London: Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class with Wine

If you’re someone who loves the idea of learning new culinary skills while soaking up a bit of culture, this Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class offered by the School of Wok might just catch your interest. It’s a three-hour, interactive session in South East England where you get to roll up your sleeves, master the art of Chinese dumplings, and enjoy a glass of wine or beer along the way.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the hands-on approach means you’ll actually learn to wrap and fold dim sum and bao in authentic styles, not just watch a demonstration. Second, the focus on seasoning and sauces gives you a good foundation to recreate these dishes at home, plus taking home leftovers and recipes means you can keep the fun going after the class ends.

A possible consideration? The class size ranges from 6-12, which is manageable, but if you’re looking for a more private experience, this might feel a bit communal. Also, it’s suitable for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, but participants should be comfortable with age restrictions—children under 16 aren’t allowed unless supervised.

All in all, this class feels well-suited for food lovers eager to pick up a new skill, travelers wanting an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine, or anyone looking to add some impressive homemade dim sum to their repertoire.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning makes a significant difference in mastering skills like folding and wrapping.
• The expert-led instruction ensures you’ll pick up authentic techniques and tips.
• Including wine or beer helps create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.
• Recipes and leftovers let you recreate your favorites at home, extending the value.
• The group size (6-12) balances intimacy with social buzz.
• The class is suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to more experienced cooks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Cooking Class Could Be a Great Fit

When we first looked at this experience, what stood out was the practical nature of the skills taught. Learning to make dim sum and bao from scratch isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about understanding the techniques that make these dishes special. You’ll learn how to handle a Chinese cleaver, get tips on wrapping to result in beautifully shaped dumplings, and understand the nuances of seasoning, which can be quite different from Western cooking.

The fact that all ingredients and equipment are provided is a big plus. You don’t need to worry about sourcing special ingredients beforehand or bringing your own tools—you simply show up ready to cook. The inclusion of a digital recipe pack is handy too, giving you something concrete to refer to when trying out these recipes later at home.

From reviews, we see comments like, “The chefs are very friendly and knowledgeable, and I loved the way everything was explained step-by-step.” This suggests a welcoming environment, especially beneficial if you’re new to Chinese cuisine or cooking classes in general.

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

Starting the class, you’ll be greeted with soft drinks, tea, coffee, and a light lunch, setting a relaxed tone. The welcome gives you a chance to settle in and ask any initial questions. Then, the real fun begins with the knife skills segment, where you’re introduced to chopping, slicing, and dicing with a Chinese cleaver—a skill that’s quite different from Western knives. This part is especially valuable for those trying to get more comfortable with Asian ingredients and techniques.

Next, you’ll move on to making the dim sum and bao doughs. The chefs walk you through each step, explaining how to achieve the perfect texture. As you start to fill and fold the dumplings, you’ll learn multiple wrapping techniques—these are what make the dishes look professional and appealing. The chefs emphasize authentic folding and wrapping styles, which means you’ll get a real taste of Chinese culinary tradition.

While waiting for your creations to steam in bamboo baskets—an iconic method—there’s time to chat, enjoy a drink, and take in the lively atmosphere. When the steaming is done, you’ll get to savor the fruits of your labor, enjoying the freshly made dim sum and bao paired with your choice of wine or beer. It’s a social, convivial part of the experience, and many reviews highlight how much people enjoy the relaxed, friendly vibe.

Taking leftovers home is a nice touch, especially for those who want to impress friends or try recreating dishes later. The recipes provided are detailed, so even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ll leave with the know-how to replicate these dishes.

Value for Money and Overall Impression

At $156 per person, the class is a reasonable investment considering everything included—ingredients, equipment, apron hire, drinks, and recipe packs. It’s a bit pricier than some other classes, but the quality of instruction and the opportunity to learn authentic techniques justify the cost. Plus, the experience is not only about the food; it’s about the knowledge you gain and the fun of doing something different during your trip.

The group size means you get enough personal attention to ask questions, but it’s still lively enough to enjoy a social atmosphere. The class’s flexibility with booking (reserve now, pay later, and cancel free up to 24 hours in advance) makes it easy to plan, especially if your trip dates are still flexible.

Who Should Consider This?

This experience is perfect for foodies who want more than just eating out—they want to learn and participate. It’s also suitable for beginners interested in Asian cuisine, but seasoned cooks will still find value in mastering authentic folding and seasoning techniques. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, it offers a relaxed environment to bond over a shared love of food.

And if you’re simply curious about Chinese cuisine or want a memorable, hands-on activity that breaks away from typical sightseeing, this class hits the right spot.

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Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, the London Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class with Wine offers a delightful blend of education, authentic flavors, and social fun. The focus on technique and seasoning makes it more than just a cooking demo; it’s a chance to build skills that will keep you cooking delicious dishes long after your trip ends.

The inclusion of a glass of wine or beer sets a laid-back tone, helping you feel comfortable whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced home cook. The ability to take home leftovers and detailed recipes ensures that the experience extends into your own kitchen, making it a good value for the price.

While it might not be suited for under-16s or those looking for a private, more intimate experience, it’s a practical, enriching activity for most adults eager to explore Chinese cuisine in a lively, engaging setting.

FAQ

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed with all skill levels in mind, from complete novices to more experienced cooks. The chefs explain every step clearly, and all ingredients and equipment are provided.

Can I book this last minute?
Yes, as long as there are spots available. You can reserve now and pay later, and there’s free cancellation if you give at least 24 hours’ notice.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the class team can offer alternatives for allergies such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, or egg. Halal options are also available in many cases. It’s best to inform them in advance.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers a 3-hour cookery class, professional instruction, an assistant, all ingredients and equipment, apron hire, unlimited soft drinks, wine or beer, and a digital recipe pack.

How many people will be in the class?
Class sizes typically range from 6 to 12 people, allowing for a more personal experience but still lively enough for social interaction.

Is it suitable for children?
Participants must be at least 16 years old, or younger if accompanied by an adult. The class focuses on knife skills and hands-on cooking, so it might not be suitable for very young kids.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for cooking is best. Shoes with open toes, high heels, or bare feet are not allowed for safety reasons.

Can I take leftovers home?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring home any remaining food, which is a nice bonus to extend your enjoyment.

What if I want to buy a cookbook?
Cookbooks and school merchandise are available for purchase after the class, but they are not included in the price.

If you’re keen to try your hand at authentic Chinese dim sum and bao, enjoy a casual, friendly environment, and learn from expert chefs, this class is a solid choice. It’s a relaxed yet educational experience that leaves you with new skills, good wine, and a full belly—all within a manageable time commitment.

You can check availability for your dates here: