Vegan/Vegetarian Ramen and Gyoza by Bentoya cooking

A Delicious Introduction to Vegan Japanese Cuisine

If you’re visiting Tokyo and craving an authentic yet plant-based experience, the Vegan/Vegetarian Ramen and Gyoza tour offers just that. For $75 per person, this 2.5-hour hands-on class takes place in Komae, a peaceful suburb of Tokyo, where you’ll learn to craft delicious vegan ramen from scratch and perfect the art of crispy gyoza dumplings. Led by a friendly, certified local instructor, this experience combines culinary skill-building with a genuine taste of Japanese home cooking.

What we love about this tour is how it seamlessly balances practical cooking skills with cultural storytelling—plus, the opportunity to see and shop for authentic Japanese ingredients in a local supermarket. We also appreciate the small group size, capped at six, which means lots of personal attention and room for questions.

A potential consideration? Since the tour involves a supermarket visit and cooking in a private kitchen, it requires some mobility and enthusiasm for hands-on food prep—so if you’re after a passive tasting experience, this might not be for you. However, it suits enthusiastic home cooks, food lovers interested in plant-based Japanese cuisine, and anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Japanese cooking traditions.

This class is especially perfect for travelers who value authentic, homemade food experiences and enjoy getting their hands dirty in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about Japanese flavors without the fish-based broths, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Authentic Cooking: Learn how to make vegan ramen and gyoza with a certified local instructor.
• Local Ingredients: Gain insights into Japanese pantry staples during a supermarket visit.
• Small Group: Intimate experience with a maximum of six participants ensures personalized guidance.
• Cultural Insight: Understand the challenges of vegetarian food in Japan, especially with traditional ingredients like dashi.
• Delicious Results: Come away with a meal you can recreate at home—many reviews mention the dishes being easy and tasty.
• Value for Money: For just $75, this hands-on experience offers a lot more than just a typical tour—it’s a chance to learn, taste, and bring a piece of Japan home.

What the Tour Offers: A Hands-On Introduction to Vegan Japanese Food

This 2.5-hour cooking class is centered around plant-based Japanese staples, primarily focusing on vegan ramen and gyoza. Meeting at Komae Station, you’ll join a small group led by a friendly, certified instructor—likely Kaori from the reviews—who guides you through every step. The experience kicks off with a supermarket visit, where you’ll learn about essential Japanese ingredients, many of which are surprisingly accessible even for vegans.

What makes this tour stand out is its complete immersion into real Japanese kitchen practices. You won’t just watch a chef; you’ll roll up your sleeves and prepare everything yourself, from simmering the vegan broth to filling and folding the gyoza. By the end, you’ll have a freshly cooked, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to replicate at home.

We particularly love how the instructor is attentive and knowledgeable—many reviews mention how well-organized and welcoming Kaori (or the guide) is, making the experience feel like cooking with a good friend rather than just a class. Plus, the local supermarket tour adds an educational touch, helping you identify authentic ingredients like Japanese soy, miso, and vegetable-based dashi alternatives.

One thing to keep in mind is that vegetarian Japanese food can be tricky, as traditional broths often rely on fish stock. This class’s emphasis on vegan alternatives is both practical and insightful, especially for those concerned with dietary restrictions or curious about Japanese culinary adaptations.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at Komae Station—conveniently close to public transit—and starts around 10:00 AM. After a brief introduction, you’ll head to a nearby supermarket. Here, your guide introduces Japanese pantry staples, emphasizing basic ingredients needed for vegan cooking. Expect to see various miso pastes, soy sauces, rice vinegars, and perhaps some lesser-known items like vegan-friendly dashi powders or broth bases.

Following the shopping experience, you’ll move into the instructor’s kitchen, where the real fun begins. The step-by-step process includes:

• Preparing the vegan ramen broth from scratch—many reviews highlight how the instructor explains the process clearly, ensuring you understand each ingredient’s role. Since traditional broth relies on fish, the vegan version involves plant-based substitutes, which many participants find surprisingly flavorful.
• Cooking the ramen noodles, which involves boiling and timing to achieve that perfect al dente bite.
• Assembling and cooking vegan gyoza—wrapping the filling is described as straightforward, with tips on how to achieve that crispy bottom.
• Plating and tasting your creations in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Throughout the process, you’ll learn about Japanese cooking techniques and ingredients, making this more than just a recipe demonstration. Many reviews note how the instructor actively encourages questions and shares personal stories about Japanese cuisine, enriching the experience.

Authenticity and Cultural Insights

A key aspect of this tour is its authenticity. Despite being a vegan-focused class, it offers a genuine look at Japanese food preparation. As one reviewer mentioned, “We picked up so many new skills,” which indicates this experience is very practical. The guide also discusses how vegetarian options are sometimes limited in Japan due to dashi made from bonito flakes, and how vegan adaptations are changing the scene.

You’ll leave with not only a sense of culinary accomplishment but also a deeper understanding of Japanese food culture. This is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and connect more intimately with local life through food.

The Environment and Group Size

With a maximum of six participants, the class fosters a cozy, interactive environment. This small group size ensures you get plenty of personalized guidance and can ask questions freely. Many reviewers rave about how welcoming and friendly the host is, making the whole atmosphere feel more like cooking with friends than a formal class.

The setting is in a private kitchen, which means you won’t be sharing space with dozens of strangers or dealing with noisy crowds. Plus, the class ends back at the meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Value for Money

At $75 per person, this experience offers surprisingly good value. For that fee, you gain hands-on cooking skills, access to authentic Japanese ingredients, and a delicious meal you helped prepare. Several reviews mention they plan to recreate the dishes at home, which speaks to the practicality and quality of the instructions.

Compared to typical Tokyo food tours or restaurant meals, this class provides a more intimate and educational experience, allowing you to take home not just memories but actual skills. Many guests also appreciate the detailed recipe files and tips provided afterward, making it easier to replicate the dishes later.

What Travelers Say

The overwhelming majority of reviews give this experience a perfect 5-star rating. Comments like “the end result was absolutely delicious” and “we’ll definitely be cooking this ourselves” showcase how satisfying and practical the class is. Several reviewers emphasize the deliciousness of the vegan ramen, often noting that it compares favorably with traditional versions.

People also appreciate the host’s friendliness and generosity, with many mentioning how she went out of her way to make everyone comfortable. A few note that the class is very well-organized and informative, with one describing it as “the best Tokyo experience” they had.

Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting Point: Komae Station, easy to access via Tokyo’s public transit network.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes—ideal for a morning activity.
• Price: $75 per person, which includes ingredients, instruction, and the meal.
• Availability: Open daily, with sessions running from 10:00 AM.
• Booking: Recommended to book about 49 days in advance, considering popularity.
• Group Size: Limited to 6 travelers, ensuring plenty of individual attention.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, giving flexibility to travelers.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re eager to learn how to make vegan Japanese dishes in a friendly, authentic environment, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s well-suited for foodies, vegetarians, or anyone curious about Japanese cuisine without fish-based ingredients. The small-group setting and personal guidance make it a memorable, practical experience that you can recreate at home.

This experience is particularly valuable if you enjoy hands-on activities, want to understand the ingredients behind Japanese flavors, or simply love eating delicious food prepared by your own hands. Many travelers leave inspired and equipped to cook Japanese dishes in their own kitchens, making it a practical souvenir of Tokyo.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed, passive tasting or if you’re on a tight schedule, this might feel a bit intensive. But for those seeking an engaging and authentic culinary adventure, it’s hard to beat.

Can I participate if I don’t have any cooking experience?
Absolutely. The class is suitable for all levels, and the instructor provides clear, step-by-step guidance. Many reviews mention how easy and enjoyable the process is even for beginners.

Are ingredients provided, or do I bring anything?
All ingredients and equipment are included, and you will also receive detailed instructions afterward. The supermarket visit helps you learn about authentic Japanese ingredients firsthand.

How accessible is the location?
The meeting point is at Komae Station, which is accessible by public transit. The area is quiet and residential, making for a relaxed environment.

Will I be able to replicate the dishes at home?
Yes, many guests report the recipes and instructions are straightforward enough to try on your own after the class. The instructor provides helpful recipe files to guide you.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
This class focuses on vegan/vegetarian dishes, so it’s suitable for those with plant-based diets. If you have specific allergies, it’s best to inform the organizer when booking.

Is the class suitable for children or families?
Most reviews focus on adult participants, but the hands-on nature and friendly environment could work for families with older children interested in cooking. It’s best to check directly with the provider for specific age recommendations.

This vegan ramen and gyoza class in Tokyo offers a genuine taste of Japanese home cooking, focusing on plant-based ingredients that challenge the misconception that Japanese cuisine is fish-heavy. With its approachable style, warm hosts, and focus on authentic ingredients, it’s a top pick for travelers wanting a memorable, practical, and delicious experience.