London: Southeast Asian Cuisine Cooking Class with Wine

If you’re looking to spice up your culinary skills and enjoy a relaxed, interactive experience in London, a Southeast Asian Cuisine Cooking Class might be just what you need. This tour offers a chance to learn how to prepare authentic dishes like Nasi Goreng, Malaysian Chicken Satay, and Singapore Chilli Crab under the watchful eye of expert chefs. It’s a great way to dive into the flavors of a vibrant region without leaving the city.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the focus on hands-on learning means you’re not just watching a demonstration—you’re actively involved in making each dish. Second, the inclusion of wine or beer, along with all necessary ingredients and equipment, makes it feel like a fun yet educational outing.

That said, it’s worth noting that the class can contain common allergens such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, and egg, so it might not be suitable for everyone with food sensitivities. Also, it’s designed for participants aged 16 and up, so it’s not ideal for young children.

Overall, if you’re a food lover who appreciates cultural dishes and enjoys interactive experiences, this class ticks plenty of boxes. It’s especially perfect for travelers eager to learn new skills and bring a taste of Southeast Asia home.

Key Points

• Interactive experience suitable for all skill levels
• Learn to make authentic dishes like Nasi Goreng, Chicken Satay, and Chilli Crab
• Expert guidance ensures you master cooking techniques
• All ingredients and equipment are provided, along with unlimited soft drinks and wine or beer
• Allergens and dietary needs are accommodated if specified in advance
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours before

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

This cooking class, hosted by School of Wok, is designed to be a fun, relaxed way to get a taste of Southeast Asian cuisine right in the heart of London. It’s a 3-hour session that combines instruction, hands-on cooking, and plenty of tasting opportunities—plus a meal to enjoy together at the end.

What to Expect During the Class

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with a variety of drinks—soft drinks, tea, coffee—and a light snack or lunch as part of the experience. The instructor, speaking in English, guides you through each step of preparing three iconic dishes.

The first highlight is learning knife skills—you’ll get to handle a Chinese cleaver, practicing cutting, slicing, and chopping. It’s a practical skill that’ll serve you well beyond the class. Then, you’ll explore making satay sauce from scratch—an essential component in many Southeast Asian dishes. Wok cooking is a big part of the class, so you’ll learn how to master the high-heat, quick stir-fry technique that’s key to authentic flavor.

The Menu and Techniques

Each dish offers a different glimpse into the region’s culinary diversity:

• Nasi Goreng: a flavorful Indonesian fried rice, often packed with spices and sometimes topped with a fried egg.
• Malaysian Chicken Satay: tender skewers with a homemade peanut sauce, emphasizing the importance of seasonings and marinades.
• Singapore Chilli Crab: a sweet and spicy crab dish, highlighting the balance of flavors and the use of sauces.

Throughout the class, the chefs will explain flavor profiles—how seasoning, spices, and sauces come together—and teach essential cooking techniques. These skills are practical and can be used to impress friends and family back home.

Why You Might Love This

Many reviewers have praised the expert guidance that makes complex dishes approachable, even for complete beginners. One reviewer shared, “The chef was patient and explained everything clearly, making me feel confident in trying these dishes at home.” The wine or beer included adds to the convivial atmosphere and makes the experience feel more like a social gathering than a formal class.

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Considerations and Downsides

While the experience is generally well-received, it’s not suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions that cannot be accommodated easily. The menu contains common allergens like nuts and shellfish, so if you have allergies, it’s advisable to contact the provider beforehand. Also, the minimum age is 16, so younger kids aren’t allowed, which makes this less ideal for families with children.

Pricing and Value

At $156 per person, this class offers a lot of value. All ingredients, equipment, and guidance are included, plus drinks and a digital recipe pack. The meal you prepare is part of the experience, and you get to take home leftovers. For anyone interested in cooking, culture, and a lively social atmosphere, this isn’t a bad price at all.

The Logistics

The class lasts three hours, making it a manageable yet substantial experience. It’s run in a central London location, and you can reserve your spot with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if your plans are still up in the air.

Participants are expected to wear suitable footwear—no open-toed, high heels, or bare feet—and should arrive ready to get a little messy and a lot hungry. The class is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This class works well for foodies eager to learn new dishes, couples looking for a fun date activity, or small groups of friends wanting a relaxed social experience. It’s particularly suited to those who appreciate good wine and want to spend a couple of hours in a lively, friendly setting.

If you’re into Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, or Singaporean cuisine or just curious about Southeast Asian flavors, this experience is a chance to make those dishes yourself, rather than just ordering takeaway. It’s also a great way to pick up practical cooking skills that can be used long after your trip ends.

Final Thoughts

For anyone who loves food and wants to expand their cooking repertoire, this Southeast Asian Cuisine Cooking Class offers much more than just a culinary lesson. It’s an enjoyable, sociable way to learn about flavors and techniques, all while sipping wine and sharing a meal at the end.

The focus on hands-on preparation, combined with expert guidance and inclusive ingredients, makes it a compelling choice for travelers who want to do something different in London and leave with more than just souvenirs—namely, new skills and tasty memories.

If you’re okay with allergens and don’t mind the minimum age requirement, this class can be a surprisingly enriching experience that turns your next dinner party into a story about your trip to London.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to accommodate all skill levels, from total novices to more seasoned cooks. The chefs will guide you through each step, making it accessible and fun.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the class can accommodate vegetarians. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to contact the provider beforehand to ensure they can customize your experience.

Will I have enough time to learn all dishes?
Absolutely. The 3-hour session is structured to give you hands-on practice with all three dishes, plus tasting time. The pace is manageable, and the chefs ensure everyone gets involved.

What drinks are included?
Unlimited soft drinks are provided throughout, along with a choice of wine or beer to enjoy during or after the cooking.

Can I buy the recipes or souvenirs afterward?
Yes, a digital recipe pack is included with your booking, and cookbooks or merchandise are available for purchase if you’re interested.

What should I wear or bring?
It’s best to wear comfortable clothing suitable for cooking. The class provides aprons and all necessary equipment, but avoid open-toed or high-heeled shoes.

This cooking class in London offers a genuine, practical way to explore Southeast Asian cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler seeking unique experiences, or someone eager to boost your kitchen skills, it’s a memorable way to spend a few hours and enjoy some good wine along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: