London: Korean Bibimbap Cookery Class with Wine

Contents show

Introduction

Trying new cuisines while traveling is one of the best ways to connect with a culture, and this Korean Bibimbap Cookery Class in London offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that. Though we haven’t personally booked this experience, detailed reviews highlight how it combines fun, learning, and delicious eats all in one.

What draws us to this class? Firstly, the friendly and knowledgeable instructors seem genuinely passionate about sharing Korean culinary secrets. Secondly, the location in Covent Garden makes it accessible and charming—perfect for combining with a day exploring the city. Lastly, the opportunity to enjoy your own freshly cooked dishes with wine makes it a well-rounded, rewarding experience.

One thing to consider is the class size, which ranges from 6 to 12 participants. While this keeps the experience intimate enough for personalized attention, it might feel a little crowded during peak times. This class suits anyone interested in Asian cuisine, especially those eager to learn authentic recipes and cooking techniques in a lively, welcoming environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Korean Cuisine: Learn to prepare dishes like Bibimbap, seafood pancake, and kimchi from scratch.
Expert Guidance: Experienced chefs lead the class, sharing tips on handling ingredients and using traditional tools like a Chinese cleaver.
Enjoy Your Creations: All dishes are eaten during the class, washed down with wine or beer for a full gastronomic experience.
Inclusive and Flexible: The class accommodates allergies and dietary preferences, including vegetarian and Halal options.
Invaluable Skills: Learn techniques like kimchi fermentation and hot stone cooking that elevate your home cooking.
Great Location: Situated in Covent Garden, it’s easy to combine with sightseeing or shopping.

Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in London

Exploring the Experience: What to Expect

The Setting and Atmosphere

The class, hosted by School of Wok, is held in a bright, well-equipped kitchen in Covent Garden. This central spot is perfect for travelers, with easy access via public transport and a lively, authentic London vibe. The group size, generally ranging from 6 to 12, ensures a cozy, interactive environment—less like a lecture and more like cooking with friends.

The Teaching Style

The instructors are described as both friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share their passion for Korean food. They guide students through each step, emphasizing technique and ingredient use. For example, one reviewer shared how the head chef explained the proper way to handle a Chinese cleaver, making the process approachable even for beginners. The assistant chef is also praised for being attentive and helpful, ensuring everyone is engaged and confident.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Menu Breakdown

The menu is thoughtfully curated to give a full taste of Korean home-style cooking. You’ll learn to make Beef Bibimbap, a staple rice bowl topped with marinated beef and seasoned vegetables, revealing the delicate balance of flavors Korean cuisine is known for. The Korean Haemul Pajeon—a seafood pancake—is crispy, filled with seafood and spring onions, and perfect for sharing.

The class also teaches how to make Yak Gochujang, a spicy-sweet chili beef sauce, and homemade kimchi—a process that involves shredding cabbage and fermenting it in a spicy marinade to enjoy later. Several reviews mention how satisfying it is to create these dishes from scratch, with many noting how they gained confidence to try similar recipes at home.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in London

Hands-On Techniques

One of the highlights is learning to use a Chinese cleaver for precise chopping—an essential skill in Korean cooking. The instructor demonstrates how to handle the tool safely while achieving perfect slices, which, according to participants, is both empowering and educational.

Another key aspect is understanding Korean seasoning basics. You’ll be introduced to gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and fermented ingredients like doenjang and gochugaru, which give Korean dishes their distinct flavor profile. The chef emphasizes how these ingredients work in harmony, and you’ll get tips on balancing sweet, spicy, sour, and peppery notes.

Kimchi Fermentation and Hot Stone Cooking

Making kimchi from scratch is a popular part of the class, with step-by-step guidance on prepping ingredients and creating the marinade. Participants appreciate being able to take home their homemade kimchi, with some mentioning they plan to ferment it further, adding a personal touch to their culinary repertoire.

Plus, the class explores hot stone cooking, a unique element of Korean cuisine. You’ll learn how to heat and maintain the hot stone to cook your bibimbap directly on it, adding a smoky flavor and a satisfying presentation.

The Meal and Beverages

All food prepared during the class is served to the participants—no takeaways here—allowing you to savor each dish fresh and hot. The inclusion of wine or beer complements the meal perfectly, and unlimited soft drinks keep everyone refreshed. Many reviewers highlight how the wine selection was excellent, adding a touch of relaxation to the learning experience.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The class is designed with inclusivity in mind. They cater to allergy sufferers, with options for those with nuts, shellfish, gluten, or egg allergies, provided you inform them beforehand. Vegetarian and Halal alternatives are also available, making the class accessible for a broader range of dietary needs.

Participants are advised to wear closed-toe shoes for safety, and high heels, pets, or open-toed shoes are not permitted—sensible precautions in a busy kitchen environment.

Breaking Down the Value

Price and What You Get

At $156 per person, this class offers a comprehensive 3-hour experience that includes all ingredients, equipment, apron hire, and a digital recipe pack to recreate the dishes later. The price might seem premium, but considering the quality of instruction, the inclusion of multiple dishes, and the opportunity to enjoy your own cooked meal with drinks, many would consider it a reasonable investment in a memorable culinary experience.

What Makes It Stand Out?

The knowledgeable instructors make a difference, turning technical skills like cleaver handling into accessible, fun activities.
The menu balances classic dishes with skill-building, giving you confidence to cook Korean cuisine at home.
Wine or beer included with the meal adds a celebratory feel, making it more than just a cooking class.
The flexibility in accommodating allergies and dietary preferences increases its appeal to diverse groups.

Practical Tips for Participants

Arrive in comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Notify the organizers of any allergies or dietary restrictions beforehand.
Expect to spend around 3 hours, so plan your day accordingly.
Remember, all the ingredients and equipment are provided, so no need to bring anything but your enthusiasm.
Take advantage of the digital recipe pack after class to keep practicing at home.

The Experience in Context

While some reviews mention that the group size can feel a little crowded, most find that it enhances the lively, interactive atmosphere. The setting is clean, well-organized, and professional, yet friendly enough for beginners or those with some cooking experience.

The ability to go home with homemade kimchi and recipes adds lasting value, especially for food lovers eager to bring authentic Korean flavors into their kitchens.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This class is perfect for foodies eager to explore Asian cuisines in a practical, interactive way. It’s also great for travelers looking for a cultural activity that combines learning and tasting—especially if you’re in London for a few days and want a memorable, hands-on experience.

If you enjoy social dining and are interested in experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, you’ll find this class both fun and rewarding. It’s also suitable for those who want a well-rounded introduction to Korean cooking—from seasoning to fermentation to hot stone techniques.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, and you should inform the organizers in advance to ensure your dietary needs are met.

Can I join if I have allergies?
Absolutely. The class can cater to allergies like nuts, shellfish, gluten, and eggs, but you need to notify them beforehand so they can adjust the ingredients.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the 3-hour class, all ingredients, equipment, apron hire, a digital recipe pack, and unlimited soft drinks, along with wine or beer.

How many people typically attend?
Class sizes usually range from 6 to 12 participants, creating an intimate but lively environment.

Do I get to eat what I cook?
Yes, all dishes prepared during the class are served to participants, allowing you to enjoy your creations fresh.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should know about?
The menu contains allergens such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, and eggs, but accommodations are available if you notify in advance.

Can I buy cookbooks or merchandise at the end?
Yes, these are available after the class if you wish to purchase them, but they are not included in the price.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Bibimbap Cookery Class offers a well-balanced experience blending cooking skills, cultural insights, and delicious food in a vibrant London backdrop. The focus on authentic techniques like kimchi fermentation and hot stone cooking elevates it from a typical cooking class to a true culinary adventure.

It’s especially suited for those curious about Korean flavors, wanting to boost their cooking confidence, or seeking a fun social activity. The inclusion of wine and the chance to take home homemade kimchi make it a memorable choice for foodies.

In short, if you’re after an engaging, tasty, and educational experience that makes you feel like a Korean chef for a day, this class is worth considering. Just come hungry, ready to learn, and eager to enjoy good wine in a lively, friendly setting.