Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class

Discover Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class

This engaging experience in Kyoto combines hands-on culinary craftsmanship with a creative souvenir activity, all under the guidance of a chef from Musoshin Ramen, a restaurant with Michelin-star credentials. For $65.22 per person, you’ll spend around 1 hour 30 minutes exploring the art of making authentic ramen and personalizing your own ramen spoon—a memorable keepsake—and then savor the fruits of your labor with a bowl of Michelin-quality ramen. The class is small, with a maximum of 12 participants, making it intimate and interactive.

Two things we love about this tour are the authenticity of the experience—you’re cooking with ingredients made in-house and guided by a chef with a proven reputation—and the opportunity to take home a spoon and bowl you painted and cooked yourself. These personal touches add a layer of value that many culinary classes overlook.

A potential consideration is the duration—just an hour and a half—which might feel short if you’re hoping for a more extensive culinary adventure. Still, this condensed format keeps the experience lively and focused.

This class is perfect for food lovers, especially those interested in Japanese cuisine, and families with kids who want a fun, educational activity. Whether you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll appreciate the flexible options and the chance to learn firsthand how top-tier ramen is created.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Cook with ingredients made in-house by a Michelin-star restaurant.
• Creative Souvenir: Paint and bake your own ramen spoon to take home.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from Chef Shin, renowned for his ramen mastery.
• Valuable Insights: Gain tips for making vegetarian and vegan ramen.
• Tasty Results: Savor the ramen you cooked, rated as some of the best in Japan.
• Unique Setting: The only ramen workshop in Kyoto with an actual restaurant on-site.

An In-Depth Look at the Kyoto Ramen Class

What Makes This Tour Special?

This experience is a rare find in Kyoto: a ramen workshop run by a real ramen restaurant. Unlike typical cooking classes, this isn’t just a demonstration; you actually participate in making Michelin-star quality ramen using ingredients prepared daily at Musoshin Ramen. The fact that it is operated by a restaurant that maintains high standards—including making noodles in-house and simmering broth for 12 hours—means you’ll learn techniques that elevate your home cooking.

The Itinerary: From Art to Plate

The class begins on the second floor of the restaurant, where you get to paint your own ramen spoon on ceramic, a distinctive activity. The spoons are baked in a kiln overnight, so you can take home a personalized souvenir. Participants have praised this part as fun and memorable, with some mentioning how their spoons turned out great—“your ramen spoon turned out great!” as one reviewer said.

Next, you’ll head downstairs into the professional kitchen for the main event—cooking ramen under the guidance of Chef Shin. All ingredients are imported directly from the restaurant, ensuring authenticity. You’ll learn how to prepare vegetarian options if desired, along with traditional pork-based ramen. The process involves making noodles, simmering broth for 12 hours, and handcrafting soy sauce and roast pork—a level of detail many home cooks never attempt.

What You’ll Actually Do

Participants get to decorate their spoons, then move into the kitchen to cook the ramen. The chef and his team are described as friendly, patient, and energetic, making the process accessible. You’ll handle key steps like making the broth, cooking the noodles, and assembling your bowl.

Most reviews highlight the deliciousness of the final product. One reviewer noted, “the ramen is delicious, probably the best I have ever had,” and many mention how the vegetarian options are tasty and satisfying.

The Food: Why It’s Worth It

What sets this class apart is the quality of the ramen. Since the ingredients are made in-house and meticulously prepared, the taste profile is deep, umami-rich, and authentic. Participants rave that the ramen they made is better than what they’ve had elsewhere in Japan, with one reviewer saying, “the best ramen I’ve had in Japan.”

The Experience & Atmosphere

The atmosphere is described as welcoming and lively. The chef, Shin, is lauded for being friendly and attentive, especially in accommodating vegetarian and vegan dietary needs. The class isn’t just about cooking; it’s about connecting with Japanese culinary culture and creating memories through both art and food.

Practical Details & Value

At just over Sixty-five dollars, this class offers excellent value considering the quality of instruction, the homemade ingredients, and the souvenir spoon and bowl. The small group size means you’ll get plenty of attention, and the location near public transportation makes it easy to fit into your Kyoto sightseeing plans.

Final Thoughts & Who It’s For

This experience is ideal for foodies, families, or anyone curious about authentic Japanese cuisine. If you’re looking for a fun, interactive, and delicious activity that results in tangible souvenirs and a meal you made yourself, this class ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who want a deeper understanding of ramen beyond just eating it, as well as those who appreciate professional-level techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, the class offers vegetarian and vegan options, and many reviewers mention how well they were accommodated.

How long does the experience last?
The class lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a compact but comprehensive activity.

Can I take home my painted spoon and bowl?
Absolutely, both your painted spoon and baked bowl are yours to keep as souvenirs, adding a personal touch to your trip.

Is the ramen cooked during the class authentic?
Yes. All ingredients are made in-house, and the ramen recipe is the same as used in the Michelin-nominated Toronto restaurants, ensuring an authentic taste.

How many people participate in each class?
The class is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience with plenty of interaction.

Do I need any prior cooking experience?
No previous experience is required. The chef and assistants are friendly and provide clear guidance, making it accessible for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Final Word

For those seeking a unique, hands-on glimpse into Japanese ramen culture, this class at Musoshin Ramen offers a rare chance to learn from a Michelin-star chef while creating personalized souvenirs and enjoying delicious, authentic ramen. Its focus on quality ingredients, professional techniques, and friendly atmosphere makes it a standout activity in Kyoto.

While the experience is compact, it packs enough flavor—both culinary and cultural—to leave a lasting impression. Perfect for food lovers eager to take a piece of Japan home, or families looking for a fun activity, this class brings together art, food, and culture in a memorable way.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, a ramen fanatic, or simply curious about Japanese cooking, this experience offers value and authenticity that you won’t forget. It’s a great way to connect with Kyoto’s culinary scene and create a tangible souvenir of your trip.

Note: Remember to book in advance, as this popular class often fills up quickly, and cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours ahead.