Best Cooking Classes in Bangkok

Get to know Bangkok's gastronomy by taking one of the best cooking classes in the Thai capital.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

10 min read

Best Cooking Classes in Bangkok

Comidas en la mesa |© Alexandra Tran

If you are a food lover and are planning a trip to Bangkok, you can't miss out on exploring the local cuisine. Thai food is world famous for its delicious combination of sweet, salty, sour and spicy flavours. And Bangkok is the perfect place to try authentic Thai dishes and experiment with new textures.

Street food in Bangkok is incredibly tasty and accessible, but there are also options for those who want to enjoy a restaurant and delve deeper into Thai food culture. Taking a cooking class in Bangkok is one of the best ways to take home new culinary skills to impress friends and family. Without a doubt this is an experience that ranks among the best things to see and do in Bangkok.

1. Half-day On nut market tour with Thai cooking class

On nut market|©yfchen
On nut market|©yfchen

If you are a food lover and want to immerse yourself in Thai culture, you can't miss the opportunity to join this unique culinary experience. First, you will visit the On Nut market for fresh produce, where you will be able to choose the best ingredients to prepare authentic and delicious dishes.

After the selection, you will learn how to cook four different dishes, from green curry to the famous Pad Thai, all in a hands-on wok kitchen. Best of all, you'll get to enjoy eating the Thai dishes you've just cooked yourself!

Don't worry if you're a beginner in the kitchen, this culinary experience is open to all levels and the atmosphere is great fun. You'll also learn about Thai culture and the importance of using fresh, local ingredients in the kitchen - come and experience Thai culinary culture!

Details of interest:

  • Price: from 33 euros per participant.
  • Duration: the experience lasts approximately 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: on foot from the meeting point.
  • Advantage of this option: includes lunch or dinner, according to the timetable of the class.
  • Disadvantage of this option: it is not adapted for wheelchair users.

Book a cooking class in Bangkok

2. Thai cooking class combined with boat trip, lunch and market tour

Don Wai Market|©Ian Pennington
Don Wai Market|©Ian Pennington

For this activity your host will pick you up from Bang Wa BTS station in the morning and take you and your group to the bustling Don Wai Market, where you can sample a wide variety of Thai vegetables and snacks, as well as buy fresh ingredients for your meal. Your guide will also show you regional fruits and vegetables that don't exist in other parts of the world.

Afterwards, you will board a boat for a 30-minute ride on the river. You'll enjoy the river breeze, views of local houses and lush river vegetation all the way to your guide and host's tropical riverside home. If this part leaves you wanting more I recommend you take one of the best River Kwai walking tours, a unique experience.

Once at his home, you'll be greeted with a refreshing drink before moving on to the professional cooking studio for a hands-on class. You will learn how to prepare two traditional Thai dishes from scratch, while your host shares his knowledge of Thai herbs and spices. Afterwards, you'll be able to sample the dishes prepared in a modern dining room overlooking the river - this authentic culinary experience won't disappoint!

Details of interest:

  • Price: from €137 per person.
  • Duration: the activity takes about 6 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: you will travel aboard a private minibus.
  • Advantage of this option: you will be able to eat everything cooked.
  • Disadvantage of this option: does not include alcoholic drinks.

Book a cooking class in Bangkok

3. Learn Thai cuisine and visit the Maliwan market

fish for sale|© v2osk
fish for sale|© v2osk

This tour offers a hands-on experience for small groups, ensuring that you can learn at your own pace. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Maliwan market to get some fresh ingredients and learn about the produce used in Thai cuisine. The markets in Bangkok are an attraction in themselves, so I suggest you consider taking one of the best floating market tours in Bangkok.

Once you have gathered everything you need for the class, the local Thai instructor will teach you how to prepare and cook a selection of traditional dishes from their culture. The experience is suitable for cooks and novices alike. The instructor will ensure that you feel comfortable and confident at all times.

This Thai cooking class includes a portion of rice and a welcome drink, as well as all the ingredients and equipment needed for the class. You will also receive printed recipes so you can continue practising at home and a certificate of attendance at the end of the experience.

If you are looking for a fun and authentic activity that allows you to learn about Thai culinary culture, then this tour is a great option for you. And if you want to delve even deeper, I recommend you also take one of the best food tours in Bangkok.

Details of interest:

  • Price: from 39 euros per participant.
  • Duration: the activity lasts about 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: on your own, fortunately public transport is accessible in the area.
  • Advantage of this option: You will receive a certificate of completion of the course and you can eat everything you have prepared.
  • Disadvantage of this option: it does not include transfers to and from the accommodation.

Book a cooking class in Bangkok

4. Thai Cooking Class at Tingly Thai Cooking School in Bangkok

man cooking with blowtorch in hand|© Norbert Braun
man cooking with blowtorch in hand|© Norbert Braun

This is a professional Thai cooking experience at Tingly Thai Cooking School in Bangkok. Here, you will discover the secrets of the regional cuisine with expert chefs who will guide you through the preparation of a full and delicious menu.

During the class, you will learn how to prepare some of the most popular dishes of Thai cuisine, such as Tom Yum Kung Shrimp Soup, the classic Pad Thai Kung, the tasty Green Curry with Chicken and the delicious Mango Sticky Rice dessert. In addition, the chefs will give you tips and tricks on how to prepare these dishes successfully at home.

After the class, you can enjoy your own culinary creation in a cosy and friendly atmosphere, while indulging in the flavours and aromas of Thai food. So if you are looking for a unique dining experience in Bangkok, the Thai cooking class at Tingly Thai Cooking School is definitely for you.

Details of interest:

  • Price: from 36 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes in total.
  • Means of transport: pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation is not included.
  • Advantage of this option: the classroom environment is a professional school.
  • Disadvantage of this option: not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart conditions and back problems.

Book a cooking class in Bangkok

5. Thai cooking class with Chef LeeZ Thai

plate of food on the table|©Louis Hansel
plate of food on the table|©Louis Hansel

There are a variety of cooking classes available in Bangkok, however, the renowned Chef LeeZ has remained one of the most popular choices for several years now. The chef has extensive teaching experience, which is reflected in the quality of her courses.

Classes are for small groups, with a capacity of around eight people, which ensures that each student receives the individual attention needed. The kitchen in which the classes are held is modern and impeccable. Here, you will learn the basic ingredients of Thai cuisine before creating 12 dishes and finishing with a tasting.

In addition, students receive a printed copy of the recipes used during the class, as well as access to online recipes and instructional videos. As with any school, the quality of the teacher can be a determining factor, and Chef LeeZ lives up to expectations.

Details of interest:

  • Price: classes available for tourists are around €35 per person.
  • Duration: Classes last approximately 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: Self-guided, no pick-up and drop-off at the accommodation is included.
  • Advantage of this option: it takes place in a school with worldwide prestige.
  • Disadvantage of this option: there may be limitations depending on when you travel.

6. Thai Cooking Classes at Baipai School

Dishes on the table|© Hanny Naibaho
Dishes on the table|© Hanny Naibaho

The experience of taking a cooking class at Baipai Thai Cooking School is unforgettable in many ways. The location is beautiful and a little out of the city, in an old traditional Thai style building surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The beauty of the place is reflected in the kitchen, where the chefs demonstrate how to cook each dish before the students get down to work. In addition, the chefs are always available to help if questions arise.

In these classes, not only will you learn how to make dishes taste and taste good, but you will also learn about presentation, as Thai food is a feast for all the senses.

The school focuses on making the classes fun and informative. Although the school is located away from the city centre, this can be an opportunity to get to know other regions, so I recommend leaving some of your days in the city to take one of the best day tours departing from Bangkok.

Details of interest:

  • Price: from 50 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: the transfer is at your own expense.
  • Advantage of this option: you can eat everything cooked.
  • Disadvantage of this option: the building is far from the city centre.

Book a cooking class in Bangkok

7. Cooking class at the Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy

chef demonstration|©Universidad San Francisco de Quito Fotografías
chef demonstration|©Universidad San Francisco de Quito Fotografías

The Bangkok Thai Cookery Academy is located near Bang Chak BTS station in Sukhumvit. This institution excels in offering students the opportunity to select the dishes they would like to learn to cook, unlike other schools that have pre-set menus in their classes.

The teaching takes place in a comfortable and modern kitchen, so you will feel at ease while cooking delicious pad Thai. The chefs at the academy are highly experienced and will teach you a wide variety of culinary tricks. The academy offers classes of varying lengths, ranging from a few hours to eight-week courses.

Interesting details:

  • Price: class prices start at 40 euros per person.
  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: transport is at the student's own expense.
  • Advantage of this option: flexibility in class menus.
  • Disadvantage of this option: some courses have an extended duration, so your stay may be limited.

8. Thai cooking classes at the Blue Elephant School

Blue Elephant Cooking School|©wendytalker
Blue Elephant Cooking School|©wendytalker

Blue Elephant is a chain of restaurants in several European cities. Here in Bangkok it is a recognised name in the culinary world, so what better than to take a Thai cooking class with the specialists?

Classes usually begin with a visit to a morning market, where students can learn about the fresh ingredients that will later be used for cooking. They are then taught how to prepare delicious Thai dishes in the beautiful old Blue Elephant building.

With a focus on 'old' Thai cuisine, in these classes you will learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes, including Massaman Curry. While it may not be the cheapest option, the opportunity to learn about traditional Thai cuisine from expert chefs in a beautiful historic building is certainly an invaluable experience.

Details of interest:

  • Price: from 90 euros per person.
  • Duration: Classes average 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: the transfer is at your own expense.
  • Advantage of this option: includes a Blue Elephant souvenir apron.
  • Disadvantage of this option: not suitable for children.

9. Vegetarian Thai Cooking Classes at May Kaidee's school

Tara & Freddie Cooking|©Tyler Kellen & Tara Alan
Tara & Freddie Cooking|©Tyler Kellen & Tara Alan

May Kaidee's cooking school stands out for offering 100% vegetarian classes, as opposed to most cooking schools that can only accommodate vegetarians in some classes. They also offer a high level of specialisation for those wishing to focus on Thai cuisine, with classes ranging from tofu making and fruit carving to raw food preparation.

With experienced chefs on hand to guide students, in these classes you will learn how to incorporate the many flavours and ingredients of Thai cuisine into your dishes. The end result is so delicious that even if you are a die-hard carnivore you won't regret the absence of meat.

Classes will teach you how to prepare a variety of dishes, from starters to desserts, and you will also have the opportunity to participate in Thai dance classes, making the experience a complete and unforgettable cultural experience.

Details of interest:

  • Price: from 30 euros per participant.
  • Duration: Classes last between 2 and 3 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: the transfer to the school is on your own.
  • Advantage of this option: ideal for vegetarians.
  • Disadvantage of this option: some courses can last more than one day and if you are travelling this can be a limitation.

10. Learn Thai cooking at Silom School

Silom Thai Cooking School|©Born to be Wild
Silom Thai Cooking School|©Born to be Wild

The Silom Thai Cooking School offers a high quality, authentic and educational culinary experience. Classes start early in the morning to avoid the heat of the sun, with a visit to the local market where you can learn about Thai culture while shopping with your group for fresh produce to use later in class.

The teachers will guide you step by step through the preparation of a delicious five-course lunch. One of the strengths of this school is that they teach you all the secrets of making a good curry paste in the traditional way in a mortar and pestle, one of the mainstays of Thai cuisine.

The school offers eight different courses, including an intensive course, so there are options to suit any culinary preference or skill level. And within these options are several to choose from if you're just passing through Bangkok.

Details of interest:

  • Price: from 40 euros per person.
  • Duration: Classes last an average of 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: the transfer to the school is at your own expense.
  • Advantage of this option: the school offers vegetarian options.
  • Disadvantage of this option: there may be limitations for wheelchair users.

Book a cooking class in Bangkok