our host, Yuca, watched with this gentle patience I wish I could bottle up. She showed us how to pinch the dumplings closed (mine looked like tiny purses), and when I tried saying “gyoza” in Japanese, she smiled and fixed my pronunciation—Li laughed too, which made it less embarrassing somehow. The kitchen smelled like ginger and soy almost right away, and the sound of water boiling for ramen noodles was sort of soothing in the background.

I didn’t expect the supermarket part to be so interesting. We wandered through aisles that felt both familiar and totally foreign—so many kinds of miso paste, little bottles of things I couldn’t read but wanted to try. Yuca pointed out her favorite snacks (I bought some rice crackers for later), and there was this older man who nodded at us as he picked out daikon—felt like we were getting a peek into regular Tokyo life, not just ticking off tourist stuff. It’s funny how something as simple as shopping can stick with you.

The ramen broth took time—Yuca insisted on doing it from scratch—and while it simmered we swapped stories about where everyone was from. There was this moment when we all tasted our bowls together, slurping quietly (which is polite here!), steam fogging my glasses for a second. Maybe it sounds silly but I still think about that taste: salty, rich, just…warm in every way. If you’re looking for some polished chef show-off thing, this isn’t that—it’s more like being invited into someone’s home for lunch. And yeah, I’d do it again just for those dumplings alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class

• Meet at 10:00 AM
• Attend lecture on Japanese cooking
• Cook and taste ramen and gyoza
• Optional local supermarket tour

Top questions

Is the ramen & gyoza cooking class suitable for beginners?

Yes, the class is designed for all skill levels—even if you’ve never cooked Japanese food before.

Does the tour include a visit to a local supermarket?

Yes, there’s an optional walk to a neighborhood supermarket included after cooking.

Are vegetarian or dietary options available?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking; let them know about allergies too.

How long does the cooking class last?

The main class runs from 10:00 am to around 1:00 pm including tasting time.

Is this ramen & gyoza class family-friendly?

Yes, families with children are welcome; infants can use prams or sit on an adult’s lap.

Where does the cooking class take place in Tokyo?

The class is held in a local home kitchen studio within nostalgic Tokyo neighborhoods.

Who teaches the cooking class?

A Japanese chef (also a YouTuber) leads the session in English.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on ramen and gyoza making guided by a Japanese chef in their home kitchen studio, plus an optional stroll through a local Tokyo supermarket where you’ll pick out real ingredients together before sitting down to enjoy your meal—all within easy reach of public transport and welcoming for families or solo travelers alike.