Local Cuisine Cooking Classes You Have To Try

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I don’t know about you, but when I travel, a good portion of my trip is dedicated to food. Especially when I’m somewhere that the food is completely different from home. Any traveler will undoubtedly be able to recount an amazing dish they once ate abroad but couldn’t find at home. Instead of just trying the food and moving on, why not try a local cuisine cooking class?

What are the benefits of local cuisine cooking classes?

Is there any greater way to immerse yourself in a new culture that by stuffing your face with traditional food? One satisfying bite after another. Dishes that have taken hundreds of years to slowly perfect. Dishes that have become synonymous with the most popular tourist destinations. And most of the time we take that process for granted.

What makes cooking classes unique is the deeper understanding of local culture they provide. They are truly special as they often also introduce you to ingredients you wouldn’t typically cook with. If you’re lucky, your cooking class will include a market visit before you roll your sleeves up to cook.

Cooking classes are an easy way to meet new people, which is especially handy for solo travelers. The most important thing to me, however, is learning how to make a dish you might end up loving. And the great news is you’ll now be able to create it at home. I find cooking very fun, but even more so when it’s authentic local cuisine of a place I’m visiting. Cooking classes should be on everyone’s travel itinerary as a great experience you’ll certainly remember.

What about vegetarians and other dietary restrictions?

I have yet to find a cooking class that didn’t cater towards the token vegetarian in the group (guilty!). One of my biggest concerns when traveling, especially in a place I don’t know the language, is what I can eat.

As a vegetarian for over a dozen years I don’t want to accidentally eat some meat related item. So I’ve actually turned cooking classes into a learning experience early on in a trip. It’s the perfect place to ask questions about local cuisine, learn some local food language, and of course find some dishes to order in a restaurant.

Most cooking classes I’ve taken are also able to adapt their menus to cater for other common dietary restrictions. Or will try as best they can to find alternatives for gluten/dairy based menu items. I always recommend checking in advance if you have allergies or are really concerned. But as a vegetarian I have had no problems so far in classes I have taken.

Which local cuisine cooking classes can you try around the world?

I’m a big fan of food: cooking it, eating it, learning about it. Therefore cooking classes are usually a bit part of my travel plans. But don’t just take my word for how good this experience is. These fellow travelers share the best local cuisine they’ve learned to make through cooking classes around the world. Keep reading to find out what made them so unique and some of the delicious homemade food you can create.

Antigua, Guatemala

Contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

When you visit Antigua, the old capital of Guatemala, in order to understand its culture better it is highly recommended to take a cooking class. There are two great cooking schools in Antigua, La Tortilla and El Frijol Feliz. They often collaborate, so no matter which one you choose, you will be on good hands

Both schools offer different packages, from cooking only to visits to the market. The menu of the cooking class usually has four dishes and includes unlimited glasses of wine.

Both schools offer a traditional Guatemalan menu, including the national dish – pepian. This delicious stew is made with chicken and lots of aromatic spices. The cook is Guatemalan and whilst doesn’t speak much English, there is a translator in the room all the time. The class is hands on, with all the members of the class cooking at the same time and contributing to each dish.   

Tbilisi, Georgia

Contributed by Emily from Wander-Lush

Khinkali ‘soup dumplings’ are one of Georgia’s most beloved national dishes and a staple on every restaurant menu. One of the best things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital city, is participate in a Khinkali Master Class where you’ll learn how to make the dumplings yourself.

There are numerous home chefs who host cooking workshops, starting from around $40 per person, in their apartments in Tbilisi. Cooking in a Soviet-era kitchen also really adds to the experience.

Workshops typically start with a trip to the local market to hunt for ingredients. Back at home, you’ll learn how to make a trio of Georgian specialties including dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and of course khinkali.

Master Classes cover the entire process: from mixing the dough to preparing the filling by blending pork and veal mince with herbs and spices. The most challenging part and the biggest learning curve is pleating the dumplings. The perfect khinkali should have 19 folds – anything less is sub-par!

Vegetarians are more than welcome to learn how to make a meat-free version of khinkali. The vegetarian khinkali are usually filled with mushrooms or potato and cheese.

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Contributed by Sydney from A World In Reach

If you want to learn how to make traditional Hawaiian specialties like poke and Spam musubi, consider adding a Hawaiian Style Cooking Class to your Oahu bucket list.

This Hawaiian Style Cooking Class is led by Chef Linda, with decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. Hosted in her gorgeous Honolulu home, Linda will lead you and your classmates through preparing a meal from start to finish. The classes are fun for all, no matter your skill level in the kitchen.

There are several different classes offered, but the most popular is the Hawaii Local Favorites class. In this 3-hour class, you’ll learn how to make Hawaiian dishes like Spam musubi, poke, coconut shrimp, and butter mochi.

Standard classes start at $119 per person. The classes last for 3 hours and you’ll prepare 3-4 dishes. Premium classes start from $175 per person and include 5-6 dishes.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Contributed by Greta from Greta’s Travels

If you’re looking for awesome cooking classes around the world you have to add a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai, at Grandma’s Home Cooking School, to your list. 

Located on a farm just outside Chiang Mai, this cooking class is perfect for travelers looking to learn more about Thai local cuisine. Prices range from 1,700 THB to 2,500 THB depending on whether you do a half-day or full-day experience. All include pick-up and drop-off at your Chiang Mai accommodation, a tour of the farm where local ingredients are grown, a visit at the local market for ingredient shopping and, of course, the cooking class! 

Classes are done in groups of maximum 10 people. You will cook a Thai soup, a curry dish, a pad thai and a dessert. Catering to all dietary preferences, you will be given a choice on the main protein of your dishes, spiciness level and type of dish. Following the guidance of your local teacher, you’ll be surprised at how delicious the dishes turn out!

Isfahan, Iran

Contributed by Linn from Brainy Backpackers

If you are looking for an authentic cooking class in Iran, you must do Maryam’s Cooking Class. It is one of the most fun and culture-rich things to do in Isfahan, the most beautiful city in Iran.

You will start by going shopping together at the local supermarket and then you head back to the kitchen and start cooking authentic Iranian food. If you are vegetarian or vegan, Maryam will adapt the dishes for you which is awesome. She is fun and teaches you about the seven spices that go into Iranian food and other interesting facts.

Maryam will help you make several different traditional dishes during the cooking classes. However two things they have in common are that they are colorful and extremely tasty! You are about to create the best Iranian food experience you will ever have.

Bologna, Italy

Contributed by Lori from Italy Foodies

Bologna, Italy is known as the City of Gastronomy. So when looking for the best local cuisine cooking classes around the world, Bologna must be top of your list. Pasta features prominently in Bologna, and the unique egg pastas you’ll find in the Emilia Romagna region are unlike any other Italian pasta. You’ll find the, twisted into shapes like tortellini and tagliatelle.

One of the best things to do in Bologna for foodies is to take a cooking class that introduces you to making fresh egg pasta. Le Sfogline is a small shop in Bologna making only egg pasta. It hosts one of the best cooking classes in Bologna, though their space is extremely small.

The family-run classes are held almost daily in June and July. Phone them directly to get into a class. The modest cost of just over €21,00 ($25 USD) is well worth it.

British Columbia, Canada

Contributed by Casandra from Karpiak Caravan Adventure Family Travel

This cooking workshop offered at Backyard Farm in the South Okanagan wine country is one for the books. The workshop led by owner and Chef Chris Van Hooydonk will allow you to experience the process of cooking in a commercial kitchen surrounded by the gardens of Backyard Farm.

You can learn, laugh, cook and eat with friends or family while making approachable food that everyone enjoys. Importance is put upon eating locally grown, ethically sourced food. At the farm, many of their ingredients are grown and raised on-site. They use organic methods when growing all their fruits and vegetables, beehives as well as heritage breed chickens.

Bring along a bottle of your favorite wine to enjoy during the workshop as food and wine pairings are an integral part of Backyard Farm. The workshop can be booked online for $175 per person plus tax for approximately four hours.

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Contributed by Britt from Brittsbellavita Blog

Paon’s Cooking Class is a culinary experience not to be missed when visiting Ubud, Bali. It’s a terrific opportunity to meet other tourists and learn how to create truly traditional Indonesian food, whether you’re on your honeymoon or traveling solo.

Paons Cooking Class is nestled in the jungle in a traditional Balinese village, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere. You’ll learn how to prepare and cook Chicken Sate, Chicken Coconut Curry, Coconut Green Bean Salad, and many other local favorites. Some classes even include a trip to the local market to pick up fresh vegetables, as well as a tour of the village.

When you arrive at the property, you will have the opportunity to visit their local temple. The staff will even present you with sarongs so you are appropriately dressed for the temple. Also, no need to worry about transportation as the pick up and drop off is included in the price! Book this cooking class online with prices starting as low as $35 per person.

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Contributed by Michelle from Moyer Memoirs

After touring a town in Media Luna Peru and being introduced to customs of the local women, including the important community job of making the chicha drink, we wanted to experience more local flavors. The cooking class in Ollantaytambo, Peru through non-profit organization Awamaki, teaches local women to use their skills for a business to earn income. 

Your Peruvian cooking experience begins in the market buying ingredients. Peru has over 3,000 types of potatoes so of course the appetizer and main course we made were potato dishes. Causa, a chicken and avocado filling layered between mashed potatoes, and papa rellena, a deep-fried potato stuffed with ground meat.

With all of the new fixings in hand we followed the teacher, a small and cheery Peruvian woman, into her family home. Mashing potatoes by hand, sipping on the freshly made limonada peruana, and listening to stories of she once ran a restaurant out of her house because everyone loved her cooking so much.

The cooking class includes shopping trip, cooking lesson, interpreter and experiencing the feast with your host for only $50 USD per person.

Hanoi, Vietnam

There are few Vietnamese cooking class options that will beat this culinary experience in the northern capital of Hanoi. Combining all the favorite national dishes is the specialty of Apron Up Cooking Class.

Cooking classes start with a trip to the local market where you learn to select the best meats, vegetable and noodles. You might even get to try some traditional street food on the way and a couple of regional delicacies. That is if you’re brave enough.

Preparing and creating the dishes is the fun part though. As a group you’ll divide and conquer to make your local cuisine feast. Everyone gets a chance to learn the steps along the way and get involved. The class caters incredibly well for vegetarians right down to simultaneously creating both meat and veggie stocks for the soups.

With Vietnam’s humidity this kitchen in Hanoi isn’t always the coolest place to be. But all will be forgotten as you taste the fruits of your labor. A decadent spread of salads, Pho noodle soup, spring rolls and other fried appetizers, and even the famous Vietnamese egg coffee (it’s way better than it sounds). Book you class here for around $40.

San Ignacio, Belize

Contributed by Nikki from She Saves She Travels

One of the best local cuisine cooking classes around the world is located in the small town of San Ignacio, Belize. There, you’ll learn what the ancient Mayans have been perfecting over centuries – how to make chocolate from cacao seeds.

For less than $10 for the class, you’ll get to watch the entire process. From picking the cacao from the fruit, to fermentation, then the actual act of creating the chocolate paste from seeds. The instructors let you test the chocolate along the way to taste the transformation as it happens.

Fun fact: did you know cacao is actually quite bitter? It wasn’t until the Europeans got their hands on cacao that chocolate became sweet!

Ancient Mayans mainly consumed chocolate as a warm drink. Rich in flavor, the instructors help you add additional ingredients to bring out the taste to fit today’s lifestyle. Adding cinnamon and honey gives this flavorful drink more flair!

This is one of the most interesting things to do in Belize, and one you’ll remember forever! Book your chocolate making and tasting tour through AJAW Chocolate and Crafts.

Marrakech, Morocco

Contributed by Nina from Nina Out and About

Food is one of the best gateways to travel. In Marrakech, you can connect with local women through baking at Amal Nonprofit. The company began as local restaurants where women exchanged work in the kitchens for English and business lessons to help them get on their feet. They’ve since expanded to offer local cooking classes with women who bake these local treats every day.

You can book private classes or group classes with Amal Nonprofit for 350 dirham (95 USD). Beforehand, you will select two types of cookies to prepare, such as ghribas (a sesame seed cookie) and gazelle horns (an orange washed almond pastry). After you bake your treats, you’ll learn a traditional Moroccan mint tea ceremony to enjoy with your cookies. They’ll even give you a giant box to take home!

Work directly with local women, hear their stories, and benefit them by participating in this class. This sustainable cooking class with make your soul and your tummy very happy.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Contributed by Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

One of the most popular things to do in Luang Prabang is to join a traditional cooking class. This half day activity is designed to cover the six components that make up a typical everyday meal. Dishes include steamed sticky rice, a spicy tomato dip called ‘jaew’, a vegetable soup, Laos style chicken salad, lemongrass parcels stuffed with chicken. To top it all off is a decadent fresh mango sticky rice for desert. 

The class at Heuan Chanh Heritage House lasts around four hours and costs $35. Using fresh ingredients and herbs, you will follow the chef to create all six fabulous elements. Then you’ll be able to sit down in gardens to enjoy the amazing lunch you have created.

At the end of the meal, you can take home the recipes to be able to recreate this fantastic local cuisine at home.

Merida, Mexico

Contributed by Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo

One of the top experiences and best tours in Merida, Mexico is taking a mercado (market) tour combined with a cooking class. Known as the Culture Capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is one of the top foodie towns in Mexico.

Now, you won’t find what most people know as “Mexican food” here. Rather, in the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s all about Yucatecan cuisine. Tzic de venado (pictured), shredded venison meat marinated in local spices and fruit juice, is one of the best Yucatan food dishes.

The Mérida Cooking Class and Market Tour starts out with shopping for ingredients at a local mercado. There, you’ll pick up things like axiote (a red-colored spice), naranja agria (sour orange), chaya (sometimes called “tree spinach”) and mamey fruit.

Afterwards, head back to the large kitchen in a hotel the host owns to cook and eat traditional Yucatan foods, like poc chuc (grilled pork). If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or have allergies, the host will change the dishes you cook.

Discovering local cuisine in a new way

Do you really need any greater reason to take a cooking class than getting to eat a load of amazing food? It’s true you’ll get to try plenty of yummy food when traveling. Yet, there’s something special about experiencing it after doing all the work yourself.

Cooking classes give you a greater appreciation for dishes you might think are really easy to make. The length of time that goes into making a soup, or the elbow grease it takes to grind a fresh curry paste.

One thing we sometimes don’t get a chance to do enough when we travel is to interact with locals. That’s why cooking classes are the perfect travel activity. And what better way to learn about a dish you now love so much, than from someone who’s been making it their whole life?

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What local cuisine cooking classes have you taken on your travels? Are there any here you can’t wait to try?