Evening Cooking Class

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Discover Siem Reap’s Flavors with an Evening Cooking Class

Taking a cooking class in Siem Reap offers more than just learning recipes — it’s an immersive experience into Cambodia’s vibrant food culture. This particular class, rated a perfect 5.0 from nine reviews, combines culinary skills, market exploration, and a relaxed dinner under the stars, making it a delightful way to spend an evening.

What we love about this experience is the intimate size (max 12 travelers), the way it starts with a refreshing local cocktail, and the detailed guidance from knowledgeable hosts. The chance to visit a local wet market and learn about fresh ingredients from friendly guides makes the process both educational and fun. However, keep in mind that the tour’s duration of around three hours means you’ll want to arrive hungry — the dishes are hearty and meant to be enjoyed as a full meal.

Ideal for food lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting an authentic taste of Cambodia beyond the temples, this class offers a practical skill set and a memorable evening. If you’re after a cultural experience that combines hands-on cooking with local insights and a beautiful setting, this tour is a great pick.

Key Points

Authentic Market Tour: Learn about local ingredients directly from market vendors.
Hands-On Cooking: Create three Cambodian dishes step-by-step, gaining practical skills.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Enjoy dinner under the stars in a charming thatch pavilion.
All-Inclusive Experience: Price includes market visits, instruction, ingredients, and meal.
Limited Group Size: Small group ensures personalized attention and a friendly vibe.
Excellent Reviews: Consistently praised for food quality, guides, and setting.

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The Experience in Detail

Starting with a Local Cocktail

Your evening begins around 5:00 pm with pickup from your hotel — a smooth, hassle-free start. You’ll travel in a small group to the cooking venue, which is set in a beautiful thatch pavilion surrounded by tropical gardens. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, perfect for unwinding after a day of temple touring or exploring Siem Reap.

Before getting hands-on, you’re treated to a Cambodian-inspired cocktail or mocktail, infused with fragrant lemongrass. This isn’t just a fun way to kick off; it sets the tone for an evening that celebrates fresh, local flavors from the very first sip.

Visiting the Wet Market

One of the highlights, according to reviewers, is the market visit. Guides like Sophia and Prya take the lead, walking you through a local wet market where you’ll see ingredients you might not find elsewhere. Reviewers comment on how Sophia “took us around the market explaining which vegetables were local,” giving insight into the ingredients that make Cambodian cuisine unique.

Expect to learn about local produce such as fresh herbs, tropical vegetables, and imported ingredients that are chosen to suit Cambodian tastes. This part of the tour is especially appreciated for giving travelers a tangible connection to the food they’ll cook.

Hands-On Cooking Class

Back at the pavilion, the real fun begins. The chef guides you in creating three delicious Cambodian dishes — all made with fresh ingredients from the market. The step-by-step process is designed to be approachable, even for beginners. Reviewers like Alexandra call it “quite possibly the best cooking class I have ever participated in,” highlighting the quality of instruction.

Participants praise the clarity of instructions and the friendly guides who make it easy to follow along, regardless of cooking experience. The dishes are a mix of traditional favorites, and, from what we gather, you’ll learn skills that you can recreate at home. The class is interactive and social, making it an enjoyable part of the evening.

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Dinner Under the Stars

Once the cooking is complete, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creations in the open-air pavilion. The setting, with lush tropical gardens, helps create a peaceful, idyllic dining experience. Reviewers mention “dining in a gorgeous setting,” and describe the fresh, flavorful food as “top quality,” adding to the sense of authentic indulgence.

This part of the experience is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to savor the fruits of your labor while soaking up the ambiance. Some reviews note that the dishes are hearty, making it a satisfying dinner rather than just a tasting menu.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts approximately three hours, starting at 5:00 pm. It’s well-suited for those with flexible evenings or looking for a relaxed yet engaging activity after daytime temple visits. The timing also aligns with sunset, so you might enjoy dinner in the soft glow of evening light.

Group Size and Personal Attention

With a maximum of 12 participants, the experience remains intimate. This allows the guides to provide personalized tips and answer questions, enhancing your learning. Reviewers mention how guides like Sophia and Prya go beyond the basics, sharing fascinating insights about Cambodian food and markets.

Price and Value

At $35 per person, this class offers excellent value. It includes market visits, instruction, ingredients, and a full meal, which would be costly if booked separately. Reviewers emphasize the quality of both the food and facilities, describing it as a “first-class” experience.

Accessibility and Convenience

The tour provides pickup from your hotel, which simplifies logistics. The mobile ticket system makes it easy to confirm and organize your plans, and the small group size ensures a cozy, friendly environment.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance — a considerate policy allowing flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authenticity and Unique Insights from Reviewers

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides as a major plus. Sophia, in particular, is praised for her friendliness and expertise, making market visits informative and engaging. “Sophia took us around the market explaining which vegetables were local,” mentions Susanna, reflecting how the tour emphasizes local culture.

The quality of the food receives frequent praise, with many mentioning that the dishes are “delicious,” “fresh,” and “well-presented.” Alexandra called it “the best cooking class I’ve ever participated in,” and others appreciated that they left with new skills to recreate Cambodian flavors at home.

The setting — a tropical pavilion under the stars — adds a memorable touch. It’s not just about the food but about creating a relaxing, communal atmosphere to enjoy your hard-earned meal.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies eager to learn authentic Cambodian recipes in a relaxed setting. It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy local markets, hands-on activities, and dining outdoors. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a social activity will find it engaging and fun.

If you’re after a practical skill that extends beyond your trip and a memorable evening in Siem Reap, this class hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate quality guides, fresh ingredients, and atmospheric surroundings.

The Sum Up

In essence, this Evening Cooking Class in Siem Reap offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that combines market exploration, hands-on cooking, and a beautiful setting. The small group size, expert guides, and focus on fresh ingredients make it stand out as a value-packed activity.

You’ll walk away not only with new recipes and cooking skills but also with a deeper understanding of Cambodian cuisine and culture. The dinner under the stars caps off a truly immersive experience that’s both educational and enjoyable — perfect for anyone looking to add a flavorful, authentic touch to their Siem Reap trip.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be approachable for all skill levels, with step-by-step guidance that makes cooking accessible even for novices.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers market visits, instruction, ingredients for three dishes, and your dinner under the stars. Pickup from your hotel is also included.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, there is a free cancellation option if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How long does the tour last?
The itinerary runs for about three hours, starting at 5:00 pm.

What makes this class stand out?
Its small group size, knowledgeable guides like Sophia and Prya, and the combination of market tour, cooking, and outdoor dining create a memorable, authentic experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, hotel pickup is included, making it easy to start the evening without worrying about logistics.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
While not explicitly mentioned, the small-group, personalized nature suggests you can communicate any special dietary needs in advance.

What is the setting like?
The class takes place in a tropical thatch pavilion surrounded by lush gardens, providing a tranquil backdrop to your culinary adventure.

Embark on this delightful journey to explore Cambodian flavors firsthand — a perfect blend of learning, tasting, and enjoying Siem Reap’s vibrant food scene.