Lyon: Asian cooking classes: make your own baos!

If you’re into cooking classes that leave you with practical skills and a tasty souvenir, this Lyon experience might be worth considering. Hosted at Baotime restaurant, the “Make Your Own Baos” workshop with Chef Ying offers more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a chance to get closer to the art of Asian street food right in France.

One thing we really appreciate is how interactive and hands-on the class is, with participants shaping dough and preparing fillings themselves. Plus, the fact that vegetarian options are available makes it accessible for more dietary preferences. On the flip side, it’s a fairly niche experience focused specifically on baos, which might feel a bit limited if you’re after a broader Asian cuisine tour or a full-course meal.

This experience is best suited for curious food lovers who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves, want a fun cultural activity, or are keen on mastering a specific street-food technique. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling alone or in a small group looking for an engaging activity that’s both educational and delicious.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning: You’ll actually make two different baos recipes, with tips from a chef who specializes in Asian cuisine.
• Vegetarian options: The recipes can be adapted, so everyone can participate regardless of dietary preferences.
• Cultural insight: It’s a fun way to discover Chinese street food and learn traditional techniques like braiding and steaming.
• All-inclusive: Ingredients, equipment, and guidance are provided, so no need to bring anything except your enthusiasm.
• Share and enjoy: You’ll get to taste your baos on the spot, and even take some home if you’re brave enough to resist the temptation.
• Small group size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Baos Workshop

Stepping into Ying’s restaurant feels like entering a cozy, welcoming space that’s dedicated to sharing authentic Asian flavours. The workshop runs about 3.5 hours, making it an immersive yet manageable activity, especially if you’re conscious of your schedule or looking for a manageable foodie adventure.

Introduction and Dough Shaping

As you arrive, Chef Ying will greet you and likely share a bit about her culinary background. Then, you’ll jump into the fun part: shaping the dough. Making baos involves a smooth, white wheat flour dough that’s surprisingly simple to work with but requires some technique to perfect. You’ll learn how to knead and form the perfect base for your buns, which is a satisfying skill to take home.

One reviewer mentioned, “The shaping part was surprisingly fun, and the chef’s tips really helped us get it right.” It’s a hands-on process that builds confidence, especially when braiding and folding the dough for that authentic look.

Filling Preparation and Customization

Next, the focus shifts to filling your baos. The class includes two recipes—one with meat or seafood, and another with vegetables or vegan options. You’ll learn how to prepare flavorful fillings that balance taste and texture. The chef offers handy tips on seasoning and combining ingredients that elevate street-food classics.

If you’re someone who prefers vegetarian or vegan dishes, you’ll be happy to hear that the recipes are adaptable. The class fosters a creative environment where everyone can experiment with their fillings.

The Art of Braiding

One of the most “technical” parts of the class is braiding the dough. It’s a skill that looks impressive but can be tricky at first. Luckily, Chef Ying’s guidance makes the process accessible. Several participants mentioned how much they improved after just a few tries, making this a highlight for those who love mastering new techniques.

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Steaming and Cooking

Once shaped and filled, your baos will be steamed in traditional bamboo baskets—an experience itself. Watching the buns puff up as they cook is satisfying, and the aroma is inviting enough to make your mouth water. The steaming process is gentle, ensuring the buns are soft and fluffy.

Tasting and Taking Home Your Bao

After steaming, you’ll get to taste your creations on-site. Many reviews highlight how satisfying it is to bite into a freshly made bao, especially knowing you made it yourself. If you’re not too greedy, you can even pack some to take home — just be warned, you might find it hard to resist snacking on them before you leave!

Practical Details and Value

The class costs $88 per person, which at first glance might seem a bit steep for a 3.5-hour activity. However, considering it includes all ingredients, equipment, expert guidance, and the chance to take home your baos, it offers good value. It’s an interactive experience with a real chef, not just a demonstration, so you get your hands dirty and learn useful skills.

The group size is limited to 10, making it cozy enough for questions and personalized tips. The workshop is conducted in French and Chinese, reflecting the chef’s background, which adds an authentic touch to the experience.

Accessibility and Additional Info

The workshop is wheelchair accessible, so it’s inclusive in that regard. You’ll receive a reminder before the class about any food intolerances, which is helpful to ensure everyone’s diet is respected. Do note that this experience isn’t suitable for those with gluten intolerance because of the wheat flour dough.

Location and Logistics

Meet at Baotime restaurant, where the chef will wait inside for your arrival. The setting is informal yet professional, creating a relaxed environment for learning. The best part? You don’t need to worry about bringing ingredients or equipment — everything is provided.

The Experience in Context

Compared to other Lyon activities like city tours or wine tastings, this class offers a tangible skill and immediate gratification. It’s perfect for foodies or those curious about Asian cuisine who want a break from sightseeing. If you love street food or want to impress friends with your baos, this class is a practical way to pick up a new skill.

Reviewers say that the chef is friendly, attentive, and eager to share tips, making the experience feel personal. Some appreciated learning the specific braiding technique, which adds a professional touch to their homemade baos. The fact that you leave with your own baos — and the recipe — means you can recreate the magic at home, boosting your cooking confidence.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous eaters, curious cooks, and anyone interested in Asian street food culture. It’s not a full culinary tour of Asian cuisine but a focused masterclass in baos, making it ideal if you want a practical skill. It’s particularly good if you prefer interactive classes over passive tasting sessions.

While not specifically designed for children, the activity’s hands-on nature and focus on kneading and braiding might appeal to older kids or teenagers, especially those interested in cooking. However, it’s primarily an adult-focused class.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Lyon and want a fun, educational activity that results in something delicious, this Bao-making workshop is a solid choice. It offers genuine insight into a beloved street food, along with the satisfaction of making something from scratch. Plus, you’ll walk away with new skills, great memories, and plenty of photo opportunities.

It’s a particularly good pick if you’re into hands-on cooking classes, cultural experiences, or simply want a break from more traditional sightseeing. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the fact that you can adapt recipes to vegetarian diets broadens its appeal.

All in all, for $88, you get more than just a cooking lesson — you get a fun cultural moment, a new skill, and some tasty baos to enjoy afterward. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone eager to learn a new kitchen trick, this experience deserves a spot on your Lyon itinerary.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipes can be adapted for vegetarian diets, and the class includes vegetarian filling options.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, equipment, and guidance are included. You also get to keep and take home your baos.

How long does the workshop last?
It runs for approximately 3.5 hours, giving you plenty of hands-on time without feeling rushed.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should be aware of?
The workshop is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance due to the wheat dough. You’ll be asked about food intolerances before the class.

What language is the class conducted in?
The class is conducted in French and Chinese.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re after an engaging, skill-building activity that combines cultural discovery with delicious results, this Lyon bao-making class hits the spot. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to go beyond tasting and get involved in the craft of street food at its best.

You can check availability for your dates here: