TEMPURA
WITH CHEF HITOSHI ARAI
3 OR 6 HOUR CLASS
Our premium tempura cooking class is taught by Hitoshi Arai, executive chef and owner of TENKO, one of Tokyo’s top tempura restaurants intriguingly located inside a former geisha house in the city’s historic Kagurazaka district.
Learn the history and delicate techniques of tempura making with this renowned master. Acquire an understanding of how to compare the tastes and styles of contemporary and classic Edo-period (old Tokyo) dishes. Chef Arai will also provide a range of sakés to accompany the full course meal you will prepare.
Chef Arai at TENKO Photos courtesy of Tenko
YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Chef Hitoshi Arai’s 12-seat restaurant, Tenko, is located in the historic Kagurazaka neighborhood in central Tokyo. Here diners enjoy fine tempura made with the highest quality white sesame seed oil. Arai’s father was also a Tempura master (for 60 years!); he founded the restaurant in 1977. Committed to promoting Tempura by participating in overseas exchanges and conferences such as "Worlds of Flavor" in Napa Valley, California, Arai has most recently traveled to New York, Warsaw, Paris, and Milan. Hitoshi is dedicated to promoting Tokyo's edomae-style (Edo is present day Tokyo) cuisine and is often asked to serve his special tempura at Japanese state dinners and banquets for honored overseas guests.
Anago (eel)
A 6-hour version of the class includes an exclusive "insider" visit to Tokyo's Toyosu market, where Chef Arai will introduce you to his favorite artisan food producers and trusted seafood suppliers.
Vegetable Tempura