If you clicked on this blog post out of curiosity, you were probably thinking to yourself: “What in hell’s kitchen is a cookery article doing on a wellness travel website”. Well, what if I told you that cookery is actually one of the most effective wellness activities known to mankind? I mean, you’ve probably heard the saying: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. Whoever said that surely knew what they were talking about!
If you read my interview article with Falcon, then you’ll know that I’m a gigantic food lover. And after learning more about Thai food, I thought: “Hey, why don’t I do something special for all my fellow foodie wellness travellers out there!” Just picture it: Going to a great travel destination to learn how to cook some great food. Isn’t that just a perfect combo? You see, attending a cookery class in Chiang Mai is not such a crazy idea after all!
Whether you’re an aspiring chef or simply seeking a mouthwatering cultural experience, you will find cooking classes delightful. So, join me as I flip the pages and unveil the best cookery classes in Chiang Mai. But before we get cooking, let’s look at some of the main wellness benefits of cookery classes.
Wellness Benefits of Cookery Classes
Cooking Improves Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a buzzword these days, but as I said, cooking is among the oldest mindful activities of them all. If you’ve ever attempted to cook a complicated meal with kids around, you know that cookery requires concentration. Therefore, taking part in a cookery class helps to enhance your mindfulness abilities and mental health in general. After all, many studies suggest that mindfulness benefits your well-being.
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Cookery Classes Enable Self-Care
Learning the art of cooking empowers you to practice self-care and prioritise your well-being. It goes beyond simply preparing meals for others. It’s also about equipping yourself with the skills to nurture and take care of your own needs. By investing time in cooking, you are sending a powerful message to yourself that self-care matters. The ability to nourish your body with wholesome food not only sustains you physically but also emotionally and mentally. Ultimately, embracing the significance of cooking for yourself is an essential aspect of self-care.
Cooking Boosts Your Self-Esteem
Cooking can also boost your confidence and self-esteem. When you acquire the expertise to excel at recipes, you simultaneously develop fresh abilities like multitasking and time management. Moreover, by conquering challenges, you enhance your ability to depend on yourself.
Cookery Promotes Nurturing
When you learn the art of cookery, you gain the ability to prepare meals that bring happiness to others. Sharing your culinary creations becomes a heartfelt expression of care and affection, filling you with a sense of fulfilment. By nourishing others with delicious food, you create shared moments of enjoyment, strengthening the bonds you share with others. Essentially, cooking becomes a meaningful way to convey love, spread happiness, and deepen connections.
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Best Schools for Cookery Classes in Chiang Mai
Now that you know the benefits of cookery classes, let’s talk about what you came here for. Without wasting any more time, here are 3 of the best schools to visit for cookery classes in Chiang Mai:
1. Aromdii Cookery School
Aromdii Cooking School is a family-run business that offers authentic and fun cookery classes in Chiang Mai for all levels of experience. You can choose from different types of classes, such as morning, afternoon, evening, or full-day sessions. Each class includes a visit to a local market, where you will learn how to select fresh ingredients and spices for your dishes. You will also get a recipe book and a certificate of completion at the end of the class.
Some of the dishes you can learn how to make at Aromdii Cooking School include fried drunken noodles, papaya salad, and coconut chicken soup. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. The classes are small and interactive, with a maximum of 10 students per session. The price for each class varies depending on the duration and the number of dishes you want to cook. For example, a morning class with four dishes costs £18 per person, while a full-day class with seven dishes costs £27 per person. How affordable is that?
What makes Aromdii unique is its friendly and professional staff, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and culture with you. Not only will they teach you how to cook delicious Thai food, but also how to appreciate its history and traditions. You will also enjoy the cosy and comfortable atmosphere of the school, which is located in a quiet and green area of Chiang Mai. Aromdii Cooking School is open every day from 9 am to 8:30 pm so book your class today by visiting their website. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the secrets of Thai cuisine!
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2. Thai Farm Cooking School
If you want to learn how to cook Thai food with organic ingredients from a farm, this is the place for you. Located on a 16-kilometre organic farm outside of Chiang Mai, Thai Farm Cooking School offers a unique cookery experience. Upon arrival, you go on a trip to a local market to buy some ingredients and learn about Thai herbs and spices. Thereafter, you head to the farm, where you will pick fresh vegetables and fruits from the garden.
The school also teaches you how to make your own coconut milk and curry paste from scratch. Now that’s a valuable skill! During your visit here, you get to cook six dishes of your choice. These include tom yum soup, pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. Afterwards, you get to enjoy your delicious meal in a bamboo hut overlooking the rice fields. Talk about a wellness experience! All in all, Thai Farm Cooking School is a great way to learn about Thai culture and cuisine in a natural setting.
Thai Farm Cooking School offers half-day and full-day cookery classes in Chiang Mai. Best of all, these classes can be done privately or in groups. However, the school recommends a full-day class! It costs £34 per person and runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Now that’s an affordable wellness experience! Book your spot today by visiting Thai Farm Cooking School’s website.
3. Tom Yum Thai Cooking School
Tom Yum Thai Cooking School is another great place where you can attend authentic and delicious cookery classes in Chiang Mai. The school is run by two experienced and friendly instructors named Oun and Kae who will teach you the secrets of Thai cuisine. Some of the dishes you can learn how to make at Tom Yum Thai Cooking School include cashew nuts with chicken, cucumber salad, spring rolls, and Panang curry.
Tom Yum offers morning and evening Cookery classes in Chiang Mai, both of which cost £20 each. Like the other schools, each class includes a visit to a local market, where you will learn how to pick fresh ingredients and spices for your dishes. You will also get a recipe book and a certificate of completion at the end of the class.
What makes Tom Yum Thai Cooking School special is its cosy and convenient location in the heart of Chiang Mai, near the Night Bazaar and the Ping River. You will enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the school, which is decorated with traditional Thai art and crafts. You will also have fun and learn a lot from Oun and Kae, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and culture with you. Tom Yum Thai Cooking School is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Book your class today by visiting the school’s website!
Tips for Choosing the Right Cookery Class in Chiang Mai
Consider The Type of Cuisine You Want to Learn
Chiang Mai is famous for its Lanna cuisine, which is distinct from other Thai regional cuisines. However, some cooking classes also offer dishes from other parts of Thailand or even other countries, such as the Akha hill tribe cuisine¹ or Indian cuisine. If you have a specific preference or interest, look for a cooking class that matches your taste buds.
Check the Duration and Schedule of the Cooking Class
Cookery classes in Chiang Mai can range from half-day to full-day sessions, and some may include a visit to a local market or an organic farm. Depending on your availability and budget, you may want to choose a cooking class that fits your itinerary and offers the best value for money. Also, make sure to book in advance as some classes may have limited spots or require a minimum number of participants.
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Read Reviews and Ratings from Previous Students
One of the best ways to find out if a cooking class is worth your time and money is to read what other people have to say about it. You can look for online reviews and ratings on platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google, or Facebook, and see what aspects of the cooking class were praised or criticised by previous students. You can also look for photos or videos of the cooking class to get a better idea of what to expect.
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Reward Yourself with a Cookery Class in Chiang Mai
I’ve only talked about 3 schools that offer the best cookery classes in Chiang Mai, in my humble opinion. There are dozens more out there that might be more appealing to you. And Since you stuck with me until the end of this long article, click the following link for a free Thai cuisine recipe book! Have a wonderful time!
