London: Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class with Wine

London: Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class with Wine — a step into Chinese culinary traditions right in the heart of South East England. While we haven’t personally rolled out the dough, this experience promises a well-balanced mix of learning, tasting, and fun for anyone eager to master these popular dishes.

What we love about this class is the expert guidance from professional chefs who break down intricate folding techniques, making dim sum accessible whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook. The relaxed atmosphere, paired with a glass of wine, turns a cooking lesson into a delightful social experience, perfect for food lovers. Plus, the fact that you get to take home leftovers and recipes means you can keep the culinary magic alive long after your class ends.

A possible consideration is the group size—while small groups (6-12 students) foster more personalized attention, it’s still a shared experience, which might be a bit crowded for some. Also, this class is tailored for ages 16 and up, so families with younger children might need to look elsewhere.

This class is best suited for curious foodies, home cooks wanting authentic skills, or anyone interested in Chinese cuisine who enjoys a lively, hands-on environment.

Good To Know

• Authentic Techniques: Learn traditional methods of wrapping and folding dim sum and bao.
• Expert Instruction: Guided by professional chefs and assistants who are happy to answer questions.
• Culinary Skills: Develop knife skills and seasoning knowledge for Chinese dishes.
• Enjoyable Atmosphere: A relaxed session with wine, soft drinks, and a light meal.
• Flexible Experience: Suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned cooks.
• Take-Home Value: Recipes and leftovers make it easy to recreate at home.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Experience

The 3-hour class begins with a warm welcome, where you’re introduced to the ingredients and tools, all provided. Expect to learn knife skills, including chopping and slicing with a Chinese cleaver—an essential skill for authentic dim sum and bao. The professional chefs patiently demonstrate each step, guiding you through the art of wrapping and folding, turning simple dough into beautiful, edible parcels.

Mastering the art of wrapping is a highlight, with various techniques taught to ensure your dim sum looks as good as it tastes. The chefs emphasize traditional approaches, steaming the dumplings in bamboo baskets to enhance flavor and texture, which is a crucial aspect of authentic dim sum. The cooking process is shared with the group at the hob, often in pairs, fostering camaraderie and teamwork.

A significant part of the class involves understanding Chinese seasoning and sauce selection. You’ll learn how to balance flavors using soy, hoisin, chili, and other sauces to elevate your creations. This knowledge is invaluable for recreating the dishes confidently at home, even if you’re new to Chinese cuisine.

The atmosphere is friendly and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn from the chefs’ expertise. All ingredients and equipment are supplied, so you only need to focus on the cooking. The class concludes with a shared tasting of your creations, accompanied by a glass of wine or beer—an excellent way to wind down and savor your efforts.

The Breakdown: Step-by-Step Experience

Arrival and Introduction

On arrival, you’re greeted with a welcome drink, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. After a brief introduction, the chefs outline the menu and what you’ll be making. All participants are provided with their own prep space and chopping boards, ensuring a hands-on experience from the start.

Knife Skills and Ingredient Prep

The initial focus is on cutting, slicing, and chopping techniques. The chefs demonstrate how to handle the Chinese cleaver with precision, emphasizing safety and efficiency. This part is especially appreciated by beginners, as it demystifies unfamiliar tools and techniques.

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Dough and Filling Preparation

Next, you’ll make the dough for both dim sum and bao from scratch, guided step by step. The chefs explain the importance of ingredients—like flour, water, and leavening agents—and how to achieve the perfect consistency. Meanwhile, fillings such as vegetables, meats, or seafood are prepared and seasoned, showcasing authentic Chinese flavors and seasoning principles.

Wrapping and Folding

Now comes the fun part—wrapping and folding. The chefs demonstrate various techniques, from pleats to pinching, ensuring each dumpling or bun is both beautiful and functional. This step is where precision counts, and you’ll gain confidence after a few practice rounds.

Steaming and Cooking

Once filled, the dim sum and bao are steamed in bamboo baskets over a wok, an authentic steaming method that preserves flavor and texture. The chefs share tips on steaming times and how to avoid over- or under-cooking, which can significantly affect the final result.

Tasting and Learning

Finally, the group gathers to taste the fruits of their labor. The class includes a selection of Chinese sauces and seasonings to enhance the flavors and explore different combinations. The experience is complemented by a glass of wine or beer, making it a relaxed, enjoyable social activity.

Take-Home Recipes and Leftovers

As the session wraps up, everyone receives a digital recipe pack, along with any leftovers, so you can try your hand at recreating the dishes at home. Many reviews mention that the recipes are clear and easy to follow, even for beginners.

Analyzing the Value

At $156 per person, the price reflects a comprehensive, hands-on experience that includes all ingredients, equipment, professional guidance, and a drink. Considering the skill level you gain, the authentic techniques, and the takeaway recipes, it’s a good value for those eager to learn Chinese cooking in a relaxed, engaging environment.

The inclusion of unlimited soft drinks and a glass of wine or beer** enhances the overall experience, making it suitable for a casual outing or a fun date idea. The class’s small size ensures plenty of individual attention, which is key to mastering wrapping techniques and understanding seasoning.

While this isn’t the cheapest class available, the quality of instruction and the focus on traditional methods justify the cost. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy your own freshly made dim sum paired with drinks elevates the experience beyond simply a cooking lesson.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This class is perfect for foodies who want a practical skill they can replicate at home, adventurous cooks eager to explore Chinese cuisine, or groups looking for a fun, interactive activity in London. It’s equally suitable for beginners wanting to learn from scratch and seasoned home chefs seeking to refine their techniques.

Since the class involves knife skills and handling hot steamers, some basic comfort in the kitchen will help, but it’s designed to be accessible for all levels. Families with teenagers, especially those interested in culinary arts, might also find this a memorable activity, provided they meet the age requirement.

Final Thoughts

For those craving an authentic, hands-on experience of Chinese culinary traditions, this Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class with Wine offers a well-rounded introduction. You’ll learn practical skills, taste your creations with a glass of wine, and walk away with recipes to impress friends and family. The chance to master wrapping techniques, paired with the social aspect of a small group, makes this a highlight for any food lover visiting London.

While it’s not a cheap experience, the value lies in the quality of instruction, the authenticity of the techniques, and the joy of cooking real Chinese dishes. Whether you’re new to cooking or already familiar with Asian cuisine, this class provides a fun, enriching way to spend half a day in the city.

FAQ

Is this class suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the class is designed for all levels, including complete beginners. The chefs break down each step clearly, and all ingredients and tools are provided.

Can I take home leftovers?
Absolutely. Participants can take home any leftovers along with the digital recipes to try again at home.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, equipment, apron hire, soft drinks, wine or beer, and a digital recipe pack are included. The class lasts three hours.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the school can offer alternative recipes or ingredients for allergies and dietary needs, including Halal options where possible.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is fine, but avoid high heels, open-toed shoes, or bare feet for safety reasons.

Is the class suitable for children?
Participants must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult. The experience isn’t suitable for younger children.

How many people are in each class?
Classes generally have 6-12 participants, fostering a personalized experience.

Do I need prior cooking experience?
No, the class is suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks looking to learn authentic techniques.

What’s the best way to book?
Booking is flexible with a “reserve now, pay later” option, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.

This class is a fantastic choice for anyone eager to add authentic Chinese dim sum and bao to their culinary repertoire, all while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere with great wine and expert guidance.

You can check if your dates are available here: