Traveling is an incredible way to explore new cultures, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a destination is through its food. Cooking classes offer a hands-on experience that allows you to learn local culinary techniques, discover unique ingredients, and bring a piece of your journey home with you. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or simply a food enthusiast, taking a cooking class while traveling is a rewarding and delicious experience. Here are some of the best cooking classes you can take around the world.
1. Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is famous for its flavorful and aromatic cuisine, and Chiang Mai is one of the best places to take a traditional Thai cooking class. Many classes start with a visit to a local market where you can select fresh ingredients such as lemongrass, galangal, and Thai basil.
What You’ll Learn:
- Making classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Soup
- Balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors
- Cooking with authentic Thai herbs and spices
Recommended Cooking Schools:
- Thai Farm Cooking School: Focuses on organic ingredients and farm-to-table experiences
- A Lot of Thai Cooking School: Run by a local family, offering a warm and immersive experience
2. Pasta-Making Class in Rome, Italy
No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in homemade pasta. In Rome, you can take a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make pasta from scratch, paired with classic Italian sauces.
What You’ll Learn:
- Making fresh pasta dough and shaping different pasta types
- Preparing traditional sauces like Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Amatriciana
- The importance of fresh ingredients in Italian cooking
Recommended Cooking Schools:
- Chef Andrea’s Cooking Classes: Offers intimate and hands-on pasta-making workshops
- Cooking Classes in Rome: Teaches traditional Italian cooking in a friendly environment
3. French Pastry Class in Paris, France
France is synonymous with fine pastry, and what better way to learn the art than in Paris? A pastry-making class will introduce you to the delicate techniques required to create famous French desserts.
What You’ll Learn:
- Perfecting French classics like croissants, éclairs, and macarons
- The science behind baking and pastry techniques
- The importance of precision in French patisserie
Recommended Cooking Schools:
- La Cuisine Paris: Offers English-friendly classes focusing on classic pastries
- Le Cordon Bleu Paris: The world-renowned culinary school offering professional-grade training
4. Sushi-Making Class in Tokyo, Japan
Japanese cuisine is known for its simplicity and precision, and a sushi-making class in Tokyo is an unforgettable experience. You’ll learn the traditional techniques behind sushi preparation from expert chefs.
What You’ll Learn:
- Preparing sushi rice with the right seasoning
- Cutting fish and rolling sushi like a pro
- The etiquette and art of Japanese sushi presentation
Recommended Cooking Schools:
- Tokyo Sushi Academy: Offers intensive courses for beginners and enthusiasts
- Tsukiji Cooking: Located near the famous Tsukiji Market, providing fresh ingredients
5. Paella Cooking Class in Valencia, Spain
Paella is Spain’s most famous dish, and Valencia, its birthplace, is the ideal place to learn how to make it authentically. Classes often take place in traditional Spanish kitchens with local chefs guiding you through the process.
What You’ll Learn:
- Selecting the best rice and saffron for authentic paella
- Cooking techniques for seafood and meat paella
- The history and cultural significance of paella in Spain
Recommended Cooking Schools:
- Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana: Specializes in traditional paella techniques
- My First Paella: Offers hands-on experiences in a fun, interactive setting
6. Mexican Cooking Class in Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is considered the culinary heart of Mexico, known for its rich mole sauces, fresh tortillas, and unique flavors. A cooking class here will expose you to authentic Mexican cooking traditions.
What You’ll Learn:
- Making handmade tortillas and tamales
- Preparing traditional mole sauces from scratch
- Using native Mexican spices and chilies in cooking
Recommended Cooking Schools:
- Casa Crespo: Focuses on traditional Oaxacan dishes and local ingredients
- Seasons of My Heart: Run by Chef Susana Trilling, offering deep cultural insights
7. Indian Cooking Class in Jaipur, India
India’s diverse cuisine is packed with vibrant flavors, and Jaipur is a fantastic place to take a cooking class that dives into the secrets of Indian spices and traditional dishes.
What You’ll Learn:
- Blending and cooking with Indian spices
- Making curries, naan, and chutneys from scratch
- The health benefits of Ayurvedic cooking
Recommended Cooking Schools:
- Jaipur Cooking Classes: Offers home-style cooking lessons with local families
- The Pink City Cooking Class: Provides an immersive experience with hands-on learning
8. Moroccan Cooking Class in Marrakech, Morocco
Moroccan cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, and Berber influences. Taking a cooking class in Marrakech will give you firsthand experience in making fragrant and flavorful Moroccan dishes.
What You’ll Learn:
- Preparing traditional Moroccan tagines and couscous
- The use of preserved lemons and spices in Moroccan cooking
- Baking Moroccan bread in a communal oven
Recommended Cooking Schools:
- La Maison Arabe: One of the most famous cooking schools in Marrakech
- Faim d’Epices: Offers a full-day immersive cooking experience
9. Peruvian Cooking Class in Lima, Peru
Peru has become a global culinary hotspot, and Lima is the best place to explore its unique fusion cuisine. A cooking class here will introduce you to the world of ceviche, pisco sours, and more.
What You’ll Learn:
- Preparing fresh ceviche with authentic Peruvian ingredients
- Cooking traditional Lomo Saltado and Aji de Gallina
- Crafting the perfect Pisco Sour cocktail
Recommended Cooking Schools:
- SkyKitchen: Offers interactive classes with stunning city views
- Lima Gourmet Company: Combines market tours with hands-on cooking experiences
Taking a cooking class while traveling is more than just learning recipes—it’s about understanding a culture through its food, meeting locals, and gaining skills that you can bring back home. Whether you’re kneading pasta dough in Rome, rolling sushi in Tokyo, or blending spices in Marrakech, each cooking class provides a unique and unforgettable experience. So, on your next adventure, consider adding a cooking class to your itinerary—you might just discover a new favorite dish and a lifelong passion for international cuisine!
