Omotenashi Dining

Name: Omotenashi Dining
Address: Market Harborough, LE176QR, GB
Telephone: +447789507514
Price range: £££
Rating: 5

Omotenashi Dining is an authentic Japanese home dining service and a cookery school.

Omotenashi Dining is a Japanese home dining service which you and your friends can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in the comfort of your own home.

08/02/2025

🥟 Gyoza nights just got easier! ✨

We had a great Friday afternoon learning how to make Chicken Gyoza and Chicken Teriyaki in today's class. The best part of learning home-made gyoza is that you can batch cook and freeze them for super convenient weeknight meals. Think frozen pizza convenience, but it's Japanese food! Homemade teriyaki sauce made for Chicken Teriyaki is a must-try too. I think it's better than the ones you will find in bottles/sachets as you can control the taste to your likings. Once you learn this, you will be making teriyaki dishes soooooo easily!!

Join me for a cookery lesson and bring the joy of homemade gyoza and teriyaki dishes into your everyday meal! It's also a fantastic gift idea for the foodie in your life.

02/02/2025

Setsubun: A Japanese Spring Tradition to Ward Off Evil Spirits

Spring is just around the corner, and in Japan, that means it's time for “soy bean throwing”!

“Setsubun” literally means "division of seasons" and it is celebrated on the day before the start of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar. This year spring starts tomorrow, 3rd Feb so people would have celebrated this day today, 2nd Feb.

It’s a folk belief that evil spirits are more likely to appear during seasonal transitions. Therefore it’s a time to ward off evil spirits and welcome good luck. How do we do this?

Roasted soybeans are thrown around in houses while people chant "Demons out! Blessings in!" We throw soy beans around the house towards imaginary evil spirits and shout to get them out of your house.

This ritual is a way to symbolically cleanse the past, embrace the new season, purify homes and bring good fortune for the year ahead. It’s turned into a fun and popular activity which kids love doing as parents and grand parents act as evils and kids throw beans at them. It's also customary to eat the same number of soybeans as your age as beans were considered a symbol of vitality and health.

When my brother and I were were very young, we ended up throwing soybeans to each other (with a bit of force!!)

Photo credit: Saihoku navi

31/01/2025

Tonight’s dinner: Winter warmer Udon cooked in a clay pot “Nabe Yaki Udon”.
Prawn tempura and thin slices of beef cooked in sweet ginger & garlic savoury sauce, made from leftovers from last night’s roast.

All warmed up🥰

30/01/2025

About a Japanese spring vegetables I miss dearly…. “Fuki no tou”

As spring arrives, Japanese people have a tradition of enjoying the bitter taste of wild mountain vegetables. One popular choice is "Fuki no tou", a type of flower bud from the Asteraceae family, similar to thistles and dandelions. I used to get excited when I see this in my local supermarket in Tokyo as it is in season for ONLY 2-3 weeks in the whole year.

Harvested before blooming in early spring, Fuki no tou's slightly bitter flavour is a quintessential taste of spring for the Japanese people. Whether you enjoy it in tempura, simmered dishes, or salads, Fuki no Tou offers a unique Japanese culinary experience of spring. My favourite is tempura by far... And I am not usually in Japan when this vegetable is in season so I haven't had it for years........🥹

My goodness, I so miss that bitterness......

29/01/2025

Welcome Sui and Yuching, the winners of the winter give-away!

Cup ramen or intant ramen might be one of your favourite food but this home made chicken ramen is something else! ✨🍜

These lucky give-away winners made miso ramen with ginger, garlic, and flavorful minced pork simmered in a broth with lots of umami, topped with savoury chicken. Using a chosen few umami ingredients you will be surprised how fuss-free it is to make umami rich stock

Feeling hungry to whip up your own ramen masterpiece?

👨‍🍳 Book a class for yourself or gift the experience to someone!

£60 per person for a 3hr lesson with a sit down meal at the end. You will have extra noodles to take home so that you can make another bowl of ramen at home!

Taught by Yuko Dixon, near Market Haborough.
Classes open on demand from minimum of 2 people on weekday daytime, evenings and weekends.
Email me at [email protected] for any questions or to discuss booking dates.
I have 10+ other dishes which you can learn so if you are interested to know, drop me a message!

28/01/2025

First sushi lesson of 2025 : Dad and son, Paul and Ben.

Thank you for coming to my sushi lesson!!! It was a great session, some great questions asked, both of you were very keen learners and did great! Your enthusiasm was infectious and seeing both of you genuinely surprised with your own work made me smile! I shared your picture with my mother in Tokyo and she was surprised how gorgeous your plates of sushi looked.

Great work!!! Hope to see you again to make ramen next time!

20/01/2025

How Japanese eat mochi:

GRILLED: One of the most popular methods is grilled mochi. Slices of mochi are grilled or toasted until slightly browned and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy within. It's often enjoyed with a simple dipping sauce of soy sauce and sprinkled with seaweed (nori).

IN A SOUP: Another classic way to savour mochi is in “ozoni”, a traditional Japanese New Year's soup. Ozoni features mochi in a flavourful broth that can vary regionally, often including dashi (fish stock), vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood. The addition of mochi brings a unique chewy texture and a subtle sweetness to the savoury soup.

AS SWEETS: Sweet mochi also holds a prominent place in Japanese cuisine, often showcased in “wagashi”, the collective term for traditional Japanese sweets. These delightful treats feature mochi filled with various sweet fillings such as sweet red bean paste called “Daifuku” (The translation of this word is “Big Happiness”) and fruits like strawberries. In the UK, mochi rapidly gained popularity wrapping various flavours of ice cream. This way of consuming mochi is a modern interpretation and older generation in Japan perhaps are not familiar with this new style.

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into the world of mochi!

Harborough

18/01/2025

Symbolism in Food: Mochi and New Year

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice that is steamed, pounded into a smooth and chewy dough, and moulded into various shapes. Mochi has been consumed in Japan for centuries when rice cultivation became widespread in the country. It isn't just a delicious treat in Japan – it's deeply intertwined with the celebration of the New Year.

• 1st picture - Offerings: Mochi is often offered to the gods and ancestors as part of New Year's rituals. It's believed to bring blessings and good fortune to the family.

• 2nd picture - Symbolism: Mochi symbolizes good luck, longevity, and purity. Its sticky texture represents the hope for a prosperous and harmonious year ahead.

• 3rd picture - Tradition: Making mochi at home (or attending a traditional mochi-making event) is a cherished activity during the New Year season. It's a time for bonding and passing down cultural traditions.

Food is more than just nourishment in Japanese culture especially during the New Year. We savor dishes that are believed to bring good luck and blessings and mochi is one of them.

I wonder what other countries have share similar relationship with food.

15/01/2025

Did you know that January 15th marks Little New Year or "Koshogatsu" in Japan? This traditional event is a continuation of the New Year celebrations and is marked by various customs. One of the most popular is Dondoyaki, a traditional Japanese fire festival which marks the end of the New Year holiday season. During this event, people gather to burn old New Year decorations, such as pine branches and rice straw, as a way to purify the home and community. It's a folk belief that the smoke from the fire carries away any bad luck or misfortune from the previous year.
So, you can say that this is a chance for you to make a NEW new year resolution if you’ve forgotten to make one or if you want to start all over again!
While the primary focus of Dondoyaki is the burning of decorations, there are often regional variations and associated foods.
• Mochi (餅): These are small rice cakes that are often roasted over the fire. They can be served plain or with various toppings, such as soy sauce or sweet miso.
• Amazake (甘酒): A sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. It's often warmed and enjoyed during the winter months.
In my next post, I will explain a bit more about “Mochi” and “Amazake”

10/12/2024

⏰ Tick Tock! ⏰ Only 1 day left (Until 16th Dec.) to grab your Authentic Japanese Cookery Lesson Voucher! Just message me to arrange.🎁🎄 Perfect for the home chef who wants to level up their skills. Don't miss out!

23/11/2024

🎁 Looking for the Perfect Gift? 🎄

Tired of the same gift ideas? How about surprising someone with a truly unique experience they’ll savour?

✨ Give the gift of authentic Japanese cooking! 🍣🍜 Whether they’re sushi enthusiasts, ramen connoisseurs, or just curious to try something new, my cooking classes offer a chance to explore Japan’s culinary art with hands-on guidance.

📜 Vouchers available for the ultimate flexible gift! The lucky recipient can choose the class that excites them most, from crafting sushi rolls to mastering ramen noodles or exploring traditional Japanese dishes.

🎉 Ideal for Christmas, birthdays, or any special occasion. Bonus? You may be able to taste some too!

👉 Secure your voucher today and give a gift that truly stands out. Classes are held near Market Harborough. 3hr lesson with a sit-down meal at the end and plenty to take home too! £60 per person. Dishes and class dates will be discussed later on. ✨

19/11/2024

🌟 Thank You for joining my Journey! 🌟

As I look back over the past years, I’m filled with gratitude for each of you who’ve joined my Japanese cookery lessons, booked private dinner parties, and shared your love for food with me. From intimate anniversaries to lively birthday celebrations, each event has been a joy to create, and seeing your smiles has been the ultimate reward!
Here are some snapshots from our time together—moments of laughter, learning, and stimulating your curiosity with Japanese flavors. 📸✨
Looking ahead, I’m excited to make 2025 even more delicious! Whether it’s:�🍴 A private dinner party for a special occasion�🎁 Gift vouchers for a unique and thoughtful present�🥂 Planning next year’s get-togethers, birthdays, or anniversaries.. I’m here to bring authentic Japanese food into your life!

👉 Message me to grab a gift voucher for someone's Christmas present or book a private dinner party at your home in 2025!

17/11/2024

Look at this little chef! 🍣 He is having a blast in his cookery class with me. He's so focused and independent, making his very own delicious salmon sushi roll. Well done!!

15/11/2024

✨ This Christmas, gift an Japanese Cookery Lesson that will stimulate their taste buds and curiosity!✨

Whether they’re an adventurous eater or simply curious about new flavours, my cookery lesson is the perfect way to explore Japan's diverse tastes from the heart of a Japanese kitchen in Leicestershire.
I am Yuko. Originally from Tokyo Japan, for the last 9 years I have been providing authentic Japanese private dining experience at people’s home and cookery lessons at my home near Market Harborough.
In a 3hr lesson, we learn and cook two dishes and end with a sit-down meal. They'll dive into the art of Japanese home cooking, discovering authentic Japanese ingredients and tastes. Plenty of food to take home to share with their friends and family too! Attendants can come on their own, couples, families, groups, all are welcomed!
£60 per person. Lessons opened on demand on weekends and weekdays. Dishes cooked will be discussed with the participants.

I have physical vouchers which I can post. Message me to arrange a voucher or for more information!

🎄
📩 Message me to order your voucher today!

13/11/2024

LOOKING FOR A PRESENT FOR A FOODIE?
An ideal present for a foodie would be one of my authentic Japanese cookery lessons! (Suitable for vegetarians and vegans too)
In a 3hr lesson which takes place near Market Harborough, we learn dishes such as the very well know ramen noodles, sushi, gyoza dumplings, various tofu dishes, Japanese style curry etc etc. We end with a sit-down meal at the end and participants will have plenty of food to take home to share with their friends and family! Attendants can come on their own, couples, families, groups, all are welcomed!
£60 per person
I have physical vouchers which I can post. Message me to arrange a voucher or for more information! 🍜

13/11/2024

Living in the UK for 18 years now, I often forget the intricate beauty of “Kimono”, the traditional Japanese attire. Putting on a kimono is no easy feat. It’s time-consuming and requires patience, but the feeling of wearing it s truly magical. 👘✨
Once in this elegant silk garment, I feel a sense of grace and tradition. It’s a reminder of my heritage and a connection to the past. I reminds me that I need to make time and space in mind to cherish these cultural treasures and keep them alive in my life in UK.

04/10/2024

We had slightly shy participants who are not in the picture, but these dishes were cooked by a boy and his mum who has been cooking with me over several years now!
Not many people choose to do this combination in my cookery lesson, however this is nearest to what a typical Japanese meal may look like. (Recipe for my favorite sesame sauce is at the bottom)

Let me explain what I mean by that.

A typical and traditional Japanese meal usually includes...
- A bowl of rice.
It's steamed and served plain. Never fried in a traditional style meal as fried rice is considered a Chinese dish.
- Miso soup
A savoury soup made from "miso" a fermented soybean paste, dashi (stock), and various ingredients like tofu, seaweed, or vegetables.
- Main dish as a source of protein
This can vary widely but often includes fish (grilled, fried, or raw as sashimi), meat (usually chicken or pork), or tofu dishes.
- One or two side dish
This can vary widely too but often includes seasonal vegetables or seaweeds.

So, here you are. From top right (clock-wise) Salmon marinated in sweete vinegar, Vegetable miso soup (Mooli, carrots, fried tofu etc etc), Steamed rice with savoury sprinkle flakes on the top and steamed vegetable with home made sesame sauce.

The mum really liked the simply steamed vegetable dish with the sesame sauce. I heard her say, "I can eat a bowl of this, just this for lunch!"

Recipe for the sesame sauce:
1 table spoon of roasted and grinded sesame seads, Mayonaise and Mirin
1 tea spoon of soy sauce, rice vinegar and dashi powder
Mix the above all together and if you want to loosen it add a bit of water. You can add a bit of sugar if you'd like some sweetness in it. Give it a go!

Address

Market Harborough
LE176QR

Telephone

+447789507514

Website

http://omotenashidining.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Omotenashi Dining posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Omotenashi Dining:

Videos

"Experience the unexpected! Our creamy soy milk ramen is a flavor BOMB. Rich, savory broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and a depth of flavor you won't believe is plant-based. Don't let the "vegetarian" label fool you – this ramen is a MUST-TRY. Join our ramen class and learn the secrets to this incredible dish!" #tasteofjapan #leicester #marketharborough #cookerylesson #japanesefood #foodie #northampton #UmamiBomb #noadditivesorpreservatives #kettering #HomemadeRamen #satisfactionguaranteed #northamptonfoodie #leicesterfoodie #marketharboroughfoodie #birthdaypresentides

🌟 Thank You for joining my Journey! 🌟 As I look back over the past years, I’m filled with gratitude for each of you who’ve joined my Japanese cookery lessons, booked private dinner parties, and shared your love for food with me. From intimate anniversaries to lively birthday celebrations, each event has been a joy to create, and seeing your smiles has been the ultimate reward! Here are some snapshots from our time together—moments of laughter, learning, and stimulating your curiosity with Japanese flavors. 📸✨ Looking ahead, I’m excited to make 2025 even more delicious! Whether it’s:�🍴 A private dinner party for a special occasion�🎁 Gift vouchers for a unique and thoughtful present�🥂 Planning next year’s get-togethers, birthdays, or anniversaries ... I’m here to bring authentic Japanese food into your life! 👉 Message me to grab a gift voucher for someone's Christmas present or book a private dinner party at your home in 2025! #CookingWithHeart #PrivateDining #GiftIdeas #MakingMemories #giftvoucher

Look at this little chef! 🍣 He is having a blast in his cookery class with me. He's so focused and independent, making his very own delicious salmon sushi roll. Well done!! #littlechef #sushimaking #familytime #cookeryclass #kidswhocook #giftideas

“Yakiniku” (translates as Grilled meat): The ultimate comfort food! Did you know that the Japanese love their meat thin? It’s all about enjoying the tender, juicy flavours. And don’t forget that beautiful marbling - that’s a sign of top-notch beef! There’s nothing quite like the perfect balance of thin, marbled meat sizzling to perfection on a hotplate. It’s common to have hotplates at home in Japan and enjoy a family “yakiniku” night. Quality time and delicious food - the best combo!

Fermented food such as kimchi and kombucha have gained so much popularity in the west while “Natto” is still waiting for an invite to be in the spotlight. I will eat this high protein, gut friendly super food every day but the slimy texture and smell put off most people who come across it for the first time. You can find them in the frozen section in oriental super markets so if you are curious 🧐 , have a go😊.

A family cookery lesson 😋😋. I really do like doing a family cookery lesson. It’s heartwarming to see the family getting together in the kitchen, cooking, bantering, competing and helping. It’s mum and Edward’s third time to come around mine. Thank you for choosing my cookery lesson and looking forward to cooking with you all again ☺️. #family #familyactivities #cookingtogether #goodtimes #marketharborough #leicester #northampton #food #japanesefood #cookerylessons #streetfood #glutenfree #vegetarian

Private birthday party -- Starting with a word we MUST say before eating "I TA DA KI MA SU" Literal translation -- I humbly receive. The custom of saying this word comes from a Buddhist influence. It's connected to respect all living things, extending that respect to the food on the table. It goes beyond just saying "thank you." It shows appreciation for the plants, animals, farmers, chefs, and everything that contributed to the meal. These lovely ladies, friends from university decided to do something different for their birthday party and have contacted me cook an authentic Japanese meal for them! Starting the evening with three different kinds of "sa-ke" (Japanese rice wine) tasting I have served them 10 taster dishes, carefully selected to provide a unique experience. I usually don't serve dishes which you commonly see on the Japanese restaurants' menu in the UK. I intentionally choose dishes which are cooked in Japanese homes, use ingredients that are not so widely known yet in the UK market. Therefore, before you start tasting the dishes I stop you and explain each one of the dishes. I always have a conversation with the host prior to the party to understanding who I am cooking for. People have different level of experiences on Japanese food, openess to different taste and ingredients, strong likes/dislikes and food intolerances, so I take all that information into consideration so that everyone feels relaxed. If you have a special birthday party or an anniversary coming up or if you'd like to get toghether with friends and family in a different way, having an authentic Japanese dinner party at your home could be a choice! Drop me a message for details. #privatedinner #japanesefood #marketharborough #northamptonfoodie #leicesterfoodie #marketharboroughfoodie #birthdaypresentideas #leicester #partydieas

#japanesefood #cookeryschool #leicesterfoodie #marketharborough #northampton #homemaderamen #SushiLovers

All set for a “Friends get together sushi lesson!” Instead of going out for lunch, five ladies decided to come learn how to make sushi AND have a sushi meal at the end of the lesson . It’s another way to catch up with friends, isn’t it?

When making ramen, timing is key. When making ramen, I like using this ramen noodle strainer. This allows you to keep the ramen noodles together when cooking in a large pot, pull it up exactly when you need to (cooking time is crucial!!) and strain extra water so that you don’t dilute the creamy and meaty soup which you have prepared using the umami-rich broth. Once the cooked ramen noodles are in the bowl, pour the soup, put toppings on and you have your 1st “I can’t believe I made this myself” ramen! It’s not difficult to make home-made ramen once you learn how. Once learned, you will have the skill which you will be quite proud of and most probably you’d want to show it off!

Omotenashi Dining

08/02/2025

02/02/2025

31/01/2025

30/01/2025

29/01/2025

28/01/2025

20/01/2025

18/01/2025

15/01/2025

10/12/2024

23/11/2024

19/11/2024

17/11/2024

15/11/2024

13/11/2024

13/11/2024

04/10/2024

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Videos

Shortcuts

Share

Category