London: Full Day Chinese Banquet Cooking Class with Wine

If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply love the idea of mastering new cooking skills in a friendly setting, this full-day Chinese banquet cooking class in London is worth considering. It promises an engaging experience where you’ll learn to pull off restaurant-quality dishes while enjoying a glass of wine, making it perfect for foodies eager to up their home cooking game.

What immediately attracts us are the detailed skill-based approach — from wok stir-frying to knife techniques — along with the chance to create an entire banquet menu. Plus, with a focus on authentic Chinese flavors and sauces, this class helps you understand the nuances behind dishes like Hunan beef and Jiaozi dumplings. The inclusion of wine adds a relaxed, social vibe to the typically intense learning process.

One potential consideration is the class size, which ranges from 6 to 12 students. That’s a cozy enough group for personal attention but still lively enough for a fun, communal atmosphere. Also, it’s a full five-hour experience, so it’s a bit of a time investment — but for those passionate about cooking or keen on a hands-on culinary adventure in London, it’s well worth it.

This experience suits anyone from complete beginners eager to learn fundamental Chinese techniques to more seasoned cooks wanting to refine their wok skills or expand their recipe repertoire. If you’re looking for an interactive, tasty, and educational activity, this class offers a genuine glimpse into Chinese banqueting cuisine — with a bonus of wine!

Key Points

• Hands-on learning: Develop wok stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying skills.
• Knife mastery: Learn to use a Chinese cleaver for perfect cuts.
• Flavor fundamentals: Discover Chinese seasoning, sauce selection, and balancing flavors.
• Menu variety: Create dishes like Hunan beef, Jiaozi dumplings, and vegetable Chow Mein.
• Relaxed social setting: Enjoy wine while cooking and tasting your creations.
• Suitable for all levels: Led by professional chefs, with allergy accommodations and vegetarian options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Setting and Group Size

Held in a practical kitchen environment, the class typically hosts between 6 to 12 participants. This size strikes a good balance, offering enough personal attention from the Head Chef and Assistant Chef while maintaining an energetic, social atmosphere. Each participant has their own prep station, but the actual cooking at the hob happens in pairs, fostering teamwork and sharing tips.

The Full-Day Itinerary

The class runs around five hours, starting in the morning or early afternoon, depending on the schedule. It’s a comprehensive program that covers not just cooking but also the principles behind Chinese seasoning and sauce choices. The structure is designed to ensure that everyone gets hands-on experience at each stage.

First, you’ll get a quick overview of essential tools, especially the Chinese cleaver — a vital instrument for authentic cuts. You’ll practice slicing and chopping ingredients with precision, a skill that’s surprisingly satisfying and noticeably improves your cooking efficiency.

Next, the focus shifts to wok techniques. Expect to learn stir-frying, steaming, and even deep-frying. The instructors demonstrate and supervise, so you’ll leave confident in handling a wok like a pro. This part is especially fun because you get to see raw ingredients transform quickly into colorful, aromatic dishes.

The Menu and Cooking Techniques

The heart of the class is the menu, which may include:

• Spicy Hunan Beef: A fiery, savory dish showcasing stir-frying techniques and seasoning mastery.
• Jiaozi Dumplings: Perfectly folded and cooked to tender, flavorful perfection.
• Vegetable Chow Mein: A vegetarian option that emphasizes quick stir-frying and flavor balance.
• Stir-fried Green Beans in Chilli Hoisin sauce: Demonstrates how to achieve a crispy, spicy vegetable dish.
• Steamed Sea Bass: Highlights steaming techniques and gentle flavoring.

Throughout, you’ll learn to use sauces such as soy, oyster, black bean, and sweet and sour — understanding their roles in creating authentic flavors. The class emphasizes not only cooking but also selecting the right ingredients and sauces to enhance every dish.

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The Wine Element

A standout feature is the inclusion of a glass of wine to accompany your cooking session. This element adds a layer of relaxation, encouraging conversation and enjoyment as you prepare your banquet. Reviewers mention that the wine is thoughtfully paired, making the experience more social and less stressful.

Allergies and Dietary Needs

The team at School of Wok is attentive to dietary restrictions, offering alternatives for those with allergies to nuts, shellfish, gluten, or eggs. Vegetarian options are also available, making this experience inclusive for various dietary preferences. Just be sure to communicate your needs in advance.

The Value for Money

At $264 per person, the class may seem premium, but it offers significant value. You’re not just cooking in a generic kitchen; you’re gaining comprehensive skills, authentic recipes, and a deeper understanding of Chinese cuisine. Plus, you take home leftovers and the confidence to replicate dishes at home. The full-length format ensures you’ll leave with enough knowledge and inspiration to try these dishes yourself.

Detailed Breakdown of What You Will Learn

Knife Skills with a Chinese Cleaver

Many participants appreciate the focus on mastering the Chinese cleaver, which is a key tool in authentic Chinese cooking. You’ll learn how to chop, slice, and dice efficiently, which reduces prep time and enhances the presentation of dishes. “I loved the way the chef showed us how to handle the cleaver, making it accessible even for total beginners,” a reviewer remarked.

Wok Techniques

The core of Chinese cooking lies in the wok, and this class emphasizes stir-frying and steaming. Expect to see vegetables and meats transform in seconds, developing bold flavors through high heat. The instructors ensure everyone gets hands-on experience, making the process engaging and easy to follow.

Seasoning and Sauces

Understanding how spices, garlic, ginger, and sauces work together can be confusing for newcomers. This class simplifies that by teaching you the basics of Chinese seasoning and how to choose the right sauce for each dish. Reviewers praise the lesson on sauce selection as “eye-opening,” noting that it made their home cooking more flavorful and authentic.

Creating a Banquet

Beyond individual dishes, the class demonstrates how to assemble a balanced Chinese banquet — a variety of flavors, textures, and cooking methods on one table. You’ll learn how to pace a meal and combine dishes for maximum enjoyment.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience?

This class is perfect for food lovers eager to learn authentic Chinese cooking techniques. It suits those who enjoy hands-on activities and want to understand the art behind dishes like dumplings and stir-fries. The social aspect, thanks to wine and group cooking, makes it ideal for couples, friends, or even small groups of travelers.

Beginners will find the clear instructions and personal guidance reassuring, while more experienced cooks may appreciate the focus on technique and sauce mastery. It’s also a good pick if you’re visiting London and want an activity that combines education with fun, delicious results.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Chinese Banquet Cooking Class with Wine in London offers a well-rounded, engaging, and educational experience. It’s a great way to build confidence in Chinese cooking, pick up authentic techniques, and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere — all while creating a feast of flavorful dishes.

The inclusion of wine, personalized instruction, and a focus on techniques make this class stand out from more passive food experiences. For those who love to cook or want a memorable, practical activity in London, this experience delivers a meaningful taste of Chinese culinary culture that you’ll be eager to recreate at home.

This class is best suited for those who appreciate detailed instruction, authentic flavors, and a lively group setting. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned home chef, you’ll leave with new skills, delicious recipes, and a full belly.

FAQs

How long does the class last?
The class runs for about five hours, providing plenty of time for hands-on cooking, learning, and tasting.

Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request, and the menu can be adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Can I bring leftovers home?
Absolutely. You’ll want to bring some Tupperware as you’ll likely have some tasty leftovers to enjoy later.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the class is not suitable for children under 16 years old.

What sauces will I learn to use?
You’ll learn about Chinese sauces like black bean, soy, oyster, and sweet and sour, and how to incorporate them into dishes.

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

This London cooking class balances skill development with enjoyment, making it a fantastic choice for anyone eager to add authentic Chinese dishes to their culinary repertoire.

You can check availability for your dates here: