The 2 Best Cooking Classes & Tours in Charleston
Charleston isn’t just famous for its charming cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture — it’s also a food lover’s paradise. The city’s Lowcountry cuisine, with its signature blend of seafood, spices, and Southern comfort, makes it an ideal place for culinary adventures. Whether you want a guided food and history tour or a hands-on cooking class, Charleston offers options that let you savor its flavors while learning stories behind each dish. Plus, the local chefs and guides pride themselves on sharing authentic, delicious experiences that go beyond typical tourist fare.
If you’re eager to learn about Charleston’s culinary scene, this guide highlights two standout experiences. One offers a half-day food, wine, and history tour with a renowned local chef, blending sightseeing and cooking in one seamless adventure. The other delivers a personalized cooking class focused on regional recipes, perfect for those who want to get their hands dirty in the kitchen. Each experience brings something unique, from historical insights to practical skills, making Charleston a top destination for foodies.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a half-day food, wine, and history tour with a cooking demonstration led by Chef Forrest Parker, rated a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on nearly 900 reviews. It combines a historic walking tour with a chef-led cooking demo and lunch, offering a well-rounded taste of Charleston’s culture and cuisine. []
The second pick is a hands-on cooking class set in a charming 19th-century building, also rated 5 stars but with fewer reviews. It’s ideal for those wanting to actively participate in creating Southern dishes like biscuits, pimento cheese, and Huguenot torte. This class provides a personalized, interactive experience perfect for small groups or families. []
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail to see which might suit your culinary curiosity best.
1. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
For about $250 per person, this 4-hour journey offers a balance of historical sightseeing, culinary education, and delicious eats. Led by Forrest Parker, a local chef with a reputation for engaging storytelling, the tour begins with a 1.5-hour walking exploration of Charleston’s historic district. You’ll pass top sights and learn about the influence of Lowcountry food on the city’s culture.
After soaking up the sights and stories, you’ll move into the kitchen with Chef Parker for a cooking demonstration. He shares recipes he’s developed based on traditional regional ingredients, giving you practical skills and insight into Charleston’s culinary roots. Best of all, you get to enjoy a lively lunch paired with wine, prepared by Parker himself. The experience is praised for its informative narration, tasty meal, and friendly guide. One reviewer calls it a “fabulous way to spend the morning” with “fascinating culinary history.”
This tour is perfect for history buffs and food lovers who appreciate a small-group atmosphere, personalized attention, and tangible recipes to take home. The value for money is high, considering the combination of sightseeing, expert-led cuisine, and a full meal. However, it’s a longer commitment and involves some walking, so it suits travelers comfortable with light physical activity.
Bottom Line: If you want a deep dive into Charleston’s history and food, combined with a relaxed, engaging atmosphere, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that’s hard to beat.
2. Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston
For around $89, this 2-hour class puts you directly in the kitchen, so you can learn to prepare authentic Southern dishes like biscuits, pimento cheese, and Huguenot torte. Hosted in a beautifully preserved 19th-century building in Charleston’s French Quarter, the class is led by experienced local instructors such as Martha and Beth, who know how to make everyone feel at home.
What makes this experience stand out is its interactive nature. Instead of watching a demonstration, you will participate in every step, from mixing ingredients to plating your dishes. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable instructors for sharing history and tips behind each recipe, making the class both educational and fun. One review notes, “We made everything from scratch and enjoyed the fruits of our labor,” emphasizing the practical skills gained.
The class is ideal for those who prefer a personal, small-group environment and want to leave with recipes and newfound confidence in the kitchen. Because it’s shorter and more hands-on, it’s a good choice for families or travelers with limited time. The focus on regional dishes makes it a great value, especially for foodies eager to replicate Charleston’s flavors at home.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an engaging, interactive cooking experience that emphasizes regional recipes, this class delivers both fun and practical skills in a charming setting.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. The half-day food, wine, and history tour offers a comprehensive look at Charleston’s cultural and culinary scene, making it ideal for those wanting a mix of sightseeing and tasting. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy walking and storytelling.
On the other hand, the hands-on cooking class is perfect if you prefer active participation and want to take home recipes. It’s a more budget-friendly option, especially for families or small groups looking for an immersive experience.
Booking early is recommended for both, especially during peak seasons. For a fuller experience combining history, culture, and cuisine, the first tour is hard to beat. But if your priority is learning techniques and regional flavors in a relaxed environment, the second offers excellent value.
Final Thoughts
Both tours showcase Charleston’s culinary charm, but they cater to different preferences. The Undiscovered Charleston food and history tour excels if you want a well-rounded cultural experience with a chef-led demonstration and a sit-down meal. Meanwhile, the hands-on cooking class is perfect for those eager to roll up their sleeves and learn practical Southern recipes.
If you’re visiting with family or looking for a shorter, more interactive activity, the cooking class fits the bill. For a more comprehensive day that combines sightseeing, history, and cuisine, the food tour offers a memorable, in-depth experience. Whatever your style, Charleston’s food scene is welcoming and flavorful — so don’t wait too long to book your spot.