Okonomiyaki & Mitarashi Dango Cooking Workshop
Discover two of Japan's most iconic dishes: okonomiyaki (お好み焼き), often described as Osaka's famous savoury pancake, and mitarashi dango (みたらし団子), soft rice dumplings coated in a glossy sweet and savoury glaze.
During this hands-on workshop, you will prepare Osaka-style okonomiyaki, the best-known and most popular variation of this beloved dish. You will learn how to make the batter using flour, egg, water, and dashi, prepare the ingredients, and cook the okonomiyaki using the traditional technique to achieve a light, fluffy interior and a beautifully golden, lightly crisp exterior. You'll then finish it with the traditional okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and katsuobushi (bonito flakes), while discovering the key differences between the Osaka and Hiroshima styles.
Next, you'll turn your attention to mitarashi dango, one of Japan's most iconic traditional sweets. Starting with rice flour, you'll prepare the dough, shape the characteristic dumplings, and cook them until they reach their signature soft, pleasantly chewy texture. Finally, you'll prepare the classic mitarashi sauce, learning how to balance its sweet and savoury flavours to create a smooth, glossy glaze.
By the end of the workshop, you will have acquired the essential techniques to prepare authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and traditional mitarashi dango at home, allowing you to bring a taste of Japan's rich culinary heritage into your own kitchen.
To access the workshop area, you will need to wear the wristband provided at the festival entrance. To make entry easier, we recommend purchasing your festival ticket online. For people with disabilities or reduced mobility, please contact us in advance via email at info@japanmatsuri.org so we can arrange stress-free access.