London: Thai Street Food Cooking Class with Wine

Exploring the Authentic Flavors of Thailand in London

This Thai street food cooking class offered by the School of Wok in London is a fantastic way to spice up your culinary skills while enjoying a taste of Thailand right in the UK capital. While I haven’t personally taken this class, it’s clear that it combines hands-on learning with authentic flavors, guided by expert chefs.

What makes this experience stand out are the personalized instruction, the opportunity to learn traditional techniques, and the relaxed ambiance that includes wine. It’s especially appealing for food lovers who want more than just a tasting — they want to produce authentic dishes themselves.

One consideration is that the class lasts three hours, which might be a bit tight if you’re aiming for a very leisurely pace. Still, with all ingredients provided, plenty of tips, and a friendly group size of 6–12 people, it promises a welcoming, interactive environment. This experience suits adventurous eaters, home cooks eager to expand their repertoire, or anyone curious about Thai cuisine’s secrets.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning of Thai street food from scratch.
• Small groups ensure personalized attention.
• All ingredients and equipment included for convenience.
• Expert guidance from a head chef and assistant.
• Enjoy wine during the class for a relaxed atmosphere.
• Flexible dietary options are available with advance notice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Look at the Thai Street Food Cooking Class in London

The School of Wok’s Thai Street Food class offers a focused, immersive experience that lasts about three hours. It’s designed for those who want to understand Thai cuisine beyond takeout, with detailed lessons on making dishes like Jungle Curry, Thai Fish Cakes, and a flavorful morning glory stir-fry.

What the Class Covers

The class’s structure emphasizes learning to make curry paste from scratch, which is a key skill in Thai cooking. You’ll use a pestle and mortar — a satisfying, if slightly vigorous, tool that’s central to authentic flavor development. Expect to balance herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and Thai basil to create a true-to-style base for your curries.

A big part of the session is stir-frying, a technique that Thai cuisine masters for quick, high-heat cooking resulting in bold flavors and perfect textures. You’ll get hands-on experience in controlling heat and timing, which is crucial for dishes like morning glory stir-fry, a staple in street vendors’ carts.

Learning Environment and Group Dynamics

Group size is kept intentionally small, with 6–12 participants, which fosters a more personal learning environment. The class is led by a Head Chef with an Assistant Chef, ensuring everyone has ample guidance and can ask questions freely.

Each guest gets their own prep space, which helps keep the experience organized and avoids overcrowding. When it’s time to cook at the hob, participants work in pairs, encouraging teamwork and a social atmosphere.

Ingredients, Equipment, and Additional Perks

All ingredients and equipment are provided, meaning you won’t need to worry about bringing anything beyond a container for leftovers. The menu can be customized to accommodate vegetarian diets or allergies with prior notice, which enhances accessibility.

The class includes a welcome drink, soft drinks, tea, and coffee, setting a friendly tone from the start. After cooking, everyone shares a light lunch with the food they’ve prepared, complemented by a glass of wine or beer. This communal eating adds a convivial, restaurant-like feel to the experience.

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The Value of Included Items

At $156 per person, the price reflects the value of personalized instruction, all ingredients, and the alcoholic beverage — a common addition that enhances relaxation and enjoyment. Compared to doing a cooking session independently, the guided approach guarantees you’ll learn techniques that can be replicated at home.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The three-hour session kicks off with a warm welcome and an introduction to Thai ingredients. As the class progresses, you’ll:

• Make curry paste from scratch — a crucial skill that forms the foundation of many Thai dishes.
• Learn to balance flavors with herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and Thai basil, which provide the signature aromatic profile.
• Master stir-frying techniques, focusing on timing and heat control to achieve bold flavors.
• Prepare specific dishes such as Jungle Curry, Thai Fish Cakes, and a Morning Glory stir-fry, gaining practical skills for each.
• Sample your creations at the end of the class, enjoying a shared meal with a glass of wine or beer.

Throughout the session, the chefs provide tips on knife skills and ingredient substitutions, with plenty of opportunities for questions. Reviewers highlight the friendly, patient teaching style of the instructors, making it accessible even for beginners.

Special Features and Highlights

• The small class size ensures everyone gets personal attention.
• Hands-on experience with authentic ingredients and techniques.
• The use of a pestle and mortar to develop flavor and gain confidence in traditional methods.
• Learning to balance flavors — a key to authentic Thai cooking.
• The social aspect of sharing a meal at the end, creating a convivial atmosphere.

Practicalities and Tips

Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan your route in advance. The venue is in South East England, easily accessible from central London via public transport.

The class is suitable for ages 16 and above, with a focus on adult participants or minors accompanied by an adult. If you have specific dietary restrictions like allergies, notifying the organizers ahead of time ensures they can accommodate your needs.

Booking is flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still settling. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before, with a full refund.

What Travelers Say

Feedback from previous participants emphasizes the friendly, knowledgeable instruction and the fun, interactive environment. One reviewer appreciated the chance to learn knife skills and flavor balancing, noting they left with practical skills to recreate dishes at home. Others highlighted the relaxed ambiance created by the included wine, making the experience feel more like a social event than just a class.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?

For travelers seeking an authentic, hands-on introduction to Thai street food without leaving London, this class offers great value. The focus on making curry pastes from scratch, mastering stir-frying, and learning about flavor balancing means you’ll walk away with skills that go beyond just follow-the-recipe cooking.

If you’re a food enthusiast, a culinary novice eager to learn, or someone looking for a fun, social experience, this class fits the bill. The inclusion of wine and the small-group setting make it a comfortable and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or evening.

While it may not be the best choice if you prefer a very leisurely pace or detailed, multi-day courses, it’s perfect for those wanting to quickly boost their Thai cooking repertoire with authentic techniques and fresh ingredients.

FAQ

Is transportation to the venue included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so plan your route in advance. The venue is accessible from central London via public transit.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options and adjustments for allergies can be arranged if you notify the organizers beforehand.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, equipment, instruction, a welcome drink, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and a light lunch with wine or beer are included.

Can I take leftovers home?
Absolutely — just bring a container to pack up any extra food.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Participants must be at least 16 years old, or accompanied by an adult. It’s designed for adults or older teens.

How long is the class?
It lasts approximately three hours, which includes hands-on cooking, tasting, and social time.

What dishes will I learn to make?
Expect to make Jungle Curry, Thai Fish Cakes, and a Morning Glory stir-fry, among other Thai street food favorites.

Is prior cooking experience necessary?
No, the class is suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike, with instructors guiding every step.

Can I book this experience last-minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
Notify the organizers in advance, and they will accommodate your needs where possible, including allergy considerations and Halal options.

In summary, this Thai street food class in London offers a practical, engaging way to learn authentic cooking techniques in a friendly setting. With all ingredients provided, expert guidance, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s especially ideal for food lovers eager to bring a bit of Thailand into their home kitchens. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious newbie, this experience promises flavor, fun, and new skills to take away.

You can check availability for your dates here: