One of the most memorable food experiences in Kochi is searing your own katsuo tataki over a blazing straw fire. Hands-on classes and ‘warayaki’ (straw-grilling) experiences let visitors skewer a side of bonito and hold it over towering flames of burning rice straw, watching the surface char and smoke in dramatic fashion before it is sliced and dressed. It’s part cooking lesson, part spectacle — the flames leap impressively high — and the reward is eating tataki you seared yourself, fresher and more satisfying for the effort. Great fun for families and food lovers alike, it turns Kochi’s signature dish into an interactive experience and a story to take home.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kochi City / coastal Kochi |
| Hours | By booking; sessions vary |
| Admission | Experience fees vary |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Year-round |
What to Experience
- Searing your own bonito over a roaring straw fire.
- The dramatic leap of the burning-straw flames.
- Slicing and dressing your tataki the traditional way.
- Eating the katsuo tataki you made yourself.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with more katsuo tataki at a restaurant.
- Pair with Hirome Market in the city.
- Read our Kochi overview .
Getting There
- In Kochi city: experiences run at markets and venues in town.
- On the coast: straw-grilling experiences at coastal fishing towns.
Tips
Book ahead and confirm whether the session is fully hands-on and whether English support is available, as this varies by venue. Wear clothes you don’t mind smelling faintly of smoke, come hungry to enjoy your creation, and consider a coastal venue near the fishing towns for the most authentic straw-grilling setting.
