If there is one style of cooking that Japanese cuisine is known for, it would be seafood.
Originating in the Nagasaki region, Tempura dishes are made up of deep-fried seafood mixed with vegetables, using the same techniques used for producing ‘fritters’. The cooking style was influenced by techniques used by the Portuguese who lived in the region. In fact, the food name is a reference to the Portuguese tradition called ‘Quatuor Tempora’, an important series of religious days.
If you are in Tokyo and searching for suitable classes on Tempura dishes, there are plenty to go around.
Seven of the best Tempura cooking classes in the city of Tokyo are mentioned below.
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Handmade Udon with Tempura in Asakusa
This is by far one of the best classes around for learning how to cook Japanese cuisines.
There are several dishes that you can look forward to in the class, among which are the udon noodles, dashi, matcha, seasonal tempura, etc. The classes are ideal for those who want to learn how to cook vegetarian tempura, since the menu is focused specifically on this particular foodie group.
The class will also have a market visit, where you will be picking out the ingredients and also a group lunch for you to dig into all that you have prepared.
The Shojin Ryori for Vegans and Vegetarians
While the tempura has generally been focused on seafood, there are many kinds of tempura that doesn’t involve anything non vegetarian.
This is ideal for those who like vegan or vegetarian diets. The classes will involve the cooking of a great deal of vegetable based tempura, as well as steamed or boiled vegetables, a variety of sauce pastes, the ever popular miso soup and of course the humble rice.
Made in a traditional Japanese kitchen and with a visit to the local market, nothing can be more Japanese than this.
The Traditional Tempura
The class is a home-based cooking session, where you will be learning how to cook an authentic tempura meal.
Dishes include, in addition to the tempura, the dipping sauce, the miso soup, rice and salad. In addition to this, you also have the choice between choosing the Maycha jelly or seasonal fruits.
The Ozashiki Tempura with Chirashi Sushi
If you want a combination of a tempura class, mixed in with a sushi class, this is the place to be.
The class offers you an excellent cooking session in a traditional Japanese kitchen, where you will learn to cook a whole bunch of different dishes.
The session revolves around the Ichiju-Sansai style of food preparation. The dishes here include, among others, a choice between Spinach with Sesame Dressing with Spinach or Vinegared cucumber, Japanese pickles and the lovely Miso soup. Other dishes here include rice, eggs and a host of different veggies.
A Simple Tempura Meal
If you would like a class that focuses on the core tempura dish and leaves out the rest, you will enjoy a session in this cooking class.
Based in a traditional Japanese kitchen, you will learn how to make the tempura, rice, soup and salad. In addition to this, you will also be preparing other foods as well such as shrimp, matcha and green tea.
And what better way to spice up a cooking session, than a visit to the local supermarket and enjoy a joint meal together.
The Tempura Sushi Combo
We all love a good deal. And where better can you get such a deal, than one in which you get to learn two amazing Japanese delicacies.
This is one class where you get to experience it all. From a visit to the local supermarket to cooking in a traditional kitchen, you will be taken through all the steps it takes for a great meal.
Among the dishes you will be preparing here are the Chakin Sushi, Tempura, clear soup, dumplings, Dengaku (a kind of bean curd), matcha and tea.
Making Udon and Tempura
This is another combo class that you will love to check out.
Here, you will be learning how to make traditional Udon noodles with vegetable tempura. The class is entirely vegetarian, making it a great choice if you aren’t into meat.
Based entirely in a traditional Japanese kitchen, this is one cooking experience you are sure to enjoy.
Last but not the least, do note that these are some of the best tempura restaurants that exist in and around the city of Tokyo.
There are indeed many more of them as well in the city, for those who are interested. Feel free to do your own bit of scouting around, if you want to know more.