Taste of Japan: Japanese Cooking Classes in Auckland

This is the MUST take class if you don’t know which one to take. Umami is the 5th element to describe taste: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. The closest English translation is “savoury pleasant taste” i.e. sometimes when you taste a dish you just can’t stop eating because it is so delish!

You will be a star among your family and friends once you master our special Teriyaki Chicken recipe. We will also make “Katsu” – deep fried prawns and veges with wasabi mayonnaise and bread crumbs and mouthwatering “goma (sesame seed)” dressing!

• Irresistible Teriyaki Chicken with steamed short-grain rice
• Prawns and vegetable Katsu served with wasabi lime mayonnaise
• Seasonal salad with special “Gomadare (sesame seed)” dressing

“Okonomiyaki” originated in Osaka, but regional variations mean everybody in Japan now enjoys this delicious savoury pancake. It literally means grill or pan fry whatever the ingredients that you like, (kind of pizza in the western world) but we will be teaching an authentic Osaka recipe. We will also make Beef Tataki salad and one of Sachie’s family’s Agedashi Tofu recipes served with dashi broth.

• “Okonomiyaki” Japanese Street Pancake
• Beef Tataki Salad with special “Wafu” dressing
• “Agedashi Tofu” with Dashi broth

“Soba and tempura” is the traditional combination that you see in Japanese restaurants and now the recipes can be yours. “Gyoza dumplings” are one of the most popular dishes in Japan and it is versatile in terms of ingredients and how you cook this. You’ll take home all the tips and tricks to make your life easier.

• Prawn and vegetable Tempura served with “Soba (Buckwheat Noodle)”
• Pan Fried Pork and Shiitake Mushroom “Gyoza (Dumpling)” served with spicy soy dipping sauce
• Green beans “Gomaae” tossed with black sesame seed paste

Do you eat sushi every day? Do your kids love eating sushi and you’d love to know how to make it authentically? “Sushi” is possibly the most iconic dish in Japanese cuisine and is enjoyed globally – but many still struggle to make them authentically tasty. There are many kinds of sushi in Japan and this class with teach you four of the most popular styles. By the end of this class, you will be a Sushi Masterchef!

• Temaki Sushi: Corn-Shaped hand roll sushi
• Inari Sushi: Traditional tuffed tofu pockets with sushi ginger rice
• Nigiri Sushi: Sushi prawns “Nigiri (squeezed)” sushi
• Maki Sushi: Big rolling Sushi using Sushi mat
• Tofu and Wakame Miso Soup

“Gyoza dumplings” are one of the most popular dishes in Japan and it is versatile in terms of ingredients and how you cook this. You’ll take home all the tips and tricks to make your life easier. These dumplings are not only delicious but also visually stunning! Using natural ingredients, we teach you how to create vibrant dumpling wrappers in pink, green, yellow, and black.

– Learn how to make Gyoza wrappers and use pre-made dumpling pastry for steaming and poach.
– Make three different fillings: Prawn & Lemongrass, Miso Mushroom & Tofu, and Pork & Garlic Chives.
– Pan Fry, Steam & Poach the dumplings—all served with dipping sauce.

Photo Credit: Manja

Add some Inspiration into the April School Holidays with Our Sushi-Making Adventure!

Elemental Cooking School is excited to offer a fun, hands-on Sushi Class designed especially for kids these April school holidays. Young chefs will learn how to craft delicious sushi rolls, explore fresh ingredients, and build kitchen confidence in a friendly, creative environment. Perfect for curious food lovers and budding cooks alike—this class is all about flavour, skills, and unforgettable holiday fun.
The Class will cover:
– Futo maki (large sushi roll)
– Hoso maki (small sushi roll)
– Accompanied with Miso soup

Price is $149.00 for one adult and one child (6yrs to 13yrs) please contact us direct to book additional children.

Spots are limited, so book early to secure your child’s place!