Baltimore stands out as a city where history, culture, and local flavors blend seamlessly. But what often gets overlooked is its lively scene of interactive workshops and cooking classes. These experiences offer more than just a taste of local cuisine—they provide a chance to connect with talented chefs and learn skills you can take home. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a curious beginner, or someone wanting a unique souvenir, Baltimore’s workshops are well worth exploring. Authentic, fun, and often surprisingly affordable, these classes make for memorable travel moments that go beyond sightseeing.
If you’re considering a hands-on culinary experience, you’ll find options ranging from Thai cooking to Italian pasta, sushi, and more. Each offers a different taste of the city’s diverse food scene, with knowledgeable instructors guiding you every step of the way. To help you choose, here’s a quick overview of the top workshops.
Quick Overview
This list features four standout workshops and classes in Baltimore, each offering a unique culinary or crafting experience. From mastering Thai red curry (see more here) to creating authentic Italian pasta (details here), each class combines hands-on learning with cultural insights. For sushi lovers, there’s a beginners sushi class (view info here), perfect for those new to rolling. Finally, a lively Italian pasta-making class offers a chance to craft your own creamy Alfredo sauce (see more here).
Now, let’s look at each in detail to see which one suits your interests best.
1. Thai Curry Cooking Class with Local Chef in Baltimore
At number 1, this Thai curry class offers an immersive look into authentic Thai cooking. For around $75 per person, you spend approximately 2 hours with a talented chef in Baltimore, learning how to make red Thai curry from scratch. The class starts with making red curry paste—a mix of lemongrass, chili, garlic, and other fresh ingredients—giving you insight into Thai flavor profiles. Then, you’ll cook tender chicken in a fragrant, spice-laden sauce, paired perfectly with steamed rice.
What makes this class stand out is the focus on authenticity and hands-on participation. The chef shares stories about the dishes’ origins, adding depth to the experience. While reviews are sparse, the process of creating a complex dish in just two hours is efficient and satisfying. This class is ideal for travelers who enjoy spicy food and want to learn culinary skills they can replicate at home. The intimate, focused format makes it suitable for both beginners and more experienced cooks interested in expanding their repertoire.
Bottom line: If you love bold flavors and want to learn one of the most iconic Thai dishes, this class offers good value in a short, focused session.
2. Sushi Making Class for Beginners in Baltimore
Next, at number 2, is the Sushi Making Class for Beginners. Priced at $75, this approximately 2-hour session provides a fun, hands-on introduction to sushi techniques. The instructor, with a background in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu, guides you through rolling California rolls, vegetable sushi, and more. Located in a lively, wine-centric venue, the class is designed for those with no prior experience and ensures a relaxed, social atmosphere.
While the review count is zero, the reputation of the chef and the interactive nature of the class suggest it’s a rewarding activity for foodies eager to try their hand at sushi. You’ll learn to prepare rice, handle nori, and roll with confidence—skills that can be practiced at home. The class also offers a chance to meet fellow foodies, making it as much a social event as a cooking lesson. If you’re interested in Japanese cuisine or looking for a fun activity with friends, this class ticks the box.
Bottom line: Beginner-friendly, engaging, and educational, this sushi class is perfect for those curious about sushi-making without needing prior experience.
3. Baltimore : Sushi Making Class for Beginners
At number 3, this beginner sushi class offers a similar hands-on experience with a focus on learning to make different types of sushi, including California and vegetable rolls. With a review score of 4.2 out of 5, it’s clearly popular among attendees seeking approachable, interactive instruction. The class lasts around 2 hours, with flexible start times to fit your schedule.
The instructor provides personalized attention, ensuring everyone gets hands-on practice in rolling and assembling sushi. The class also emphasizes making fun, tasty dishes that don’t require experience—perfect for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers. The social aspect is a highlight, making it more than just cooking; it’s an enjoyable chance to meet others who share your interest in food.
This class is ideal if you want to learn practical skills in sushi-making in a friendly environment. While it’s similar to the previous class, its higher review score suggests a slightly more polished experience.
Bottom line: If you’re after a friendly, interactive sushi class with a high success rate, this session offers great value and fun.
4. Baltimore : Italian Pasta Making Class for Beginners
Finally, the Italian Pasta Making Class is the most highly rated on our list, with an impressive 4.9/5 score. For $75, you gain a 2-hour experience learning to create authentic Alfredo pasta from scratch with fresh ingredients. The instructor, a world-class chef with extensive experience, guides you through making pasta dough, shaping classic pasta varieties, and preparing a creamy Alfredo sauce—a staple of Italian cuisine.
What makes this class unique is its focus on technique and authenticity, giving you skills that can be used for future cooking adventures. The social atmosphere, combined with expert guidance, ensures you walk away with confidence in your pasta skills. The class is well-suited for those who love Italian food or want a comprehensive, hands-on experience that’s more than just a quick recipe. Plus, the high rating indicates that participants find this class especially rewarding.
Bottom line: Offering exceptional value, this class is perfect for food lovers wanting a full, authentic Italian experience they can recreate at home.
How to Choose the Right Workshop
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and culinary interests. If you love spicy flavors and Thai cuisine, the Thai curry class (see more here) offers a focused, authentic experience. For sushi lovers or those curious about Japanese cuisine, the sushi classes (see details here) and (more info here) provide approachable, social environments. Want to impress friends with Italian dishes? The pasta class (check it out here) combines professional instruction with a delicious payoff.
Budget-wise, all options are similarly priced at around $75, with the pasta class standing out for its high reviews and comprehensive focus. If you’re short on time but want a rewarding experience, each class’s 2-hour format makes them easy to fit into your schedule. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular classes, to secure your spot.
Summing It All Up
Baltimore’s workshops cover a variety of interests, from authentic Thai cooking to mastering pasta and sushi. For those eager to learn spice-laden recipes, the Thai Curry Cooking Class is an excellent choice. Sushi lovers will find both beginner classes engaging and social, perfect for dipping your toes into Japanese cuisine. And if Italian food is your passion, the Pasta Making Class offers a high-rated, immersive experience that will leave you with skills and a full belly.
No matter your preference, these classes provide practical skills and memorable experiences that go beyond the usual sightseeing. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure you don’t miss out on these hands-on Baltimore adventures.