If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to craft those soft, fluffy steamed buns from Beijing, this online cooking class with Chef Sunflower Li might just be your ticket. Although we haven’t personally taken the class, reviews and details make it clear that this experience offers a flavorful journey right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re a foodie, planning a team event, or celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or bridal shower, this class promises both fun and authentic skills.
What immediately draws us in is the opportunity to learn from a renowned chef with a friendly, approachable teaching style. The fact that it’s designed to fit European or US time zones means you can schedule it conveniently for lunch or dinner. Plus, the flexibility of the timing means you don’t have to match Beijing’s hours—an essential consideration for busy travelers or families.
One thing to note is that the class requires some prep—ingredients need to be gathered beforehand. For those who enjoy a hands-on experience, this is a bonus, but it’s worth mentioning if you prefer all-in-one activities. This experience feels perfect for foodies eager to explore Chinese cuisine in an interactive, relaxed setting. It’s especially suited for families, groups, or anyone who wants a memorable culinary activity that results in delicious, shareable dishes.
- Good To Know
- Analyzing the Experience: What You Can Expect
- How the Class Works
- The Content and Teaching Style
- What You Will Learn
- Dietary Considerations
- Who This Class Is Best For
- What Reviewers Say
- Practical Details and Considerations
- Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?
- FAQs
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Good To Know

- Authentic Cooking Experience: You’ll learn how to make steamed buns, a delicacy with over 1800 years of history in China.
- Flexible Scheduling: Classes are designed to suit Western time zones, making it easy to join for lunch or dinner.
- Interactive and Educational: Guided by Chef Sunflower Li, the class covers dough science, culinary charm, and diversity.
- Group-Friendly: Ideal for team-building, celebrations, or family fun, with private options available.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Both diet preferences are accommodated, with ingredients and prep tailored accordingly.
- Value for Money: At $25 per person, it offers a comprehensive, lively cooking session with a family recipe shared afterward.
Analyzing the Experience: What You Can Expect

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How the Class Works
This is a virtual, online experience, so you won’t meet Chef Sunflower Li in person but will connect via Zoom. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed ingredients list and a Zoom link—so ensure you have the ingredients ready before the session. The class can be scheduled at a time that suits your timezone, and the duration typically lasts between 90 minutes to two hours, which is enough to dive into the process without feeling rushed.
The Content and Teaching Style
Chef Sunflower Li’s approachable style shines through in reviews, with people noting her as a great instructor who makes the process fun and educational. One reviewer mentions, “She makes it fun, guides you through cooking this delicious dish, and the experience is truly unique.” Another highlights how straightforward instructions helped achieve excellent results, saying, “I was able to have great results and look forward to making these buns again.”
What You Will Learn
The class covers the science of dough, a crucial aspect that helps in getting those buns just right—soft, fluffy, and perfectly shaped. The diversity of the bun fillings and styles allows for creative exploration, whether you choose traditional pork or opt for vegetarian fillings like cabbage, carrots, or tofu. Chef Sunflower Li also shares her family recipe, which adds a personal touch that makes the final product feel even more special.
More Great Tours NearbyDietary Considerations
Vegan and vegetarian options are available, and the ingredients for each are clearly outlined. Participants need to prepare certain ingredients beforehand—such as flour, yeast, green onion, ginger, soy sauce, and optional chili paste. This prep work is part of the experience and allows for a more hands-on approach, which many reviewers find rewarding.
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Who This Class Is Best For
This class suits families, foodies, and groups looking for a unique activity. It’s especially ideal for those who want to learn a traditional Chinese delicacy, with the flexibility of scheduling around their busy lives. The inclusive approach to dietary preferences makes it accessible for vegans and vegetarians.
What Reviewers Say

Reviews highlight the instructor’s engaging style and the delicious results. Cheryl states, “This was an amazing class! Sunflower is a great instructor and I was able to make great buns,” emphasizing how accessible she found the process. Stephanie appreciated the fun and educational atmosphere, noting, “She makes it fun, guides you through cooking this delicious dish, and you get a wonderful recipe you can rely on again.”
These insights reflect the overall positive vibe, focusing on the expert guidance, the delicious outcome, and the fun atmosphere. The shared family recipes and the ability to recreate the buns at home are additional perks that make this experience stand out.
Practical Details and Considerations

Price: At $25 per person, this class offers good value considering the personalized instruction and the recipe you’ll receive. It’s a price point accessible for many, especially when you weigh it against the cost of a restaurant meal or a cooking class in person.
Inclusions: The class includes a private online session via Zoom, with the option for vegan diet preferences. The ingredients are not included, so planning ahead to gather the required items is necessary.
Timing and Flexibility: The class duration is around 2 hours, with scheduling flexibility that caters to different time zones, making it convenient for international participants.
Group Size: Private groups are available, making this perfect for team-building activities, birthday parties, or bridal showers. The customization can be tailored to suit your group size and preferences.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?

This online steamed bun class is a fantastic choice for anyone curious about Chinese cuisine or looking for a interactive, memorable cooking activity. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy hands-on experiences, want to learn authentic recipes, and appreciate the convenience of online classes. Families, groups, and corporate teams will find it a fun and social way to connect around food.
The affordability combined with the quality of instruction and the authentic recipes makes it a worthwhile investment. Plus, the flexibility of scheduling ensures you can fit this into your travel plans or stay-at-home routine easily.
If you’re eager to impress friends or family with homemade steamed buns or simply want to add a delicious skill to your culinary repertoire, this class checks all the right boxes.
FAQs

Do I need to have prior cooking experience?
Not at all. The class is designed to be accessible for beginners and those with some cooking background alike.
What ingredients should I prepare?
You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, yeast, and either ground pork/beef/chicken or vegetarian fillings like cabbage, carrots, or tofu, along with seasonings and flavorings listed in the prep instructions.
Can I join the class at any time?
Classes are scheduled to suit European or US time zones, offering flexibility to fit your lunch or dinner plans.
How long is the class?
Most sessions last between 90 minutes and 2 hours, providing ample time to learn, cook, and ask questions.
Is the recipe shared after the class?
Yes, the family recipe is provided so you can recreate the buns anytime.
Can I book for a group?
Yes, private group sessions are available, making it ideal for team building, parties, or family gatherings.
In the end, this online steamed bun class with Chef Sunflower Li offers a practical, authentic dive into Chinese cooking that’s accessible, fun, and delicious. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, it’s a chance to master a traditional delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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