Welcome to Taste of Japan, a special celebration of Japanese culinary heritage held in partnership with the Bite of Burnaby festival.
Our mission is to be a gathering place where everyone—from any background or walk of life—can come together to celebrate Japanese culture. From the delicate artistry of hand-sculpted sweets to the warm comfort of home-style cooking, our workshops offer a welcoming space for food lovers of all ages to explore something new.
You will learn directly from local artisans who are passionate about their craft. Join us as we share the soul food of Japan through time-honoured techniques, seasonal ingredients, and the simple joy of creating and sharing together.
A Ritual of Harmony, Respect, and Peace
Japanese Tea Ceremony with Hinamatsuri Dolls
Sunday, March 1
45 Minute Sessions:
- 11:00am – 11:45am
- 12:30pm – 1:15pm
- 2:00pm – 2:45pm
- 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Instructor: Junichi Ishii-sensei
Price: $17.89 | Members: $14.55
Join us for a Japanese Tea Ceremony, a practice that emphasizes harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. This ritual involves the preparation and presentation of matcha, a powdered green tea, and engages sight, smell, taste, and touch. Held alongside a display of Hinamatsuri dolls (ornamental dolls for Girls’ Day), the movements of the practitioners, the utensils, and the atmosphere contribute to a sense of peace. We welcome you to experience this Japanese tradition as we gather to celebrate the start of spring.
Limited tickets will be available on the day of the event. If you want a chance to enjoy the Tea Ceremony on the Tatami mats, please wear white socks. This Tatami seating is very limited and not guaranteed.
Experience the Synergy between Japanese Rice Wine and Western Dairy
Discover Sake: A Guided Tasting & Pairing Experience
Sunday, March 8 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Instructor: Toshi Uehara (President of the Sake Association of BC)
Price: $40.13 | Members: $32.34 SOLD OUT
Experience the synergy between Japanese rice wine and Western dairy. In this expert-led workshop presented by the Sake Association of British Columbia, Certified Sake Sommelier Toshi Uehara demystifies the world of sake. Guests will enjoy a guided flight of premium sakes paired with selected cheeses—a combination designed to bring out the best in both. We invite you to join us for this educational tasting; no prior sake knowledge is required. Must be 19+ to attend.
Miso: A Japanese Fermentation Class
Miso Making Workshop
Saturday, March 14 | 11:00am – 1:00pm OR 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Instructor: Van Koji Foods
Price: $73.50 | Members: $58.80
Miso is a savory, versatile staple used in everything from Japanese soups to dressings, and in this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to craft your own from scratch. Led by the experts at Van Koji Foods, this class offers a unique opportunity to experience the process of blending soybeans with koji (fermentation culture) to create deep, rich flavours. Whether you are a fan of Japanese food or a curious home cook interested in the science of fermentation, you’ll leave with your own batch to mature at home.
Handcrafted Sculpted Sweets: Edible Art
Nerikiri Wagashi Workshop: Cherry Blossom
Saturday, March 14 | 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Instructor: Megu Takahashi
Price: $80.00 | Members: $64.00 SOLD OUT
Experience the beauty of Japanese tradition through the art of Nerikiri—a delicate, sculpted confectionery that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Often described as edible art, these sweets are specially crafted to reflect the changing seasons and the natural world. In this hands-on workshop led by Wagashi artist Megu Takahashi, you will discover the specialized techniques used to shape soft, colourful bean-paste dough into stunning, intricate cherry blossom designs. Whether you are an art lover or a foodie, this session offers a unique opportunity to practice a centuries-old craft in a creative and approachable way. You’ll leave with your own handcrafted creations, almost too beautiful to eat!
Japanese Rice Balls for Families
Onigiri Workshop
Sunday, March 15 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm OR 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Instructor: Samurice
Price: Adult: $23.45 | Members: $18.99 SOLD OUT
Child 12 and under: $12.33 | Members: $10.10
Discover Japan’s favourite everyday snack! Often called the soul food of Japan, Onigiri (rice balls) are the perfect treat for home, school lunches, or picnics. In this hands-on workshop designed for families to enjoy together, Samurice will guide you through the essentials of Japanese rice—from cooking it to fluffy perfection to exploring a variety of unique and creative fillings. You’ll learn how to shape rice balls by hand, a fun and delicious skill to bring to your own kitchen. All ingredients and tools are provided, so you can dive right into the fun of creating these treats.
A Hands-On Spring Break Workshop
Gourmet Chocolate Truffle Making
Friday, March 20 | 3:30pm – 4:20pm
Instructor: Coconama
Price: $45.69 | Members: $36.79
Discover the secrets behind making melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffles in this fun and interactive session. A perfect activity for chocolate lovers of all ages during the spring break holidays. Each ticket allows for up to two people to work together to create approximately 20 delicious, handmade truffles. You’ll leave with your custom treats and the techniques needed to recreate these professional-style sweets at home.
The Art of Making Chocolate from Scratch
From Bean to Bar: The Ultimate Chocolate Experience
Friday, March 20 | 6:00pm – 7:20pm
Instructor: Coconama
Price: $56.81 | Members: $45.69
Explore the fascinating journey of cacao beans, from harvest to the finished chocolate bar. In this hands-on workshop led by the experts at Coconama, you will gain the unique experience of crafting chocolate “bean-to-bar” while savouring exquisite samples from around the world. This is a fully vegan-friendly class that celebrates the rich, complex flavours of cacao without the use of any dairy products, ensuring a delicious experience for all chocolate lovers.
Japanese Tea & Savory Rice Bowls
The Edible Leaf: An Ochazuke Workshop
Saturday, March 21 | 10:30am – 11:30am OR 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Instructor: Janice Chan
Price: $56.81 | Members: $45.69
Join us for a unique culinary exploration of the whole leaf philosophy. In this workshop, we move beyond the teacup to discover how tea serves as a central ingredient in one of Japan’s most cherished comfort foods: Ochazuke (tea-soaked rice). You will learn how to create this savoury dish by combining rice and flavourful toppings with a pour of quality tea. Whether you are a tea lover or a fan of simple, heart-warming meals, this session offers a new way to experience the aromatic flavours of Japan. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the versatility of tea and the skills to prepare your own comforting snack at home.
Decorative Sushi Art: The Cherry Blossom Roll
Artsushi Workshop: Sakura
Saturday, March 21 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Instructor: Motoko Eto
Price: $67.92 | Members: $54.58 SOLD OUT
Transform your lunch into a work of art! Join instructor Motoko Eto for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art of creating decorative sushi rolls that reveal stunning patterns when sliced. In this session, we focus on the Sakura (cherry blossom) design, perfect for celebrating the spring season. No prior sushi-making experience is needed; this workshop is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike. You’ll discover tips and techniques to make sushi that is as visually amazing as it is delicious. All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with your own edible masterpiece!
Handcrafted Japanese Sweets for Spring
Wagashi Workshop: Sakura Mochi
Sunday, March 22 | 11:00am – 12:30pm OR 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Instructor: Sen Sakamoto
Price: $62.37 | Members: $50.14
Learn about the history, ingredients and basic techniques for two types of Sakura mochi, a favourite spring-time treat from Sen Sakamoto of Kintoki Sweets. The workshop will introduce two variations: the classic Kansai mochi version, as well as a wheat-free recipe of the Kanto crepe style. All ingredients and tools are provided. You’ll leave with your own handmade treats and the skills to recreate them at home!
The Art of Handmade Buckwheat Noodles
Soba Making Workshop
Sunday, March 29 | 11:00am – 1:00pm OR 2:00pm – 4:00pm CANCELLED
Instructor: Kayo Bennett
Price: $63.00 | Members: $50.40
Experience the rewarding process of crafting your own noodles from scratch! Join expert instructor Kayo Bennett for a hands-on introduction to Soba, Japan’s iconic buckwheat noodles. This workshop guides you through every step of the traditional teuchi (handmade) method—from mixing and kneading the dough to the art of rolling and cutting. You will discover the unique techniques that give soba its celebrated texture and flavour, learn to cook the noodles to perfection, and enjoy a fresh tasting. All tools and ingredients are provided, and you will leave with one portion of your own handmade soba to enjoy at home!
Member Savings: NNMCC members enjoy a 20% discount on all workshops.