Bangkok has a huge range of cooking classes for people of all skill levels. Taking a class is one of the best ways to learn about Thai ingredients, methods, and culture while getting hands-on experience with Thai food. If you’re thinking about taking a cooking class Bangkok, this review will tell you what to expect, explain the different types of classes and where to find them, and give you tips on how to choose the right one.
Getting There and Meeting the Teachers
Most cooking lessons start with everyone meeting at a set place, like the teaching kitchen or a local market. You’ll be greeted by your teacher, who will tell you about the class. This is a good time to ask questions and find out what your time together will look like. Some schools have their own classrooms, and others take you straight to a market.
Visiting the markets and picking out the ingredients
Many classes start with a walk through a fresh market with a teacher. This lets you choose for yourself from piles of colourful fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, meats, and other special ingredients. Your teacher will show you Thai varieties, explain how they are used in meals, and give you a taste. You’ll also learn how to choose good food and behave at a market stall. The things that were bought are then brought back to the kitchen so that cooking can begin.
Learning How to Use a Knife
Most classes start in the kitchen with a lesson on how to use knives. Cutting is an important part of Thai cooking, and schools try to teach the right way to do it. You’ll learn how to cut, chop, crush, shred, and julienne different foods. The right way to hold a knife, the best way to cut different kinds of vegetables, and how to use special tools like a mortar and pestle are often taught. These basic skills are the basis for making Thai food that tastes like it was made in Thailand.
How to Make Famous Thai Dishes
The most important part of a Thai cooking class is learning how to make basic meals that have both sweet and savoury tastes. Some common recipes are:
Pad Thai is rice noodles stir-fried with vinegar, peanuts and meats like prawn or chicken.
Thai stews are made with coconut milk and spices and can be green, red, yellow, or Massaman.
Thai salads are mixes of papaya, mango, or grilled beef that are tasty and refreshing.
Spring rolls are vegetable, herb, and noodle wraps made of rice paper.
Tom Yum Goong is a well-known hot and sour prawn soup made with galangal, lemongrass, lime and chilies.
Mango sticky rice is sweet mango that has been soaked in coconut milk and is served on sticky rice.
People are urged to get their hands dirty. You’ll also learn how to balance flavours and make the food look nice on the plate. Any class will give you foods that you can make at home.
How to cook and how to prepare
Thai cooking lessons teach more than just how to choose ingredients and use knives. They also teach the methods that make Thai food special. Among these are:
Using a wok to stir fry quickly over high heat. The lessons teach the right settings and how to sauté.
Cooking with clay pots, which spread heat evenly and keep stews from boiling over.
Fish or dumplings are steamed in bamboo baskets.
Adding flavour to meat skewers by grilling them over coals.
Using woks and the right temperature of oil to deep fry. You’ll also learn how to make sticky rice in a cloth bag instead of steaming it, and how to make flavour pastes like red curry paste that can be used in more than one dish.
Time in class
Depending on the subject, most classes last between 2 and 5 hours. Classes that last more than one day give the most in-depth guidance, while half-day or full-day sessions give a good overview of Thai food. Make sure to ask if travel is included in addition to the hands-on learning.
Size of Group
There are different kinds of cooking classes, from one-on-one to small groups of up to 30 people. When groups are smaller, teachers can give more one-on-one help. Read the reviews to find out what the largest class size is and if they offer private lessons.
Location and Scenery: Classes are held all over Bangkok in different places:
Local neighbourhood shops for a full immersion in culture
Professional tools will be used in restaurant kitchens
Patios outside of houses or other private places
Family-style learning in the homes of instructors
Schools for cooking that have a classroom and a skilled kitchen Think about which setting fits the way you learn best.
Experience as a Teacher
You can learn straight from experts when you study with experienced Thai chefs. Look for classes taught by cookbook writers, chefs from restaurants, or teachers who have a background in cooking. To describe techniques clearly, you must be fluent in English.
Getting to know you
Some schools let you ask for classes that are made to fit your goals, skill level, or even food needs. Ask about personalization if you want to learn about certain recipes, vegetarian cooking, or if you want to avoid certain ingredients.
Hands-on vs. show-and-tell
Classes where you cut, stir, cook, and plate the food yourself help you improve your skills. Demonstration lessons are good for groups that only have one place to cook. Combination classes are good in both ways.
Food and Cooking
Most of the time, you’ll get to eat the Thai feast you made. Ask if beer and wine are part of the meal price. Recipes should be given so that people can look them up later. Taking pictures along the way helps you remember how to do things and how much of each thing to use.
Costs and Reservations
Prices vary a lot depending on the length of the trip, things like market tours, and the size of the group. Expect to spend between $50 and $200 per person. Especially for solo classes, book early. Read about how to cancel and rebook.
How to Pick the Right Class
Think about your learning goals, routine, budget, and interest in food. Look for schools with small classes, Thai chefs with a lot of experience, a thorough hands-on curriculum, and things like meals or recipes that everyone can use. Reviews often say what’s good and what’s bad. A cooking class is a tasty way to learn how to cook Thai food for the rest of your life. Bangkok has so many choices that you’re sure to find the right person.