Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host
Description
You can have an Kyoto specific culinary experience in this class. Japan has a long history of vegan cuisine which developed at Buddhist temples. Since killing animals is strictly prohibited in Buddhism, so all the dishes generally don’t contain any animal products such as meat and fish. It's very healthy and well-balanced cuisine featuring seasonal vegetables, soybeans(tofu), grains, seaweed or many fermented foods. We make a variety of dishes inspired by classic Buddhist cooking with modern twists. These delicious dishes make the most of the original taste of local ingredients. It's not difficult to cook at all but you will find the delicacy of Japanese cuisine in every detail of the dish. I'm sure you can enjoy Japanese authentic cooking which you are not be able to taste in the restaurant.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
Reviews(20)
We were welcomed in Yukari’s home and learned about Buddist cooking. We had ample opportunity to be hands on and the result was delicious. We have the recipes and we hope to try them successfully at home. Thank you Yukari!
Suzan, Thank you so much for your kind review! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the hands-on experience and the dishes we made together. I also truly enjoyed cooking with just the two of you—it was such a warm and lovely time. I hope you’ll have fun recreating the recipes at home! Yukari
Yukari-san’s cooking class was brilliant. First she introduced us to the origin and importance shōjin ryōri (temple cuisine), then she kindly explained all the dishes we made. The dishes were fairly easy to make with her clear instructions and they were incredibly delicious. As the activity took place in her home, we were joined only by two more guests, so it had a very cozy vibe - not to mention the great hospitality of Yukari-san, and her great recommendations both for Kyoto and Osaka. Pretty much the best cooking class I have ever attended. ありがとうございました。
Barbara, Thank you so much for your lovely review! I’m really glad you enjoyed the cooking, the cozy atmosphere, and learning about shōjin ryōri. It means a lot to me that you had such a great experience. It was a pleasure having you—ありがとうございます！また会えるのを楽しみにしています！ Yuka
I had such a wonderful experience this morning at a vegan Buddhist cooking class in Kyoto! Our instructor, Yukari, spoke very clear English and made everything easy to follow from start to finish. Before we began, she carefully introduced all the ingredients and explained the philosophy behind Shojin Ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine), which made the experience even more meaningful. What I loved most was how hands-on the class was—we were involved in every step, from chopping and marinating to pan-frying and even plating the dishes beautifully. In total, we learned how to make 7 different dishes, and every single one was absolutely delicious. Yukari created such a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and her passion really showed throughout the class. I would honestly give her more than 5 stars if I could. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Madhu, Thank you so much for your wonderful and thoughtful review! I’m truly happy to hear that you enjoyed not only the cooking, but also learning about the philosophy behind Shojin Ryori. It means a lot to me that you appreciated the hands-on experience and every step of the process. I always hope my guests can fully experience both the cooking and the spirit behind it. It was such a pleasure having you, and I’m very grateful for your kind words. I would love to welcome you again anytime! Yuka
She was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was great. Had a great time exploring the consecpt of sojin ryori. She is definitely a hidden gem in Kyoto and would highly recommend take a class with her.
Bryan, Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring the concept of Shojin Ryori and had a great time. It was a pleasure having you, and I truly appreciate your recommendation. Yuka
An amazing cultural experience. Yukari was an amazing host and we all enjoyed learning about the ingredients and preparation of a Japanese traditional meal. Not to mention the food was incredibly delicious! It was a highlight of our time in Kyoto and we could not recommend the experience more!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Mike. You have such a sweet family! It was a joy to share Japanese cooking with you all, and I’m so glad you enjoyed both the cultural side and the food itself. I hope you’ll continue enjoying Japanese flavors at home and if you ever have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime! Yukari
We had a really good time at the cooking course! Yukari is very welcoming, kind and professional. It was fun to learn about a bit about the cuisine, about new ingredients and equipment, and the dishes were all really delicious.
I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed the cooking and learning about new ingredients and tools. I hope you’ll keep making the dishes at home. Please come visit again anytime! Yukari
This was a great experience and incredibly fun! I’m very glad my husband and I got a chance to do this while staying in Kyoto.
Thank you for your pleasant review. It was nice talking to you both. Please enjoy Japanese food at home! All the best, Yukari
This is a delicious and delightful experience! The teacher is a kind and talented person and we all enjoyed the class.
Thank you, Christine. I had a so much fun cooking and chatting with you all. I’d be happy if my cooking class could inspire you in some way. Yuka
Yukari was an amazing host and teacher as she guided us through cooking and preparing a seven-part vegan Buddhist meal. Her knowledge of Japan's culinary culture is vast and profound. My wife and I enjoyed chatting with her not only about the meal we were making but Japanese culture, where to buy some of the specialized kitchen tools we were using, and suggestions on quieter alternatives to some of the overtouristed sights of Kyoto. It was one of my favorite experiences in our two-week adventure through Japan. And the food was one of the highlights of our trip, too!
Morty, thank you for coming the other day. I had a great time cooking and chatting with you. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy Japanese food at home from now on, too. Yuka
What an amazing experience! Yukari was well organized. The menu has been very well explained. All the preparation for the workshop was well done. And the food... OMG it was delicious!! I absolutely recommend. I would do classes with Yukari again and again!
Thank you for coming to my cooking session the other day. I’m so glad to hear that.😊 I’d happy if more you enjoyed Japanese cuisine back home! All the best, Yuka
