The Art of Japanese Bento

Course summary

Discover the heart of Japanese cuisine through balance, flavour, and beautiful presentation in our Japanese Bento cooking class.
This hands‑on, immersive workshop brings together some of Japan’s most beloved dishes into one elegant, harmonious meal.

You’ll learn to prepare a selection of classic and contemporary recipes, all curated to create a stunning bento box. From perfectly grilled miso salmon to crisp, delicate tempura, this class celebrates both technique and artistry—making it a delicious experience from start to finish.

Menu Highlights:
– Grilled Moiso Salmon
– Traditional Miso Soup
– Agedashi Tofu (crispy fried tofu in savoury dashi broth)
– steamed Japanese Rice
– Seasoned Edamame
– Teriyaki Chicken or Prawn Tempura
– Enoki Mushrooms (lightly seasoned or sautéed)

What you will learn

• the fundamentals of Japanese flavour profiles: umami, balance, and simplicity
• master key techniques such as miso marination, tempura battering, and dashi preparation
• understanding of the art of bento box composition and plating aesthetics
• insights into ingredient selection and traditional cooking methods

What you will get

• recipe to take home
• a bento to eat straight after class or take away
• hands-on cooking in a guided, supportive environment

What you need to bring

• apron
• containers for left over to take home
• pen and paper

About the tutor

With a deep-rooted passion for food and a heart full of joy for bringing people together, Kate Ngo is a dynamic culinary expert and the founder of Labour of Love, a unique culinary school designed for all ages and abilities. Her approach to teaching cooking and baking is both fun and interactive, ensuring that every student feels empowered and inspired in the kitchen. For seven years, Kate ran a successful baking business that focused on macarons, custom-made cookies, cakes, and desserts for all occasions. Her baked goods have not only satisfied taste buds but also created memorable experiences for her clients. Through this venture, she developed a reputation for creating visually stunning, wholesome dishes that marry flavour and aesthetics. As an expert in Asian cuisine and a wide variety of desserts, Kate brings a special touch to her classes, offering students the opportunity to learn about and embrace diverse culinary traditions. Whether it’s mastering the art of delicate pastries or cooking authentic Asian dishes, Kate’s passion shines through in every recipe she shares.
Her teaching philosophy goes beyond just showing students how to cook. Kate believes in the power of food to tell stories, connect cultures, and bring people together. Through her classes, she emphasizes cultural sharing and the importance of giving back to the community—something Kate is deeply committed to. She sees the kitchen as a place of creativity, joy, and connection.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced home cook, Kate’s warm and inclusive teaching style ensures that everyone leaves with new skills, a fuller heart, and a deeper appreciation for the art of food.

Kate’s Facebook page