9 Best Cooking Classes In Melbourne

Melbourne stands out as a foodie city, not just for its vibrant restaurant scene but also for its hands-on cooking classes. What makes Melbourne special? It’s a melting pot of cultures, and that diversity shines through in the variety of culinary experiences available. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, there’s something here to inspire your inner chef. For instance, the Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink offers a fun, culture where you get to craft your own dumplings and sit down to enjoy them — a perfect mix of learning and eating. Or, if Indian flavors are more your style, the Indian Cooking Master Class takes you through regional dishes like chicken tikka masala and palak paneer, with vegetarian options and a small group setting that feels intimate.

Melbourne also offers a variety of options for street food lovers, with classes like the Street Food of Asia Cooking Class that teach you how to make delicious spring rolls, sushi, and satay, often paired with drinks. For a more personalized experience, there’s the Private Market Tour and Australian Cooking Class with a Local Chef in her Home, where you’ll shop at a local market and create classic Australian dishes in a private setting. Lastly, for those interested in French cuisine, Chef Jacqui’s French Cooking Class offers a relaxed, long lunch with three expertly prepared courses.

1. Melbourne: Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink

At number 1, this Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class delivers a rich cultural experience in just 2.5 hours. You’ll learn how to make your own dough, pick from fillings like beef, pork, tofu, or chicken, and shape perfect dumplings. The class takes place in Victoria and includes a drink, making it a fun, social affair. What sets it apart? The chance to sit down afterward and indulge in your own creations—or take extras home to impress friends. The instructor emphasizes the basic techniques for creating delicate, flavorful dumplings, making this class ideal for beginners or anyone looking to expand their culinary skills.

The reviews are glowing: with a 5/5 rating from 16 reviews, people love the hands-on nature and the culture. The class is small enough to get personalized attention, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. This experience is perfect for foodies eager to learn a classic Asian dish in an authentic setting. The only potential downside? The focus on dumplings might make it less appealing if you’re after a broader cuisine experience. Bottom line: this class offers great value for a quick, engaging introduction to Chinese cooking.

2. Indian Cooking Master Class

Next up is the Indian Cooking Master Class, which lasts around 3 hours in Melbourne. Here, you’ll learn to prepare iconic dishes like chicken tikka masala and palak paneer, with vegetarian options available. What makes it special? The instructor focuses on regional differences in Indian cuisine, giving you a more nuanced understanding of this varied culinary tradition. You’ll also make naan from scratch, which is a highlight for bread lovers. The class is intimate, with a small group ensuring personalized instruction.

The reviews are excellent, with a perfect 5.0 rating from just two reviews, emphasizing how well-organized and welcoming Dylan is as a guide. The class suits foodies who want a deeper dive into Indian flavors and techniques, and vegetarians will find plenty to enjoy. The key benefit here is learning authentic recipes that you can recreate at home, plus gaining insight into regional ingredients and methods. While the price is around $141 per person, many consider it good value given the quality of instruction and the delicious meal at the end. Bottom line: this is a fantastic choice for those wanting an authentic Indian cooking experience in a friendly setting.

3. Street Food of Asia Cooking Class

For around $141, Street Food of Asia Cooking Class offers a 2.5-hour evening exploring Asian street foods like spring rolls, sushi, and satay. Located in Melbourne, it’s perfect for groups or travelers with varying skill levels. The class emphasizes making simple finger foods from Japanese, Thai, Chinese, or Vietnamese cuisines. Equipment, utensils, and aprons are provided, and drinks—sparkling wine or beer—are included, making it a lively, convivial experience.

This class stands out because it’s designed as a fun social event, with recipes that are easy to recreate at home. The instructor guides you through each dish, imparting useful tips for perfecting your finger foods. A major plus? The included drinks help loosen everyone up and make the experience more relaxed. The class is ideal for those new to cooking or anyone eager to learn how to whip up popular street foods quickly. The downside? If you’re after a more in-depth, regional cuisine experience, this may feel a bit light. Bottom line: a lively, approachable introduction to Asian street foods.

4. Melbourne: Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass

At number 4, this Choose Your Asian Cuisine Masterclass offers a customizable 3-hour experience. You can learn signature dishes from Thailand, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, or China, depending on your interest. The class is hands-on, with a focus on sharing the passion of Melbourne’s diverse Asian communities. Expect to sit down and enjoy your meal or take it home to share, plus get recipes to recreate your dishes later.

What makes this experience unique? The ability to select specific cuisines and learn directly from expert chefs who draw on their own travels and backgrounds. It’s suitable for foodies keen on exploring multiple Asian flavors in one session. The class’s strength lies in its culture and the comprehensive recipes shared afterward. Perfect for those who want a broad taste of Asian cuisine instead of just one dish. The only potential limitation is the price, which isn’t listed, but the value is high for such an extensive, personalized experience. Bottom line: ideal for adventurous eaters wanting variety and authentic cooking techniques.

5. Private Market Tour and Australian Cooking Class with a Local Chef in her Home

For a truly personalized experience, the Private Market Tour and Australian Cooking Class offers a 5 to 6-hour adventure. You’ll start with a guided tour of a large local market in Melbourne, selecting fresh ingredients for three Australian dishes. Then, in the chef’s home, you’ll cook step-by-step with detailed guidance, culminating in a meal enjoyed with a glass of wine or beer.

This tour stands out for its depth and exclusivity. It’s perfect for those who want to learn about local ingredients and Australian cooking techniques firsthand. The class includes not only the recipes but also a market visit, making it a well-rounded experience. The highlight? Personal attention from a professional chef and a private setting. It’s ideal for foodies wanting a relaxed, in-depth experience or those celebrating a special occasion. The main drawback could be the high price—$240 per person—but many find it worth the investment for the tailored experience. Bottom line: perfect for serious food lovers seeking a comprehensive, private culinary encounter.

6. Chinese Cooking Class Master

Number 6 is the Chinese Cooking Class Master, a 3-hour, hands-on class focusing on authentic Chinese cuisine. Led by an experienced chef, you’ll learn how to prepare several classic dishes, mastering essential techniques and knife skills along the way. The class includes use of all ingredients and tools, and ends with a shared meal of the dishes you created—paired with beer or wine.

What makes this class stand out? Its focus on traditional Chinese recipes, with an emphasis on proper techniques that you can replicate at home. The instructor provides live commentary, making it suitable for all skill levels. The reviews are moderate, with a 3/5 rating from one review, but the emphasis on practical skills and authentic recipes makes it appealing for those who want a thorough introduction to Chinese cooking. The price, at about $128, offers good value if you’re serious about learning Chinese culinary techniques. Bottom line: a solid choice for those wanting hands-on Chinese cuisine experience and practical skills.

7. Private Modern Australian Cooking Class with a Professional Chef in Melbourne

Number 7 is a private 5-hour Modern Australian Cooking Class. Held in a chef’s home, it focuses on making three dishes that showcase local ingredients like oysters or trout, with options to accommodate dietary needs. The class includes detailed tips and a meal with your instructor, plus a relaxed, private atmosphere ideal for special occasions or intimate learning.

This experience offers a chance to learn about Australia’s food heritage firsthand, with personalized attention from a professional chef. The three dishes are curated to highlight local flavors, and the class is flexible enough to fit specific dietary requests. The main downside? It’s more expensive at $200 per person, but the private setting and tailored menu may justify the cost for those seeking a more exclusive experience. Perfect for couples or small groups wanting an authentic Australian culinary journey. Bottom line: excellent for those after a private, in-depth Australian cooking experience.

8. Thai Cooking Class

The Thai Cooking Class offers a 3-hour session where you cook Thai dishes with a professional chef. Designed for groups, it’s ideal for friends or family wanting to share an interactive experience. The class focuses on authentic ingredients and techniques, with a menu that’s typical of traditional Thai cuisine. Participants enjoy their creations with a glass of sparkling wine, adding a celebratory touch.

This class is perfect if you’re looking for a lively, group-oriented atmosphere. It doesn’t offer detailed regional insights but makes up for it with its fun and engaging format. The emphasis on using original Thai ingredients ensures an authentic flavor experience. The class is suitable for all levels, especially those new to Thai cooking, and it’s a good choice for a relaxed, social outing. The downside? No reviews are available yet, but the reputation of the school suggests a reliable experience. Bottom line: a lively, accessible introduction to Thai cuisine designed for groups.

9. Melbourne: French Cooking Class with Chef Jacqui

Finally, the French Cooking Class with Chef Jacqui offers a 4.5-hour experience in Victoria. You’ll learn to prepare a three-course French meal, working directly alongside Chef Jacqui in her home kitchen. The class emphasizes seasonal, sustainable, and fresh ingredients, culminating in a long French lunch that you enjoy together.

This class appeals to those who want a comprehensive, immersive experience. The focus on craftsmanship, presentation, and a relaxed environment makes it stand out. It’s perfect for lovers of French cuisine or travelers wanting a memorable, high-quality culinary experience. The only thing to note: there are no reviews listed yet, but the detailed format and emphasis on quality ingredients promise an authentic experience. Bottom line: ideal for French cuisine enthusiasts seeking a longer, more indulgent class.

How to Choose the Perfect Cooking Class in Melbourne

When choosing among these options, consider your budget, time availability, culinary interests, and fitness level. For a quick cultural taste, the Chinese dumpling class offers excellent value. If you’re passionate about regional flavors, the Indian Master Class or Choose Your Asian Cuisine might suit best. For a personalized experience, the Market Tour and Australian Cooking Class provides unmatched depth, while those after a romantic or exclusive experience should consider the Private Australian or French classes.

Booking early is advisable, especially for popular classes like the Chinese Dumpling or Indian Master experiences, as spots fill quickly. Check for seasonal availability and group size to match your preferred experience level.

In summary, Melbourne’s diverse culinary scene offers something for all, whether you want to master Asian street foods, learn authentic French dishes, or explore local Australian ingredients. With such a variety of classes, you’re sure to come away with new skills and delicious memories. Don’t forget to book early—and enjoy the journey of learning and tasting in this vibrant city.