Thai Cooking Classes
A Thai cooking class is one of the most popular and rewarding experiences in Thailand. You not only learn to cook but also understand the logic behind the flavor combinations — and you can prepare Thai dishes at home that are better than most Thai restaurants in Germany.
What to expect?
A typical cooking class lasts half a day (3–5 hours) and includes:
- Market visit: First, you go to the local fresh market, where you learn about ingredients — herbs, spices, types of chilies, vegetables. The teacher explains everything, and you can taste.
- Cooking: You prepare 4–6 dishes yourself — from curry paste (in a mortar!) to soup and stir-fry to dessert. Everyone has their own wok and workspace.
- Eating: At the end, you eat everything you've cooked — and take the recipe book home with you.
The best cooking schools
- Chiang Mai: The mecca of Thai cooking classes. Thai Farm Cooking School (on a farm outside the city), Mama Noi (personal, small groups), Asia Scenic (well-organized, including market visit). Prices: 800–1,500 Baht (22–42 €).
- Bangkok: Silom Thai Cooking School (central, professional), Baipai Thai Cooking School (upscale, in a villa). Prices: 1,200–2,500 Baht (33–69 €).
- Koh Samui / Phuket: Many resorts offer their own cooking classes — often more expensive (2,000–4,000 Baht), but in beautiful surroundings.
💡 Tipp
Book your cooking class at the beginning of your trip — then you can apply what you've learned at street food markets and enjoy dishes much more consciously. The best cooking classes in Chiang Mai are booked weeks in advance — reserve early!