Ramen Making Experience: Entirely From Scratch!+Supermarket

Enjoy the art of ramen-making from scratch, beginning with a vibrant tour of the local grocery store. Uncover the essential ingredients for Jiro-style ramen, including Hokkaido pork belly and Nagano kombu, while engaging with knowledgeable vendors. Don an apron and let an expert chef guide you through the intricate process of noodle crafting, chashu preparation, and crafting a rich, flavorful broth. The journey culminates in savoring your homemade ramen creation, complete with a delightful dessert. Discover the secrets behind this culinary masterpiece.

Key Points

1. Immersive tour of a vibrant grocery store to explore high-quality ramen ingredients like Pork Belly, Kombu, Menma, and Mirin.

2. Hands-on noodle making experience where participants observe and learn traditional techniques from an expert ramen chef.

3. Preparation of Chashu (roasted pork) through a slow-cooking process to enhance tenderness and flavor.

4. Crafting of a rich ramen broth using pork bones and chicken, with noodles and Chashu slices for the final dish.

5. Downloadable photographs to capture the memorable moments of the ramen-making experience.

Akihabara Station Meetup

The meeting point for the Ramen Making Experience is Akihabara Station, located in the heart of Tokyo.

Guides will be waiting in front of the Yostar OFFICIAL SHOP with a sign, ready to greet participants.

Travelers should arrive at the Central Ticket Gate by 11:00 AM to ensure a punctual start.

Late arrivals, more than 10 minutes, must go directly to the kitchen studio, as there are no refunds for delays.

The station’s proximity to the cooking venue makes it a convenient starting point for this immersive ramen-making adventure.

Grocery Store Tour

After meeting the guides at Akihabara Station, participants embark on an immersive grocery store tour, exploring the vibrant sights, scents, and ingredients that form the foundation of authentic Jiro-style ramen. The group navigates through bustling aisles, examining a variety of fresh produce, specialty proteins, and unique seasonings. The interactive tour provides valuable insights into the carefully selected ingredients used in the ramen-making process. Participants engage with local vendors, learning the intricacies of high-quality ingredients and their significance in crafting the perfect bowl of ramen.

Ingredient	Origin	Purpose
Pork Belly	Hokkaido	Chashu
Kombu	Nagano	Dashi
Menma	Akita	Topping
Mirin	Kyoto	Seasoning

Noodle Making Process

Participants don the provided aprons and step into the well-equipped kitchen studio, where an expert ramen chef demonstrates the intricate art of noodle making.

They observe as the chef masterfully mixes the dough, kneading it until it becomes smooth and pliable. Using a wooden roller, the chef then expertly stretches and folds the dough, creating paper-thin sheets.

With deft movements, the chef expertly cuts the sheets into long, thin noodles. Participants eagerly watch, absorbing every step of the process, eager to try their hand at this time-honored tradition.

Chashu Preparation

As the noodle making demonstration concludes, the chef shifts focus to preparing the Chashu, or roasted pork, a critical component of authentic ramen.

With practiced motions, they season the pork belly and nestle it into a braising liquid infused with soy sauce, mirin, and aromatic vegetables.

The kitchen fills with the tantalizing scent as the meat slowly cooks, becoming meltingly tender.

The chef periodically bastes the Chashu, ensuring it develops a glossy, caramelized exterior.

Once done, they slice the pork into bite-sized pieces, ready to be layered atop the freshly made ramen noodles.

Ramen Soup Creation

With the Chashu prepared, the chef now turns their attention to crafting the ramen soup, the final and perhaps most important component of this authentic Japanese dish.

They start by simmering a rich broth, carefully balancing the flavors of pork bones, chicken, and an array of aromatic vegetables. The broth simmers for hours, extracting every ounce of umami.

The chef then portions the noodles, ladles the piping hot broth into the bowls, and tops it off with the tender slices of Chashu.

The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that epitomizes the essence of traditional ramen.

Plating and Presentation

The chef then meticulously arranges the ramen components within the bowl, creating a visually stunning presentation.

Placing the bouncy noodles in a spiral pattern, they delicately position the slices of tender chashu pork atop. Vibrant green scallions and a glistening soft-boiled egg are thoughtfully scattered around the dish.

The rich, aromatic broth is poured into the bowl, bringing the entire ensemble together.

With each element strategically placed, the ramen dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captivates the eyes, showcasing the artistry and precision of traditional ramen preparation.

Lunch Time

After the guided tour of the local grocery store and the hands-on ramen making session, participants eagerly anticipate the final step – enjoying the fruits of their labor. The instructor leads the group to the kitchen studio, where the freshly prepared ramen bowls await. Participants take their seats and dive into the steaming hot ramen, savoring the complex flavors and textures they’ve created.

Course	Dish
Appetizer	Edamame
Main	Homemade Ramen with Chashu (Roasted Pork)
Beverage	Green Tea
Dessert	Mochi Ice Cream

The group shares a satisfying and communal lunch, exchanging impressions and culinary insights. This hands-on ramen experience has not only taught valuable cooking skills but also offered a genuine taste of Japanese culinary tradition.

Downloadable Photographs

Participants receive downloadable photographs capturing the memorable moments throughout the ramen making experience.

From the bustling market tour to the hands-on ramen preparation, these digital images allow travelers to relive the culinary adventure. Guides snap shots of participants selecting fresh ingredients, kneading dough, and crafting the iconic Chashu pork.

The downloadable photos also showcase the final plated ramen dish, allowing participants to proudly share their homemade creations with friends and family.

These keepsakes provide a tangible way to preserve the unique cultural experience long after the cooking class concludes.

Since You Asked

Can I Purchase Additional Cooking Ingredients After the Class?

Unfortunately, the experience does not provide the opportunity to purchase additional cooking ingredients after the class. The package includes the necessary ingredients for the hands-on ramen-making session and lunch, but does not offer any extras to take home.

Is an Apron Provided During the Cooking Experience?

Yes, an apron is provided during the cooking experience. The cooking class includes all necessary materials and equipment, including an apron for participants to wear while learning to make authentic Japanese ramen.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated for This Class?

The cooking class doesn’t offer vegan or vegetarian options, so dietary restrictions aren’t accommodated. However, the experience allows participants to learn how to make traditional Jiro-style ramen from scratch, including noodles and pork.

Can I Request a Private or Smaller Group Session?

Unfortunately, the experience does not offer private or smaller group sessions. The class is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers per session. However, guests can check availability for their preferred date to ensure they book a session with fewer travelers.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you need to reschedule, you can do so without penalty as long as it’s within the 24-hour window.

The Sum Up

The ramen making experience is a true culinary adventure. From the vibrant grocery store tour to the hands-on noodle making and broth crafting, participants are immersed in the art of authentic Jiro-style ramen. The culmination of the day is savoring the homemade ramen, complete with a delightful dessert of mochi ice cream, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the complexity and flavors of this beloved Japanese dish.