Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai

Thailand is known for its bold and spicy flavors that tantalize your taste buds, and the northern area of Chiang Mai is no exception.

One of the best ways to get to know a region is through its cuisine, which is why you should consider rolling up your sleeves and participating in a culinary lesson.

Cooking classes in Chiang Mai enable you to learn the secret recipes that have been passed down and refined over many centuries. Discover a passion for traditional Thai cooking, which you can take home and impress your loved ones with.

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, one of the most captivating culinary experiences in Chiang Mai.

What are the best cooking classes in Chiang Mai?

Thai and Akha cooking class in Chiang Mai

In this cooking class in Chiang Mai, you’ll learn how to create authentic Thai flavors from scratch.

Itinerary

Upon leaving the inner city in the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at a local Thai market. Here, you’ll wander past bustling stalls lined with colorful fruits, vegetables and spices, and select fresh produce for your lesson.

Then, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. You’ll learn about the Akha hill tribes and the components used in their traditional dishes.

This ethnic group originated from China and has been living across the mountain ranges of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos since the 20th century.

You’ll learn how to prepare several time-honored Akha recipes, including soup, salad and a dipping sauce from unusual ingredients, such as bamboo leaves.

You’ll also dive into traditional Thai cuisine and learn the secrets of preparing several celebrated dishes. Starting with appetizers, you’ll create a spicy papaya salad and crispy spring rolls.

Simmer a fragrant soup, enriched with many herbs and spices, and learn the art of creating a curry paste through the pounding together of various ingredients.

Sizzle meat and vegetables to perfection as you stir fry an iconic pad thai before tingling your tastebuds with the sweet, and fruity flavors of mango sticky rice.

Thai cooking class with farm visit in Chiang Mai

Connect to your food on a deeper level by picking your produce straight from the source in this Chiang Mai cooking class.

Itinerary

Before you start getting your hands dirty in the kitchen, you'll visit a local market to select your ingredients alongside your chef guide.

You'll also head to a farm that specializes in organic produce where you'll collect vibrant vegetables and sweet fruits that will be transformed into culinary masterpieces.

Those who choose a half-day cooking class will prepare five succulent dishes, while those who want to extend their food education can opt for a full-day experience and cook seven recipes.

These include traditional curries created from homemade pastes, pad thai and sweet sticky rice. Bond with your group as you share the meal you've prepared and pat yourself on the back for your newfound culinary skills.

Private dinner cooking class in Chiang Mai

If you're looking for a more personal cooking experience while in Chiang Mai, choose this culinary class in the home of a local.

Itinerary

Alongside a Thai local, you’ll head to a produce market, rarely frequented by other tourists. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss different ingredients with your guide as you stroll through the colorful stalls.

Once you’ve explored the market, you’ll journey to a traditional Thai home in order to start the cooking process.

Discover the myriad of organic vegetables grown in the garden, and enjoy picking some of the ingredients for your meal fresh from the ground. Enjoy the one-on-one attention of your guide as you start preparing a Thai feast of curries, noodles, soup and sweet treats.

Vegetarian cooking class in Chiang Mai

While many Chiang Mai cooking classes can be adapted for different dietary requirements, vegetarians and vegans may wish to choose this excursion with a menu specifically designed for their needs.

Itinerary

With an expert guide on hand to assist you, you’ll learn how to make vegetarian and vegan dishes that are just as tasty as their meat counterparts.

Thai cuisine encompasses lots of vegetables and so your creations will taste truly authentic to the country. Once your meal is cooked to perfection, you’ll enjoy a shared dining experience with your group.

Online cooking class

Those who want to learn to cook authentic dishes from the comfort of their own home can book an online cooking class instead.

Itinerary

Regardless of where in the world you are, this online cooking class will transport you to the hills of northern Thailand.

You’ll have ample time to gather the ingredients you need for your class and can substitute any items that aren’t available to you. Tune in alone or turn your virtual cooking class into a social event by inviting friends to prepare your Thai meal with you.

Learn about the Akha tribe as you cook alongside your guide. You can expect the menu to feature regional dishes, such as Chiang Mai noodles and Akha fish fillet. You’ll also recreate some Asian classics, including tom yum soup and massaman curry.

How much do cooking classes in Chiang Mai cost?

The most budget-friendly cooking classes in Chiang Mai take place virtually. These online lessons cost between US$30 and US$40.

In-person Thai and Akha cooking classes in Chiang Mai cost approximately US$40 per person.

Excursions that work a farm visit into the itinerary also cost the same, while vegetarian cooking classes cost roughly US$50 per person.

You’ll pay around US$70 each for a historic food tour and cooking class in Chiang Mai. Private cookery classes cost approximately US$80.

Private combination tours that included a guided bike ride and cooking class cost US$230 per person.

What is included?

The majority of cooking classes in Chiang Mai include all ingredients, round-trip transportation and a cookbook filled with the recipes you create. You’ll also have the services of a Thai citizen who will educate you on local cuisine and teach you to cook like a local.

However, if you choose to participate in an online Chiang Mai culinary class, you'll be responsible for sourcing your ingredients.

Historic food tours include all entrance fees, as well as equipment for umbrella painting. If you opt for an excursion that includes a guided tour of the region, you'll be provided with a bicycle.

Where does it start?

The majority of cooking classes in Chiang Mai include a complimentary accommodation pickup service. You can select your hotel from a drop-down list and simply wait for your guide to collect you from the lobby.

Alternatively, you may meet your tour guide at an easy-to-reach destination in the city, such as a local market or temple.

You'll be able to see the starting location of each tour before booking so that you can make any necessary transportation arrangements.

How long does it last?

Most culinary classes in Chiang Mai last between 4 and 6 hours. This gives you plenty of time to make an array of traditional dishes under the guidance of a professional.

Excursions lasting 4 hours tend to enable you to create five recipes, while those that last longer give you the opportunity to cook up to seven dishes.

If you have a limited itinerary, you should consider opting for an online cooking class. These virtual lessons last between 1 and 2 hours, and are ideal for those who wish to cook in the comfort of their own space.

When is the best time for a cooking class in Chiang Mai?

You can participate in a cooking class in Chiang Mai at any time, and many excursions offer multiple time slots throughout the day.

However, if you opt for a morning tour, you'll often have the opportunity to visit a local market in order to shop for the ingredients you'll use in your lesson.

Cooking lessons in Chiang Mai provide you with a skill that you can take home with you and share your favorite Thai flavors with your loved ones.

Book your class toward the end of your vacation, after you have sampled a range of traditional Thai cuisine. This will enable you to select a menu that is properly catered to your specific tastes, and that you can recreate at home for years to come.

Are there any combos available with cooking classes in Chiang Mai?

Historic food tour plus cooking class in Chiang Mai

This historic food tour experience focuses on the Lanna people of northern Thailand. You’ll travel to a museum in order to learn about the background of the Lanna Kingdom between the 13th and 18th centuries.

You’ll discover classic attire, religious beliefs and local customs, as well as the tradition of umbrella painting.

Try out this hobby for yourself and create a keepsake to remind you of your travels. Cook a northern Thai feast in a historic home using fresh ingredients picked straight from the garden before enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Chiang Mai bicycle tour plus cooking class

Begin your Chiang Mai experience with a leisurely bike ride through the traditional villages and verdant greenery of northern Thailand. Along the way, you'll stop at a temple where you can admire the architecture and enjoy some local snacks.

Sink into the thermal waters of San Kam Phaeng Hot Springs before participating in a cooking class. You’ll prepare four dishes from scratch, which you’ll dine on before returning to the city.

Travel tips

• Most cooking classes in Chiang Mai are happy to cater to your individual requirements. Inform your tour provider of any allergies or dietary specifications upon booking to ensure your needs are met.
• Select an excursion that includes a recipe book of the dishes on your menu. This will allow you to keep track of the mouthwatering concoctions you make and recreate them easily at home.
• If you have limited time to spare on your Thailand vacation, choose a combination tour that allows you to explore the city and its surroundings, as well as cook up a storm.
• Check the number of recipes your chosen tour includes to get the most out of your excursion.