Oxfordshire · Online & In Person
Japanese home
cooking, taught
from my kitchen.
I'm Takako McLoughlin. I teach the food I grew up with — rice, dashi, and the small techniques that make a Japanese kitchen feel like home — to students online and in person at my house in Oxfordshire.
About Takako
A little about me
I've been cooking Japanese food since I was a child in my mother's kitchen, and teaching it for years since — first to friends, then to anyone curious enough to ask how dashi actually gets its flavour.
My classes are small, hands-on, and unhurried. Whether you join me online from your own kitchen or come to mine in Oxfordshire, I'll walk you through each dish the way it was taught to me: by doing it, tasting it, and doing it again.
- Location
- Home kitchen, Oxfordshire
- Formats
- In person & live online
- Class size
- Small groups, by arrangement
Class types
Choose a dish, not a difficulty
Sushi & Rice
Beginner friendly
- FormatOnline / In person
- Duration~2 hours
- CoversSushi rice, rolls, nigiri
Dashi & Broths
The foundations
- FormatOnline / In person
- Duration~1.5 hours
- CoversKombu, miso, clear soups
Seasonal Home Cooking
A full menu
- FormatIn person only
- Duration~3 hours
- CoversA seasonal, multi-dish menu
Bento Basics
For everyday cooking
- FormatOnline / In person
- Duration~1.5 hours
- CoversPlanning, packing, balance
Sake Tasting
In person only
- FormatIn person
- Duration~1.5 hours
- CoversGuided tasting, food pairing basics
How a class works
Online
- Live over video call, taught in real time
- Ingredient list sent ahead so you can prep your kitchen
- Cook alongside me, ask questions as you go
In Person
- Hosted at my home kitchen in Oxfordshire
- All ingredients and equipment provided
- Eat what you cook together at the end, or take home to enjoy with your families and friends!
Gallery
Kitchen
Sushi class
Ingredients
Finished dish
Photo
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PhotoWhat students say
Reviews
I feel like I have learnt so much more than what could be conveyed through just an online recipe — there's so much more intricacy and culture that can only be accessed through people.— Bibi Benson
The online class felt just as hands-on as being there in person, and Tak is great at adapting the classes to the individual.— Tracey Repsys Oshea
Takako is so sweet and the classes are so much fun! I'll definitely be signing up for the next sushi class!!— Leia Ullmayer-Sylvester
Moments from class
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PhotoFrequently asked
Do I need any cooking experience?
No — classes are designed for all levels, and I adjust the pace depending on who's in the room (or on the call).
What do I need for an online class?
Just a video-call app and the ingredients from the list I'll send ahead of time. I'll let you know what equipment helps most.
Where are in-person classes held?
At my home kitchen in Oxfordshire. I'll send the address once a class is booked.
Can I book a private or group class?
Yes — get in touch with what you have in mind and I'll help put together something that suits.
Get in touch
Let's find a class that suits you
Send me a note with what you'd like to learn and whether you'd prefer to join online or in person — I'll get back to you with dates.