Rock Out With Your Wok Out at These 5 Beijing Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are a great way to learn a new skill, get to know a cuisine better, or even just meet new people. As you might imagine, for a country that is so obsessed with food there are a number of venues in Beijing dedicated to teaching others how to make restaurant-standard Chinese food at home, as well as a number of expat-run cooking classes teaching different cuisines from around the world. So, dust off your pots and pans, it's time to get cooking.
The Hutong
Located, as the name suggests, in the hutongs southeast of Beixinqiao, The Hutong's cooking classes are fun, interactive, and professional. They specialize in regional Chinese cuisines, such as Sichuan, Beijing, and Yunnan, although they also offer classes in international cuisines such as Indian and Mexican. The great thing about The Hutong, especially for people who’ve been in China for a long time, is that the variety of classes means you can keep going back with friends or visitors and not feel like you're taking just another dumpling class. Check their website for their full class schedule.
Classes priced at RMB 300 per person.
Black Sesame Kitchen
Black Sesame Kitchen's classes feature a low student-to-chef ratio, in-depth hands-on experience, and information on how to stock your Chinese pantry. Each class generally features three dishes based around a theme, though more intensive dishes like dumplings and noodles require an entire class. The location in a siheyuan (traditional courtyard home) near the Forbidden City is ideal, perfect for a post-prandial walk around Jingshan Park. Classes are held 2-4.30pm on Wednesday and Saturdays and 9.30am-midday on Fridays and Sundays (private classes can be arranged). Check their website for their full class schedule.
Classes priced at RMB 350 per person.
Beijing Cooking School
Located in the hutongs south of Dongsi, Beijing Cooking School garners plenty of positive reviews on Trip Advisor. Classes are led in English by Chef Chao, who grew up in Guangdong and comes from a long line of chefs. Try your hand at different types of cuisine, from Sichuan to Hunan to Cantonese, as well as dumplings and noodles. You also have the option to add on a condiments class or market tour for an additional fee. Check their website for their full class schedule.
Classes priced at RMB 350 per person.
Middle Eastern cooking classes with Sharon
Learn about the cuisine of the Middle East with local expat chef Sharon, who holds twice-monthly cooking classes at Biteapitta. The classes usually have a healthy twist. Contact Sharon on WeChat (WeChat ID: S12sherr) for more information and to find out when the next class is.
Classes priced at RMB 420 per person including a meal and tea.
Indian cooking classes with Sarika
Explore the diverse cuisine of India with Indian expat Sarika. Sarika teaches classes on both meat-based and vegetarian dishes, with a recent menu including cashew nut sweets, red bean curry, and cumin rice. The classes are held at her home in Shuangjing. Contact Sarika on WeChat (WeChat ID: sarikadhami) for more information and to find out when the next class is.
Classes priced at RMB 300 per person.
READ: Five of Beijing's Best Peking Duck Restaurants
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