Asian cuisine

Explore the delicate and refined art of Japanese cuisine, a culinary tradition that blends aesthetics, subtle flavors, and top-quality ingredients with Wecandoo workshops. The Japanese cooking classes open the doors to a unique gastronomic world, where each dish tells a story and every bite awakens the senses.

These workshops invite you on an unforgettable culinary journey, discovering the secrets and techniques that have made this ancient cuisine renowned. You will learn to master the art of cutting, flavor harmony, and meticulous presentation to create dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Discover the Japanese culinary art: a unique tasting experience

• Dive into the fascinating world of Japanese cuisine
• Master essential Japanese culinary techniques
• Explore iconic Japanese dishes
• Discover the secret ingredients of Japanese cuisine
• Perfect your skills with our Japanese cooking workshops

Dive into the fascinating world of Japanese cuisine

The importance of Japanese cuisine in our gastronomic culture

Japanese cuisine holds a prominent place in the global culinary landscape, offering a unique and refined tasting experience. Its delicate flavors, meticulous presentations, and precise preparation techniques make it a cuisine appreciated worldwide. Japanese cooking classes allow you to discover this ancient culinary art and understand why it is so important in our modern gastronomic culture.

Beyond just meal preparation, Japanese cuisine is a true philosophy, emphasizing respect for ingredients, flavor harmony, and the pursuit of aesthetics. By participating in a Japanese cooking workshop, you will immerse yourself in this rich culinary culture and learn to appreciate the subtlety of tastes, the freshness of ingredients, and the importance of visual appeal in the gastronomic experience. Wecandoo offers group workshops to dive into the craftsmanship of passionate artisans, a unique opportunity to get hands-on and discover the craft.

The fundamental principles of Japanese gastronomy

Japanese gastronomy is based on fundamental principles that distinguish it from other cuisines. The balance of flavors, the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the aesthetic presentation of dishes are at the heart of this cuisine. An effective summary should be clear and concise, using action verbs to describe achievements, be tailored to the target audience, and include a brief introduction highlighting the most relevant professional qualities. By participating in a Wecandoo Japanese cooking workshop, you will learn to master these essential principles and apply them in your own culinary creations, enriching your taste palette and cooking skills.

Among the fundamental principles of traditional Japanese cuisine is "shun", which refers to using ingredients at their peak of flavor and freshness, depending on the season. Japanese cooking classes also focus on "kanso", simplicity and the elimination of excess, as well as "shizen", naturalness and harmony with nature. These concepts result in balanced dishes where every ingredient is highlighted and contributes to creating a complete tasting experience.

Master essential Japanese culinary techniques

Precise gestures for authentic preparation

Japanese cuisine is characterized by precise and meticulous preparation techniques. In a Japanese cooking class, you will learn the essential gestures for cutting food with precision, shaping sushi and maki, and preparing a fragrant dashi broth. These unique techniques will allow you to create authentic dishes and understand the importance of precision in Japanese cooking.

For example, cutting fish for sushi and sashimi requires great knife skills and an in-depth knowledge of the fish’s different parts. The Japanese cooking workshops with Wecandoo will teach you techniques such as "kiritsuke" (diagonal cut) or "sogigiri" (thin slice cut) to achieve regular and aesthetic pieces. You will also discover the art of preparing vinegared rice (shari) and shaping rice balls with the right pressure to create perfect sushi.

The art of presentation: pleasing the eyes before the palate

The presentation of dishes is a fundamental aspect of Japanese cuisine. In a Japanese cooking workshop, you will discover how to arrange food harmoniously, play with colors and textures, and create visually appealing plates. This attention to aesthetic presentation is an integral part of the tasting experience and will allow you to impress your guests with creations that are both beautiful and delicious.

The art of presentation, known as "moritsuke" in Japanese, follows specific rules that vary depending on the type of dish and the season. For example, you will learn to use decorative elements such as bamboo leaves, edible flowers, or vegetables carved into artistic shapes to enhance your plates. The Japanese cooking classes will also introduce you to arrangement principles like "sugimori" (vertical arrangement) or "hiramori" (flat arrangement) to create balanced and harmonious presentations.

Explore iconic Japanese dishes

From sushi to ramen: a complete culinary journey

Japanese cooking classes give you the opportunity to discover and master the preparation of iconic dishes of this cuisine. From sushi and maki to ramen and tempura, you will explore a wide variety of traditional recipes. Each dish will allow you to deepen your knowledge of preparation techniques, flavor combinations, and the use of typical ingredients in Japanese cuisine.

For instance, you will learn to prepare different types of sushi, such as nigirizushi (rice balls topped with fish), gunkanmaki (sushi wrapped in a nori seaweed sheet), or temakizushi (hand-rolled cones). The Wecandoo Japanese cooking workshops will also introduce you to making ramen, these delicious noodle soups garnished with savory broth, meat, vegetables, and egg. You will uncover the secrets of preparing the broth, noodles, and toppings to make authentic and comforting ramen.

Regional specialties: beyond the classics

Japanese cuisine is not limited to the most internationally known dishes. In a Japanese cooking workshop, you will have the chance to discover lesser-known regional specialties that are equally delicious. From Osaka's okonomiyaki to Nagasaki's champon, and Kyoto’s yudofu, these dishes will expand your culinary knowledge and surprise your loved ones with original and authentic recipes.

For example, okonomiyaki is a thick pancake filled with various ingredients (cabbage, meat, seafood, etc.) and topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes. It is a popular and communal dish often enjoyed in specialized restaurants. The Japanese cooking classes will teach you how to cook okonomiyaki on a hot plate and customize the filling to your taste. You will also discover dishes like hoto, a thick noodle soup typical of the Mount Fuji region, or goya champuru, a stir-fried bitter melon dish from Okinawa.

Discover the secret ingredients of Japanese cuisine

The essential condiments and herbs of Japanese cuisine

Japanese cuisine relies on the use of specific condiments and herbs that give it its distinctive flavors. In a Japanese cooking class, you will learn to use miso, wasabi, yuzu, and shiso to enhance your dishes. These ingredients, often unfamiliar, will allow you to replicate authentic Japanese flavors at home and enrich your taste palette.

Miso, for example, is a fermented soybean paste that adds a rich umami flavor to soups, marinades, and sauces. There are different varieties of miso, such as white miso (shiro miso), which is mild and slightly sweet, or red miso (aka miso), which is stronger and saltier. The Wecandoo workshops dedicated to Japanese gastronomy will teach you how to choose the right type of miso for your recipe and use it sparingly to balance the flavors. You will also learn about yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit with a unique fragrance, and shiso, a herb with minty notes.

The essential utensils for successful Japanese cuisine

To create authentic Japanese dishes, it is essential to master the use of specific utensils for this cuisine. In a Japanese cooking workshop, you will discover how to effectively use a santoku knife, a mandoline, and cooking chopsticks. These tools will help you improve your technique and prepare Japanese dishes with more precision and authenticity.

The santoku knife, for example, is a versatile Japanese chef's knife, ideal for slicing vegetables, fish, or meat. Its scalloped blade helps cut food without it sticking to the knife. The Japanese cooking classes will teach you to handle the santoku with skill and properly maintain it to preserve its sharpness. You will also discover the use of the Japanese mandoline, an indispensable tool for making fine and even julienne vegetables, or cooking chopsticks, which are longer than table chopsticks and allow for more precise food handling.

Perfect your skills with our Japanese cooking workshops

An immersive experience for all levels

Wecandoo offers group workshops. These workshops are designed as experiences for the heart and senses, accessible to everyone, with the goal of bringing craftsmanship back into the participants' daily lives. Wecandoo workshops are organized into three steps once the participant has chosen their workshop: 1. introduction to the craft by the artisan 2. meeting with the artisan and immersion in their workshop 3. the participant leaves with their creation.

Whether you're a beginner or an amateur cook, the Japanese cooking workshops with Wecandoo are tailored to your level and desires. You can choose from a variety of topics, from an introduction to the basics of Japanese cuisine to mastering more advanced techniques like preparing sushi or ramen. You will learn how to select and prepare Japanese ingredients, master specific Japanese culinary techniques, and make traditional recipes.

Learn from true Japanese cuisine experts

The Japanese cooking workshops offered by Wecandoo are led by experienced and passionate artisans who share their skills and culinary secrets. You will receive personalized guidance to master essential techniques, understand the subtleties of Japanese flavors, and develop your culinary creativity. These courses will not only teach you to cook authentic Japanese dishes but also immerse you in the Japanese culinary culture.

You will discover the chefs' tips for successfully cooking sushi rice, cutting fish with precision, or preparing a savory dashi broth. The chefs will also share anecdotes about the history and culinary traditions of Japan, as well as advice on choosing the best Japanese ingredients and Japanese cooking utensils. By participating in these Wecandoo workshops, you will not only develop your culinary skills but also deepen your understanding of Japanese cuisine and its place in Japanese culture.

Japanese cooking classes provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in an ancient culinary art known for its refinement, balance, and aesthetics. By participating in these workshops with Wecandoo, you will acquire valuable skills, discover new flavors, and develop a deep appreciation for Japanese cuisine and the culture surrounding it. Whether you're a curious beginner or a food enthusiast, these classes will allow you to explore new culinary horizons and push your cooking limits.

Beyond technical learning, the Japanese cooking workshops are an invitation to travel, a sensory and cultural experience that will leave a lasting impression. You will leave not only with new knowledge and skills but also with unforgettable memories, enriching encounters, and an opening to a fascinating universe. So don't hesitate, take the plunge with Wecandoo and sign up for a Japanese cooking class to discover all the secrets of this exceptional culinary art.