London: Vegetarian Korean Cooking Class with Wine

London: Vegetarian Korean Cooking Class with Wine — A Practical Look

If you’re dreaming of brushing up on your culinary skills while exploring London’s vibrant food scene, this Vegetarian Korean Cooking Class is worth considering. Offered by the School of Wok, it promises a mix of hands-on learning, authentic flavors, and a relaxed atmosphere—plus a glass of wine to keep things enjoyable. We’re here to give you a detailed, honest look at what’s on offer so you can decide if it fits your travel plans.

What really catches our eye is the chance to learn how to make kimchi from scratch and master essential Korean dishes like Yachaejeon and vegetarian Kimbap. We also appreciate the focus on seasonings and flavor balance, which often trips up home cooks trying to recreate Asian flavors. And of course, the included wine or beer adds a nice touch of conviviality.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the group size—classes host about 6 to 12 participants, which is pretty comfortable but might feel a bit rushed if you prefer more personalized attention. Also, since it’s a 3-hour experience, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a slightly longer activity and eager to get hands-on rather than just watch.

This class is a good pick for foodies, especially vegetarians or those interested in Korean cuisine, who want practical skills they can use at home. It’s not a sightseeing tour, but rather a focused culinary experience that’s both educational and tasty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Hands-On Experience: You’ll actively participate in making dishes rather than just watching.
• Authentic Flavors: Learn about core Korean seasonings like gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and more.
• Skill Building: Get practical knife skills, proper ingredient preparation, and cooking techniques.
• Food & Drink: Enjoy unlimited soft drinks plus wine or beer, with a light meal to taste at the end.
• Take-Home Skills: Leave with recipes and knowledge to impress friends and family.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later.

What to Expect from the Class

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly chefs who want to make your learning experience both fun and informative. During the 3-hour session, you’ll gain insight into Korean culinary basics and practice key skills like handling a Chinese cleaver. Our impression is that the chefs are good at sharing tips without overwhelming beginners, creating a relaxed environment that encourages questions.

Learning Knife Skills and Seasonings

The class begins with knife skills, where you’ll learn the art of precise cuts, an essential part of Korean cooking. The chefs emphasize technique and safety—don’t worry if you’re new to chopping; they guide you through each step. You’ll also explore the flavor profile of Korean cuisine, focusing on seasonings like gochujang, doenjang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. We loved the way they explained how these ingredients work together in harmony.

Making Kimchi from Scratch

One of the highlights is making kimchi. The process involves preparing vegetables, seasoning, and storing for fermentation. Although the exact fermentation time isn’t specified, the act of creating it from scratch feels satisfying. The reviews mention that the kimchi turned out “delicious” and “authentic,” which speaks to the quality of instruction.

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Cooking Vegetarian Dishes

Next up is Yachaejeon (vegetable pancakes) and vegetarian Kimbap—both hearty yet simple to recreate. The chefs teach how to build layers of flavor, balancing sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Cooking is typically done in pairs at the hob, making it interactive but still manageable. The class is designed to be accessible, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll pick up solid skills.

Savoring the Results

Once the dishes are cooked, everyone sits down to enjoy their creations paired with a glass of wine or beer. The atmosphere is casual and sociable, perfect for chatting about the food and learning more. The experience ends with a digital recipe pack, so you can try these dishes at home later.

The Practicalities

The price of $156 per person might seem steep, but considering what’s included—professional instruction, all ingredients and equipment, unlimited drinks, and a light lunch—it’s actually a fair deal. Plus, the opportunity to learn authentic Korean recipes and get hands-on practice makes it valuable for serious food lovers.

The class size (6-12 participants) strikes a good balance—small enough for interaction but large enough to feel lively. You’ll be provided with an apron, all necessary ingredients, and the equipment you need. The session is conducted in English, and the group’s dynamic is friendly and welcoming.

Accessibility and Dietary Considerations

They’re pretty accommodating if you have allergies or specific dietary needs, offering alternatives where possible. Halal options are also available in many classes, which is considerate. Participants must be at least 16 years old, making it suitable for teenagers with a culinary interest—though very young children might find it a bit lengthy.

Cancellation & Flexibility

Booking is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a refund, or reserve now and pay later. This is handy if your plans are still uncertain.

The Experience from Reviews

Reviewers consistently mention the “friendly and knowledgeable” staff, and many appreciate the clear instructions that make the dishes achievable for home cooks. One user shared that “I learned how to make kimchi from scratch and felt confident enough to try it at home,” highlighting the class’s practical value.

Others praised the relaxed atmosphere, noting that the wine made the experience more enjoyable without feeling overly indulgent. Some did mention that it’s a bit of a long session but generally felt it was worth the time.

On the downside, a few reviews hinted that pacing could be tight if you’re not familiar with cooking, but the overall consensus is positive. The focus on authentic flavor and techniques makes it stand out among similar classes.

Who Would Enjoy This?

If you’re a vegetarian or simply love Korean food, this class offers a great way to deepen your culinary repertoire. It’s particularly suited for foodies wanting practical skills, not just sightseeing. People interested in learning about Korean seasonings and flavor profiles will find it especially rewarding.

Travelers looking for a relaxed, interactive experience that combines learning with good food and drink will probably enjoy this. It’s not a sightseeing tour, but a hands-on cooking session that leaves you with new skills and a delicious meal.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetarian Korean Cooking Class in London offers a mix of education, flavor, and fun. It’s a solid option for those who want to go beyond just eating out and actually learn how to make authentic dishes. The focus on vegetarian recipes broadens its appeal, and the inclusion of wine or beer makes the experience even more memorable.

While it’s not a quick, casual activity, you’re guaranteed a comprehensive, enjoyable session that leaves you with new skills and recipes to try back home. And the fact that you get to enjoy the dishes you make adds a satisfying sense of achievement.

If you’re looking for an engaging, practical, and tasty experience that’s suitable for food lovers and curious cooks alike, this class could be just the thing. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, authentic flavors, and a little bit of socializing over good food.

FAQs

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels. The instructors provide clear guidance, and even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll learn useful techniques.

How long does the class last?
The experience lasts 3 hours, giving enough time to learn, cook, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the class can accommodate allergies and dietary needs where possible, with alternative ingredients provided. Halal options are often available.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, equipment, apron hire, professional instruction, soft drinks, wine or beer, and a digital recipe pack are included.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserving now allows you to pay later, offering flexibility.

Is it suitable for children?
Participants must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult. Very young children are not recommended.

Do I get to take home the dishes I make?
Yes, you can take home any leftovers, and you’ll leave with recipes to recreate the dishes at home.

This kind of culinary experience offers more than just a fun activity—it’s a way to develop real skills and enjoy an authentic taste of Korean cuisine. Perfect for curious foodies and anyone eager to expand their cooking horizons.

You can check availability for your dates here: