Shanghai: Dumplings and Kung Pao Chicken Cooking Class

If you’re a foodie heading to Shanghai, this cooking class promises more than just recipes — it offers a genuine taste of Chinese culinary culture. While we’ve not personally participated, reviews highlight its engaging approach, knowledgeable guides, and authentic experience.

What makes this experience stand out? First, exploring a traditional wet market to choose your ingredients feels like stepping into local life. Second, learning to craft dumplings from scratch by hand is both satisfying and empowering — plus, it’s delicious. Third, the chance to cook and enjoy Kung Pao Chicken secrets with a professional chef makes for a fun, interactive meal.

One potential consideration is the tour’s limited group size, which means it fills up quickly and requires booking a few days in advance. Also, the experience is not suitable for children under 12, vegetarians, vegans, or those with food allergies. Still, for curious travelers eager to get hands-on with authentic dishes, it hits the mark perfectly.

This tour suits adventurous food lovers, curious travelers wanting a genuine taste of Chinese cuisine, and those who enjoy small group, guided experiences. It’s a fine way to deepen your understanding of Shanghai’s culinary scene while enjoying some tasty results.

Good To Know

• Authentic Market Visit: Experience shopping at a bustling wet market with a local guide, learning how to select fresh ingredients.
• Hands-On Cooking: Prepare two iconic Chinese dishes — dumplings and Kung Pao Chicken — from scratch.
• Expert Guidance: Learn traditional techniques and cultural insights from a professional chef.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and social interaction.
• Cultural Experience: Enjoy a Chinese tea ceremony alongside your meal for a complete culture.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Journey Breakdown

The tour kicks off at 318 Wu Lu Mu Qi Zhong Lu, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow foodies. From there, the adventure unfolds over 2.5 hours with a lively visit to a traditional wet market. This is where the magic begins — you’ll observe and learn how local vendors select the freshest vegetables, seafood, and spices that form the backbone of Chinese cuisine.

The wet market experience is particularly valued by past participants. One reviewer noted, “I loved the way the guide explained the different vegetables and seafood, making me feel like I was part of the local scene.” It’s an authentic slice of Shanghai life that adds depth to the cooking lesson, transforming it from a simple class into a cultural adventure.

Market Visit: Why It Matters

Visiting a local wet market isn’t just about picking ingredients — it’s about understanding the story behind each element. Our guide emphasized key components such as Chinese spices, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables. You’ll learn tips on how to identify quality ingredients and the cultural significance of certain produce.

Several reviewers mention how this part of the tour made them appreciate Chinese ingredients more. One said, “Seeing the market firsthand helped me understand why certain flavors are used and how fresh ingredients truly make a difference in the final dish.”

The Cooking Studio: A Cozy, Informative Space

After exploring the market, everyone heads to a dedicated cooking studio, where the real fun begins. The class is designed to be engaging yet manageable — with a professional chef leading demonstrations and guiding you through each step.

The chef, whose expertise earns a 4.9 rating for the provider, is praised for her clear instructions and friendly manner. She offers insights into traditional techniques, like folding dumplings to ensure they don’t open during boiling or balancing flavors in Kung Pao Chicken.

One reviewer highlighted, “The chef was very patient and explained every step with enthusiasm. It’s clear she loves sharing her craft.” The studio setup fosters a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging questions and interaction.

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Making Dumplings from Scratch

Dumplings are a highlight of this class, and for good reason. You’ll learn to make the dough, prepare flavorful fillings, and fold dumplings with expert guidance. Past participants appreciated the hands-on approach, noting that “creating dumplings from scratch was surprisingly easy with the tips shared by the chef.”

The process involves making the dough, rolling it thin, and practicing various folding techniques. The fillings are customizable, often including ingredients like pork, cabbage, and aromatic spices. This part of the course equips you with skills you can replicate at home, turning a simple meal into a fun, creative activity.

Mastering Kung Pao Chicken

Next, you’ll learn to prepare Kung Pao Chicken, a Sichuan classic known for its spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The chef demonstrates how to balance these elements and teach proper stir-frying techniques to lock in flavors.

Many reviews mention how the dish turned out to be much easier than expected, and the chef’s tips on controlling spice levels and flavor balancing are invaluable. One guest mentioned, “I always found Kung Pao Chicken intimidating, but this class made it approachable and fun to cook.”

The Final Feast: Enjoying Your Creations

Once the dishes are ready, you’ll sit down at a communal table to savor your homemade dumplings and Kung Pao Chicken. The experience isn’t just about eating; it’s about sharing stories, enjoying the cultural ritual of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, and celebrating your culinary efforts.

Participants often note that the meal feels special because it’s crafted with care and shared in a friendly setting. As one reviewer remarked, “There’s something satisfying about eating dishes you made yourself, especially in a place that feels like part of local life.”

Practical Aspects and Logistics

The class runs for 3 hours, offering a comprehensive yet relaxed pace. It’s designed for small groups (limited to 8), which means you’ll benefit from personalized attention. The tour is conducted in English, and guides are known for their knowledge and friendliness.

Booking is flexible — you can reserve and cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with the added convenience of paying later. This helps accommodate travel plans, especially in a bustling city like Shanghai.

Price and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the focus is on the value of this immersive experience. For those interested in Chinese cuisine and culture, the combination of market visit, cooking demonstration, and shared meal offers a well-rounded, memorable activity. It’s especially suited for those wanting a hands-on approach rather than just tasting or observing.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This class is ideal for food lovers, cultural explorers, and travellers eager to learn authentic recipes. It’s perfect for those who enjoy small-group experiences and want a personalized cooking lesson. However, it’s not suitable for children under 12, vegans, vegetarians, or people with food allergies.

The Sum Up

In all, this Shanghai cooking class offers a fantastic way to connect with Chinese food traditions. You’ll gain practical skills, cultural insights, and a batch of delicious dishes to take home. The intimate group size and expert guidance make it a standout choice for anyone wanting an authentic, memorable culinary experience.

If you’re looking to go beyond sightseeing and want a meaningful way to engage with Shanghai’s local food scene, this class ticks all the boxes — fun, educational, tasty, and genuinely immersive.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, this class is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as the dishes prepared typically include meat and seafood.

How long does the class last?
The cooking class runs for approximately 3 hours, including market visits and meal sharing.

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

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 12 years old.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended for the market visit and class.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The class is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

How many people are in each group?
The class is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before the class.

Will I learn new cooking techniques?
Absolutely — the professional chef shares traditional Chinese techniques, from folding dumplings to stir-frying Kung Pao Chicken.

Is the meal included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy the dishes you prepare, complemented by a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

By choosing this cooking class, you’re not just learning recipes — you’re stepping into the heart of Shanghai’s culinary culture, one dumpling at a time.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby