Montreal Cooking Class – Learn to make Dim Sums

If you’re looking for a food experience that combines hands-on cooking with a touch of local hospitality, this Montreal dim sum class might just be what you need. Offering a private, home-based cooking session with a passionate host, it provides not only the chance to make some delicious Mauritian-inspired dishes but also to connect with a local and learn about Mauritius’s culture.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the intimate setting — cooking in a local home — and the opportunity to learn recipes passed down from family, giving a genuine taste of Mauritian cuisine. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it’s a relatively short class, lasting just about an hour, which might not satisfy those wanting an extensive cooking tour.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy authentic, home-style food and want a more personal, relaxed culinary encounter. It’s especially appealing to those curious about different cuisines or looking for a unique Montreal activity that steps away from the typical tourist trail.

Key Points

• Private and Personal: You’ll get a one-on-one or small group experience in a local Montreal home.
• Culinary Insight: The host, John, shares recipes from his Mauritian heritage, giving you an authentic taste.
• Hands-On Cooking: Expect to learn how to prepare 1-2 dishes, including Mauritian-style dim sum or spring rolls.
• Meal Included: You sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped create, making the experience more rewarding.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for families and kids, with vegetarian options available if needed.
• Cost: At $84 per person, it’s a decent value considering the personalized experience and home-cooked meal.

What to Expect from the Montreal Dim Sum Cooking Class

When you sign up for this experience, you’re signing on for more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a glimpse into Mauritian culture through its cuisine. Hosted by John, a home cook passionate about sharing his heritage, you’ll find yourself in his apartment in Montreal’s Little Italy neighborhood, which adds a charming, authentic vibe to the whole experience.

The Meeting and Setup

Your adventure begins at 6:00 pm at Rue Joliette, where you meet John in his cozy Montreal home. The shared location means you don’t have to worry about transportation or finding the place — just arrive on time and get ready to cook and chat.

The Cooking Session

The class lasts roughly an hour — a good length for staying engaged without feeling rushed. During this time, you learn to prepare 1-2 dishes, focusing on Mauritian-inspired dim sum or spring rolls. The recipes are passed down from John’s grandmother, which adds a personal touch and authenticity that’s hard to find in cookbook recipes.

John’s teaching style is hands-on, giving clear instructions and entertaining insights into Mauritian hospitality, culture, and cuisine. Based on reviews, he’s welcoming and eager to educate. One guest noted, “He welcomed us & gave hands-on cooking instructions,” which makes the experience feel more like cooking with a friend than a formal class.

The Meal and Conversation

Once the cooking is done, you get to sit down with John and the others to enjoy a home-cooked meal. This part is often the highlight — sharing food you’ve helped prepare makes the flavors taste even better. The focus on a shared meal in a local home creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere that encourages conversation and cultural exchange.

Food Quality and Variety

While the menu is subject to availability, the reviews highlight the dishes as delicious, with many praising the tapas-like quality of the small plates. The focus on Mauritian-style dim sum or spring rolls means you’ll enjoy unique flavors that aren’t often found in regular Montreal eateries.

Dietary Needs and Additional Considerations

Vegetarian options are available if you request them in advance. Since the experience is private, the host can accommodate special dietary requirements, which is a great plus. However, it’s worth noting that the class doesn’t include transportation or additional sightseeing, so plan accordingly if you want a full evening activity.

The Value of This Experience

At $84 per person, you’re paying a fair price for a personalized, culturally rich activity that combines learning, cooking, and eating. Compared to other group classes or dining experiences, this private home setting offers more intimacy and a genuine look into Mauritian cuisine.

Reviews consistently mention the delicious food as a major plus; one guest described it as “no title,” but clearly appreciated the welcoming environment and the hands-on approach. You’re not just watching someone cook — you’re actively involved and get to take home recipes that you can recreate later.

Why It Stands Out

• Authentic recipes handed down from family
• Home-cooked meal in a cozy setting
• Educational about Mauritian culture and hospitality
• Family and kid-friendly with vegetarian options available

Considerations

The class duration is just around an hour, so if you’re looking for an in-depth culinary tour or multiple dishes, this might feel a bit brief. Also, it’s a single evening activity, so it’s best suited if you’re seeking a relaxed, personal experience rather than a comprehensive cooking course.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This experience is great for food lovers who enjoy uncovering new flavors in a relaxed environment. It’s especially suitable for travelers interested in cultural storytelling through food, or those wanting a memorable, personalized activity in Montreal. Families with kids can enjoy it too, given its family-friendly and vegetarian options, making it a flexible choice for many.

If you’re after a quick, fun, and authentic taste of Mauritian cuisine with plenty of opportunity for conversation, this class hits the mark. It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy Montreal’s diverse food scene from a different perspective — through a local’s eyes and home kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking. The host can accommodate dietary needs to ensure everyone enjoys the meal.

How long does the class last?
The cooking class itself is approximately one hour, during which you learn to make 1-2 dishes. Afterward, you sit down to enjoy your meal with your host.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You’ll make Mauritian-inspired dim sum, local dumplings, or spring rolls. The exact menu depends on availability, but the focus is on Mauritian-style small plates.

Are children welcome?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly and suitable for kids, especially with advance notice for vegetarian or other dietary needs.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the private cooking class, the home-cooked meal, all fees and taxes, and gratuities. It does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Rue Joliette in Montreal and concludes there, making it easy to incorporate into an evening in the city.

How do I book or cancel?
You can book through the provider, Traveling Spoon. Cancellations are possible up to 2 days in advance for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations won’t be refunded.

If you want a cozy, authentic taste of Mauritius in Montreal, this cooking class offers a warm, engaging, and delicious experience. Whether you’re a foodie eager to learn new recipes or someone craving a genuine, home-style meal, it’s an activity worth considering for your trip.