London: Gluten-Free Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class with Wine

Thinking about spending a few hours learning a new skill while indulging in some of London’s vibrant food scene? Then this Gluten-Free Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class offered by the School of Wok might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a hands-on experience where you’ll learn to craft fluffy bao buns, savory fillings, and classic dim sum dishes—all gluten-free—while enjoying a glass of wine or beer. Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or simply want to elevate your kitchen game, this class promises a fun, flavorful journey into Cantonese cuisine.

What really caught our attention is how well this experience balances skill-building with relaxed enjoyment. We love that it’s suitable for all levels, from total beginners to more experienced cooks, and that each participant gets their own workspace. Plus, the inclusion of professional guidance and a digital recipe pack means you’ll leave with tangible skills and recipes to recreate at home. The fact that all ingredients, equipment, and even apron hire are included makes it feel straightforward and stress-free. A potential consideration? If you’re not a fan of wine with your food or prefer a more extensive culinary adventure, this might feel a bit limited, but for many, that’s part of the charm.

This experience is ideal for food lovers who want a practical skill they can use again, or anyone with gluten sensitivities eager to explore Chinese cooking. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a fun, intimate class in London that combines learning with relaxation.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning: You’ll make bao dough, fillings, and shape dumplings yourself.
• Expert instruction: Led by experienced chefs, with plenty of opportunity for questions.
• All-included experience: Ingredients, equipment, apron hire, and recipes provided.
• Relaxed social vibe: Small groups (6-12 people), paired cooking at the hob.
• Tasty bonus: Enjoy a glass of wine or beer alongside your creations.
• Suitable for all levels: No prior experience needed, from beginners to seasoned cooks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Class

This 3-hour class offers a full immersion into the world of gluten-free dim sum and bao baking, led by a professional team at the School of Wok. It’s designed to be interactive, engaging, and quite practical. From the moment you arrive, you’re made to feel welcome, with all ingredients and tools prepared for you.

Learning to Make Gluten-Free Bao Dough and Fillings

We loved the way the chefs explain the nuances of gluten-free dough, emphasizing how critical it is to get the fluffiness right. Making bao dough from scratch is surprisingly straightforward when you know the tricks, and you’ll find that the chefs take the time to show you how to achieve that perfect airy texture. Preparing fillings is just as important, and you’ll get to craft flavorful options—meat-based like Char Sui Pork and vegetarian ones too. The emphasis on gluten-free options means no compromise on taste or texture, which is a big plus.

Shape, Fold, and Pleat

One of the most fun parts is mastering the art of shaping bao buns and folding dumplings. The chefs demonstrate various folding techniques, ensuring you leave the class confident in your dumpling pleats and bun shapes. It’s these small techniques that elevate home-cooked dim sum from simple to stunning. Several reviews mention how satisfying it is to see your buns puff up and hold their shape after steaming.

Cooking Techniques and Tasting

Once your buns and dumplings are shaped, you’ll learn different cooking methods—most often pan-frying and steaming—to get that perfect crispy or tender finish. The class culminates with everyone enjoying their creations, often accompanied by a glass of wine or beer. We’ve heard from participants that the dishes tasted fantastic and looked Instagram-worthy, with some noting the crispy garlic chive dumplings with soy dipping sauce as a highlight.

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Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

The class size is kept intimate—typically between 6 and 12 students—which makes for a relaxed environment where everyone gets plenty of attention. The chefs are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions about ingredients or techniques, making the experience feel personal. The shared experience of cooking and eating together fosters a convivial atmosphere.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and What’s Included

At $156 per person, this class offers a solid value considering all that’s included: ingredients, equipment, apron hire, a digital recipe pack, and unlimited soft drinks. The addition of wine or beer with your meal enhances the experience, especially given the focus on social, hands-on learning.

The total duration is 3 hours, which feels just right—long enough to learn, cook, and enjoy, but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring. The class is scheduled at various times, so you can find one that fits your plans.

All ingredients are provided, including options for allergies or dietary restrictions. The class is not suitable for children under 16, but adults can easily fit into a fun, educational afternoon.

The Experience Environment

The School of Wok’s kitchen is modern, clean, and well-organized. It’s designed for small groups, so there’s plenty of room to move around and focus on your tasks. The chefs are seasoned professionals, which shows in how smoothly everything runs. Several reviews mentioned how helpful and clear the instructions are, even for those who are new to Asian cuisine or gluten-free baking.

What Participants Say

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the teaching. One reviewer mentioned, “The instructors were friendly, patient, and explained everything clearly,” which makes a big difference when trying to master unfamiliar techniques. Others highlight how delicious their dishes turned out, noting how proud they felt to serve their own homemade dim sum.

Who Is This Tour for?

This class suits adventurous foodies who want to expand their culinary repertoire, especially those with gluten sensitivities. It’s great for solo travelers or couples, and the intimate setting makes it a cozy social experience. If you’re interested in Chinese cuisine or enjoy hands-on cooking classes in London, this is a practical choice. If you’re after a full-day tour or a more sightseeing-focused activity, you might want to look elsewhere, but for a tasty, skill-based afternoon, this hits the mark.

The Verdict

For those wanting to learn a specialized skill like gluten-free bao and dim sum preparation in a friendly, relaxed environment, this class provides solid value. You’ll walk away not just with new recipes but with confidence to recreate these dishes at home. The inclusion of wine or beer adds a nice touch, making the session feel more like a social event than just a cooking lesson.

While it’s not an extensive culinary tour, it’s perfect if your goal is to gain practical skills while enjoying good company and great food. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate clear guidance, a respectful group size, and tasty results.

If you’re in London and looking for a memorable, hands-on food experience that blends learning and leisure, this gluten-free dim sum and bao class is worth considering.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed to accommodate all levels, whether you’ve cooked dim sum before or this is your first time. The chefs are friendly and patient, making sure everyone feels comfortable.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes. The class emphasizes gluten-free options and can offer alternatives for allergies or specific dietary needs. If you have particular questions, it’s best to contact the provider beforehand.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, equipment, apron hire, digital recipe pack, and unlimited soft drinks are included. You also get a glass of wine or beer to enjoy during the meal.

Can I take leftovers home?
Yes, participants are welcome to take home any leftovers from their cooking session.

How big are the class groups?
Typically, classes range from 6 to 12 students, making for a personal, engaging experience.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility if your plans change.

If you’re after a practical, tasty, and engaging activity in London that leaves you with new skills and good memories, this gluten-free dim sum and bao class could be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here: