London: Full Day Chinese Banquet Cooking Class with Wine

If you’re on the hunt for a culinary experience that blends education, hands-on fun, and a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine, the Full Day Chinese Banquet Cooking Class with Wine in London might just be worth your attention. While we haven’t personally whipped up these dishes, the detailed reviews and offered insights suggest it’s a fantastic way to learn new skills while indulging in delicious food and wine.

What excites us most? The emphasis on wok mastery, the chance to use a Chinese cleaver, and the opportunity to drink wine while cooking and tasting the dishes. A potential snag? The 3-hour duration might feel a bit short for a full day’s culinary immersion, but considering the quality and depth of instruction, it still seems like excellent value. This experience is perfect for foodies eager to explore Chinese cooking, whether total beginners or those with some kitchen experience wanting to refine their techniques.

Good To Know

• Hands-on learning: Master wok stir-frying, steaming, and knife skills.
• Authentic dishes: Make dishes like Hunan beef and Jiaozi dumplings.
• Expert instruction: Led by experienced chefs in a friendly setting.
• Inclusive menu: Vegetarian options and allergen considerations available.
• Wine pairing: Enjoy a glass of wine as you cook and taste your creations.
• Group size: Small classes (6-12 people) for personalized attention.

This London-based experience offers more than just a cooking lesson; it’s an interactive immersion into Chinese culinary techniques. Led by a professional Head Chef and an Assistant Chef, the class promises a rich, hands-on approach that covers everything from wielding a Chinese cleaver to mastering the art of wok stir-frying.

The highlight? You’ll prepare a full banquet menu that includes recognizable favorites like spicy Hunan beef, Jiaozi dumplings, vegetable Chow Mein, stir-fried Green Beans in Chilli Hoisin, and steamed Sea Bass. Each dish isn’t just thrown together but crafted with attention to seasoning fundamentals—think garlic, ginger, soy, and oyster sauces—giving you the confidence to recreate authentic flavors at home.

Who is this experience ideal for?

It’s well-suited to travelers who enjoy interactive classes and learning new skills. Whether you’re a total novice or someone with kitchen experience, the small class sizes and paired cooking at the hob make it a very personalized experience. Vegetarian participants are also accommodated, and those with allergies should contact the provider beforehand for tailored options.

The class lasts approximately 3 hours, which might seem brief for a full day, but the depth of instruction ensures you’ll walk away with practical skills you can use beyond the class.

Introduction & Demonstration: You’ll begin with an overview of essential kitchen tools—most notably the Chinese cleaver—and learn its proper use for slicing, chopping, and slicing. Expect clear, step-by-step guidance from your instructors, who keep the atmosphere engaging and friendly.

Preparation & Cooking: Once familiar with the tools, you’ll move on to prepping ingredients — chopping garlic, slicing ginger, and preparing sauces. Each student has their own chopping board and prep space, which helps beginners feel comfortable.

Wok Skills & Dish Creation: The highlight is the wok cooking. You’ll practice stir-frying vegetables and meats, steaming seafood, and even deep-frying some components. The instructors demonstrate the precise techniques needed for authentic results, like stirring at the right pace and controlling heat.

Menu Highlights: You get to make dishes such as

• Hunan beef: spicy, tender, and flavorful, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat
• Jiaozi dumplings: learn the art of folding, sealing, and steaming these classic appetizers
• Vegetable Chow Mein: a quick, tasty noodle dish
• Green Beans in Chilli Hoisin: a vibrant, spicy vegetable side
• Steamed Sea Bass: a delicate seafood dish highlighting steaming techniques

Seasoning & Sauces: Your instructors emphasize fundamental Chinese seasoning—from garlic and ginger to soy and oyster sauces—showing how to balance flavors for maximum impact.

Tasting & Wine: As the dishes come together, you’ll enjoy a glass of wine, enhancing the experience and highlighting how beverage pairings can elevate your culinary creations.

Packing & Cleanup: Remember to bring Tupperware if you’d like to take leftovers home, and expect to spend a few moments tidying up.

Class Size & Atmosphere: With 6-12 students, the environment fosters personalized attention. Cooking at the hob in pairs encourages collaboration, and the friendly, English-speaking instructors ensure everyone is comfortable.

Duration & Flexibility: The 3-hour class is intense but well-paced, offering enough time to learn, cook, and taste without feeling rushed. You might find the timings vary slightly depending on the day, but advance booking and flexible cancellation make it easy to plan.

Cost & Value: At $264 per person, the price reflects the comprehensive nature of the class, the quality of instruction, and the included wine. Compared to dining out, this experience offers hands-on learning and skills that you can take home, making it a value-packed option for culinary travelers.

Dietary Needs: The provider is happy to accommodate vegetarians and allergy concerns—just communicate in advance. The menu may contain common allergens like nuts, shellfish, gluten, and egg, so transparency is key.

Operated by the School of Wok, this class emphasizes practical skills delivered in a relaxed, friendly manner. The ability to reserve now and pay later offers flexibility, especially if your travel plans might shift. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures peace of mind.

This cooking class combines culinary education with cultural discovery. It’s not just about making food—it’s about understanding techniques that allow you to recreate authentic Chinese dishes at home. The focus on wok skills and seasoning makes it especially valuable for those wanting to deepen their kitchen repertoire.

The inclusion of wine adds a sophisticated touch, turning a simple cooking lesson into a relaxed social event. The small class size allows for personalized guidance, and the full banquet menu ensures you’ll leave with a variety of dishes to impress friends or family.

If you’re someone who loves interactive experiences and wants to expand their culinary skills, this is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for food-loving travelers eager to learn, taste, and take home new techniques.

This Full Day Chinese Banquet Cooking Class in London offers a well-rounded and practical culinary experience. It’s ideal for those who want to pick up authentic techniques, enjoy delicious food and wine, and come away with skills they can use at home.

While the price might seem steep compared to a typical cooking class, the depth of instruction, quality of ingredients, and personalized attention make it a worthwhile investment for eager foodies. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced home chef, you’ll find plenty to learn and enjoy here.

Is this class suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the small class size and friendly instructors make it accessible for all levels, including those new to Chinese cooking.

Can vegetarians participate?
Absolutely. Vegetarian options are available, and you should inform the provider in advance if you have dietary restrictions.

What should I bring to the class?
Bring some Tupperware if you want to take leftovers home. The class provides all ingredients, tools, and wine.

Is wine included in the price?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a glass of wine while cooking and tasting the dishes, adding to the relaxed, social atmosphere.

How long is the class?
The class lasts around 3 hours, offering a comprehensive yet manageable cooking experience.

Are there any allergens I should be aware of?
Yes, the menu may include nuts, shellfish, gluten, and egg. Contact the provider if you need allergy accommodations.

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

This experience promises a fun, instructive, and tasty journey into Chinese cuisine, perfect for foodies wanting to boost their cooking skills and enjoy some well-paired wine in London.