Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

With time on our hands, a group of us decided to go to a cooking class in Chiang Mai. Although I loved the Thai food I was not eager to go and cook my own. It took a lot of convincing and sweet talk to get me to go. My reason: I am a terrible cook. I burn everything and what I don´t burn you have to throw away. (I am really not joking). Besides that I did not want to make a fool out of myself in front of a group of strangers. No, a museum sounded more like my cup of tea. The guys were not convinced and I didn´t win this battle. So off I went with 4 other people to cook up a storm.

Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

Cooking lessons in Thailand are very popular. This particular class was not very cheap. If I can remember correctly we paid almost 700 Bhat. That is quite expensive. The class normally takes up a whole day and starts off with a trip to the market. This is excellent because you get familiar with the fresh produce that you will be using in your cooking class. Then the fun starts and afterwards you eat the food that you have prepared. I was very surprised at how well everything was organised. Tables were organised in a U-shape with the chef in the front.

Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

We were 15 people and the group was a nice size. I was seated at the end with my four friends next to me.

Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

You honestly have no idea how nervous I was. First of all we had to cook a Thai soup. It is called Tom Yom Soup.I had to concentrate on what the chef was saying, doing and in the same breath I had to prepare my own food. He was so quick and would move amongst us and give advice.

Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

Most of the time I looked what my neighbour was doing but that slowed me down a lot. I really wanted this soup to be good.

Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

The chef was excellent and he knew exactly which vegetables could be substituted and even suggested we have a Thai evening with our friends when we return back home. I was surprised how well the soup turned out. It looked delicious and I was very proud of myself!

Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

Then it was time to cook the main meal and with this one I battled a little more and needed the help of the Chef. He was very patient but people were calling from all sides and I had to carry on by myself. The dish that we were cooking was called Panang Curry with Tofu.

This was particularly interesting and the chef told us to keep our cameras ready. The team on the other sides had to take photos of us and vice versa. It is a flaming wok scene and when you do it right you get spectacular flames in the air. Not enough to burn the house down but enough to make everybody go “Ooh and Ah”! Definitely a highlight amongst the students.

Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

My flaming picture did not go well. In fact I had no flames but only smoke.

Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

For desert we prepared sticky rice with mango. This was to die for! Last but not least we all sat together and had a feast. This was excellent and my food tasted great.

Cooking classes in Chaing Mai!

Have I tried cooking Thai food again? No but I have the cooking book and would like to give it a try some day. I believe my biggest problem is impatience and I hate standing in front of the stove watching the food.

Looking back this was a wonderful experience and I would love to do it again if I ever find myself in Thailand.

Address: 3 Soi 4, Ratchadamnoen Rd
Phone: (66-53) 270-143

Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
When: April 2006

I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

39 Comments

  1. What fun! I'd love to do something like this. I actually passed a place in Istanbul a couple of weeks ago that offered this kind on day course. I've just added it to my list of must dos.

  2. I loooove the pictures that went along with your lovely text :D. It's looking like a lot of fun indeed even though you were nervous. I'm glad you shared your experience with us as it's definitely something that I would try when I go traveling, even though I'd probably be nervous as well haha. I love cooking!!Take care!TJ

  3. Gracias por tu visita a mi Blog. Espero puedas hacer la receta y probarlo. Muchas bendiciones para UD.

  4. Su Blog es muy interesante. Procederé seguirla para visitarla. Sus platos se ven muy apetitosos.Un saludo fraterno.

  5. Wow those flames look potent! Great blog and loved reading about this cooking adventure that you´ve had!

  6. Looks like you guys had lots of fun! That's what I love about cooking – I enjoy the process, and yeah if the outcome is good that would be great as well – at least my boyfriend doesnot complain so far… 🙂

  7. I have taken quite a few cooking classes in Thailand over the years. I think it's a great way to learn a little more about the culture. 700 baht is quite cheap. There's so much competition these days, that it really is a "buyers market".Great post.

  8. I loooove the pictures that went along with your lovely text :D. It's looking like a lot of fun indeed even though you were nervous. I'm glad you shared your experience with us as it's definitely something that I would try when I go traveling, even though I'd probably be nervous as well haha. I love cooking!!Take care!TJ

  9. Su Blog es muy interesante. Procederé seguirla para visitarla. Sus platos se ven muy apetitosos.Un saludo fraterno.

Thank you for visiting. Have a fabulous day!