Cooking Classes in Chengdu

Legendary spices await you in Sichuan! Learn the secrets of one of the world’s most famous cuisines during a cooking class in Chengdu.

Hotpot, dumplings, mapo tofu and golden noodles are just a sampling of the delicacies you may make. Absorb history, culture and technique from your English-speaking instructor while you savor your creations.

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, one of the best options for culinary experiences in Chengdu.

What are the best cooking classes in Chengdu?

Half-day classes

Take part in food heritage that spans thousands of years. Spend a morning or afternoon learning the intricacies of Sichuan cooking with the help of a chef.

Prepare authentic recipes that you will enjoy as lunch or dinner. Taste local tea, beer and rice wine that’s perfectly paired with your meal.

There are general classes that introduce you to several recipes. If you want a more specific cooking experience, choose a class that focuses on one type of food. Choices include tofu, dumplings, buns, hot pot and noodles.

Sichuan Cuisine Museum classes

Make your way out of Chengdu for a visit to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, a monument to the area’s rich culinary customs.

Follow your guide through exhibits featuring ancient cookbooks, regional food preparations and an organic vegetable garden. Try local specialties before preparing and enjoying your own meal.

Private classes

Indulge in a private cooking class with a visit to a local market in Chengdu or personalized lesson at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum.

In Chengdu, immerse yourself in culture on a tour through the spice market. Your instructor will help you choose ingredients for your meal and help you prepare it in a local restaurant or cooking school.

At the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, benefit from the full attention of your instructor on a tour of the museum with tastings. Choose fresh ingredients grown on-site to prepare your meals.

What will you experience in a cooking class in Chengdu?

The food of Sichuan is known as one of China’s “Eight Great Cuisines”, and its specialties have become famous world-wide.

Although notoriously spicy, there is more to Sichuan food than fiery flavors. Watch as the chef demonstrates techniques before leading you through preparation of your meal.

Typical dishes

Typical Sichuan dishes that you may prepare in a Chengdu cooking class include kung pao chicken, mapo tofu, baozi buns and dandan noodles. Sip tea grown nearby as you learn about the long-held traditions of this part of Asia.

Spice market and Sichuan Cuisine Museum

Most tours include visits to either the Chengdu spice market or the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. For classes in Chengdu, haggle with your chef for ingredients.

Then head to a restaurant, cooking school or authentic courtyard kitchen to prepare your meals. At the museum, you will have produce and a cooking facility on-site.

How much does it cost?

• Half-day classes cost from US$50 per person to US$150 per person, depending on group size, amount of dishes you prepare and duration of the class.
• Sichuan Cuisine Museum classes cost US$65 per person for a half-day class and tour and US$150 for an 8-hour class and tour.
• Private classes cost from US$60 per person to US$200 per person, depending on the duration of the tour and the amount of dishes you prepare.

What is included?

A cooking class in Chengdu includes foods and drinks plus expert instruction from a chef. Tours prices also cover pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.

Many tours take you to a local market to buy ingredients, part of the cost of the tour. Sichuan Cuisine Museum classes included a ticket and guided tour of the museum as well as instruction and food.

Where does it start?

Cooking classes in Chengdu start with pickup and drop-off from hotels within the city’s second ring road.

How long does it last?

Cooking classes in Chengdu range from 3 to 5 hours. Combo tours that include a panda visit last from 8 to 10 hours.

When is the best time for a cooking class in Chengdu?

Any time of year can be a great time for a cooking class in Chengdu. Taking a class at the beginning of your stay in Chengdu may be wise, since the tour will familiarize you with foods you can find in Sichuan.

Are there any combo activities available?

Cooking classes plus panda visits: Bundle two must-do experiences into one tour with a trip to a panda sanctuary and Sichuan cooking class. Spy China’s emblematic bears at one of the three panda facilities in the area.

Then make your way to a restaurant or school where you will prepare your Sichuan fare.

“Grandma farming” experience: Spend a night in a Himalayan village with a family to learn much more than cooking.

See how Tibetans live along the slopes of the world’s highest mountains. Pick, cook and eat local foods while you soak in the remote surroundings.

Panda and Leshan Buddha visit plus Sichuan cooking class:

Book a 3-day tour to some of Sichuan’s unmissable attractions.

Spend a day one at a panda station and see the world-heritage Dujiangyan Irrigation system. Day two takes you to the Giant Buddha and traditional town of Leshan.

On your final day, shop for provisions at a local spice market and create delectable dishes with the help of a chef.

Travel tips

• Bring cash for tips for drivers and instructors.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Notify the tour provider of dietary restrictions at the time of your booking.