London: Vegetarian Korean Cooking Class with Wine

If you’re craving a unique culinary adventure in London, a Vegetarian Korean Cooking Class with Wine might just be your next favorite activity. This experience offers more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a chance to explore Korean flavors, learn essential kitchen skills, and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere—all set in a vibrant city backdrop. We’ve looked into what makes this class stand out, and while it’s not perfect for everyone, it’s undeniably packed with value for food lovers eager for a hands-on experience.

What truly appeals to us is how this class combines authentic techniques with a friendly, approachable vibe. You get to master knife skills with a Chinese cleaver, learn secret Korean seasonings, and create dishes like kimchi, Yachaejeon (vegetable pancake), and vegetarian Kimbap. Plus, the inclusion of wine or beer makes the session feel more like a fun dinner party than a typical cooking class. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the 3-hour duration—if you’re pressed for time or prefer a more casual experience, it might feel a bit intensive.

This class is best suited for foodies, travelers curious about Korean cuisine, or anyone wanting to bring home practical skills that impress friends and family. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy interactive experiences, appreciate good wine, and don’t mind a lively group setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Korean Flavors: Learn to balance bold seasonings like gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochugaru.
• Hands-On Skills: Master precise knife techniques with a Chinese cleaver, a core part of Korean cooking.
• Diverse Dishes: Make kimchi from scratch, vegetable pancakes, and vegetarian Kimbap, gaining confidence in vegetarian Korean cuisine.
• Sociable Atmosphere: Usually hosted in groups of 6-12, providing a friendly, engaging environment.
• All-Inclusive: Ingredients, equipment, soft drinks, and a glass of wine or beer are included, making it hassle-free.
• Valuable Takeaways: Receive a digital recipe pack to recreate your favorites at home.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Class

The 3-hour vegetarian Korean cooking class offers a well-rounded experience that balances skill development with fun. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a lively, professional kitchen led by an experienced Head Chef and an Assistant Chef. The setup typically hosts 6 to 12 participants, ensuring that everyone gets individual attention—each person with their own chopping board and workspace.

The Itinerary

The session kicks off with an introduction to Korean ingredients and seasonings, emphasizing their flavor profiles and uses in both traditional and vegetarian dishes. This foundational knowledge is crucial because Korean cuisine hinges on careful seasoning and flavor balancing. You’ll find out why ingredients like gochujang (fermented chili paste), doenjang (fermented soybean paste), and sesame oil are essential.

The first practical skill you’ll learn is knife handling. The chefs demonstrate techniques for slicing vegetables and ingredients precisely using a Chinese cleaver—an essential skill for Korean dishes. Reviewers mention that the chefs are patient and willing to share tips for sharpening your knife skills, which is especially helpful for those new to Asian cuisine.

Next, the class dives into kimchi making. This process involves preparing vegetables, seasoning them with a mixture of spices and pastes, and then storing them for fermentation. The emphasis on making kimchi from scratch helps participants understand the traditional fermentation process, even if only at a basic level. Reviewers note that this part is both fun and educational, with “tips on how to get the perfect balance of flavor.”

Following kimchi, you’ll move on to cook Yachaejeon (vegetable pancakes). The chef explains how to mix and fry the batter until crispy, covering the importance of heat control and flipping technique. It’s a dish that’s satisfying to make and eat, and you’ll learn how to achieve that sought-after golden exterior.

Finally, the highlight is vegetarian Kimbap, rolled from rice, vegetables, and seaweed, and cooked bibimbap in a traditional hot stone bowl. You’ll learn how to heat and maintain the hot stone bowl, ensuring your bibimbap has that perfect crispy rice crust.

Throughout the class, the chefs share valuable tips on ingredient substitutions, flavor harmonization, and presentation. After cooking, everyone sits down together to enjoy the dishes with a glass of wine or beer, creating a convivial atmosphere that encourages chatting and sharing.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Participants appreciate the interactive nature of the class, with many mentioning how engaging the chefs are. One reviewer noted, “The chefs are friendly, and they make the experience approachable, even for beginners.” The small group size means you can ask questions freely, and the chefs often share insider tips about Korean ingredients and cooking techniques.

The inclusion of unlimited soft drinks and a digital recipe pack adds extra value, allowing participants to experiment at home. Plus, the apron hire and all necessary ingredients are included, so you just need to bring yourself and your enthusiasm.

Analyzing the Value

At $156 per person, this class offers several layers of value. You’re paying for a professional-guided experience that covers essential skills, unique recipes, and a relaxed social setting. Compared to dining out or buying a Korean cookbook, this interactive session gives you practical skills and confidence to replicate dishes in your own kitchen.

More importantly, the all-inclusive nature—ingredients, equipment, drinks, and recipes—means no hidden costs or stress about sourcing ingredients. You leave with more than just recipes; you gain a new understanding of Korean vegetarian cuisine, which you can adapt and customize in your own cooking.

Some reviewers mention the flexibility and responsiveness of the school on dietary needs, including allergies and halal options, which enhances the accessibility of this experience.

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Considerations

While the class duration is 3 hours, some might find it a bit long if you prefer quick cooking lessons. Also, the group setting means you might not get as much one-on-one attention as in private classes, but the small size generally keeps the experience personalized.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is perfect for food lovers, especially those keen on vegetarian or Korean cuisine. If you enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn practical skills, you’ll find this engaging. It’s also a wonderful choice for travelers looking for local culinary insights and a fun way to meet fellow foodies.

People interested in fermentation or traditional Korean flavors will appreciate the kimchi-making segment. Meanwhile, wine lovers will enjoy pairing their dishes with a glass of wine or beer, adding a relaxed, social element to the learning process.

This experience is best suited for adults over 16 who are comfortable working in a group setting. If you’re after a quick, casual cooking demo, this might feel a bit more involved, but for those seeking a meaningful, skill-building experience, it hits the mark.

FAQ

Is alcohol included in the class?
Yes, a glass of wine or beer is included, making the experience more relaxed and convivial.

Are soft drinks available?
Yes, unlimited soft drinks are provided throughout the class.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
The school is happy to accommodate allergies and offers Halal options where possible—it’s best to inform them in advance.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You’ll learn to make kimchi, Yachaejeon (vegetable pancake), vegetarian Kimbap, and bibimbap in a hot stone bowl.

Are ingredients provided?
Yes, all ingredients and equipment are included, so you don’t need to bring anything.

What’s the group size?
Typically, classes host 6 to 12 participants, ensuring a friendly, interactive environment.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The chefs are patient and willing to teach all skill levels, including those new to Korean cooking.

How long is the class?
The experience lasts for 3 hours, from start to finish.

Can I buy cookbooks or merchandise?
Yes, these are available after the class, but they are not included in the price.

What should I wear?
An apron is provided, but comfortable clothing suitable for cooking is recommended.

Final Thoughts

For anyone curious about Korean cuisine or looking for a fun, educational activity in London, this Vegetarian Korean Cooking Class with Wine stands out as a well-rounded option. It combines authentic flavor exploration with practical skills, set in a warm, sociable environment. You’ll leave not only with new recipes but also with the confidence to bring Korean flavors into your own kitchen.

This experience offers excellent value for its comprehensive approach, especially if you enjoy interactive learning and social dining. It’s best suited for adult travelers, foodies, or couples wanting a memorable culinary activity. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, this class promises a flavorful journey into vegetarian Korean cuisine.

In essence, this class is a lively, skillful introduction to Korean vegetarian dishes that balances fun, education, and social enjoyment—an experience worth considering during your London visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: