Thailand Activities

Thai Food Cooking Schools

Thai Food is delicious and you want to learn how to cook it back home. Or maybe you just want an introductory class so you will be able to order Thai food while traveling in Thailand.

Whatever the reason, Thailand has a variety of cooking classes and schools. Some are set up in private homes while others are given by chefs of prominent hotels. Maybe the best part is that you get to eat your class work.

You will find two different teaching methods used. One is the demonstration method where students are basically an audience while another is a hands-on approach. In the latter, some class work is followed by the attendees trying their skills as a chef watches over them. Select the school and method that seems best suited to your style.

One Experience

My brother likes to cook, so on his first visit to Thailand I gave him a present in the form of a three day cooking school. Khun Aye, The woman who held the classes, used the demonstration method rather than a "hands on" approach.

Aye's classes were limited to five or six because she wanted her guests gathered around close enough to learn every detail while she ground the ingredients for her curries as she made them from scratch. Aye provided everyone with a recipe manual she had prepared so they could follow what she was doing and make notes.

From the preparation of each ingredient to the actual cooking, Khun Aye's demonstrations were thorough. She also explained about woks, from what makes a good one to the proper preparation and use. As Aye cooked she explained the details and nuances of the techniques, especially the stir frying.

Each morning Khun Aye prepared and cooked a variety of dishes. And each lunchtime the class sat down for a wonderful meal.

Then each afternoon, the chef introduced several new entrees, demonstrating her detailed preparation of each ingredient and then the cooking techniques. After cooking the selections for the afternoon, Khun Aye served them up for an early dinner.

Aye offered one, two and three day classes which were structured so that the same selections are never repeated. Dan claims that the cooking school was the highlight of his trip to Thailand.

I'm not sure whether Aye is still giving cooking classes or not, as she has opened a restaurant in downtown Chiang Rai on Paholyothin Road. Surprisingly, the place is called "Aye's" It is easy to find.

Most courses run from one day introductions to a week or even more. Menu items will be different each day so you can get a variety of experiences with soups, salads, curries, stir fried dishes and desserts.

Thai Cooking Schools in Bangkok

The Oriental Hotel

has their own cooking school which is operated as a series of demonstrations by the chef. Background on Thai cooking, techniques, fruit and vegetable carving, menu preparation and how to order Thai food. Tel 02 437-6211, 437-2918 ... The Oriental Hotel Cooking School

Baipai Thai Cooking School

is a half-day home-style hands-on experience that starts with an introduction then moves to herbs and spices before you cook four different dishes. Then there is lunch. Free hotel transfers. Tel 02-2949029

Dusit Thani Hotel Benjarong Cooking Class

is a hands-on approach to preparing items from the dining room menu. Each Saturday morning a class is held from 9:30 to 12:30. The complete course is twelve classes. Tel 02 236-6400, 236-7238

Landmark Hotel Cooking School

The Nipa Restaurant offers a thorough seven day course that is designed for beginners. Authentic food that has not been westernized includes, soups salads and entrees. Tel (02) 254-0404 ... Landmark Hotel Cooking School

UFM Baking & Cooking School

has ten-day classes ever other month that run from 8:30 until noon daily. Items are a mix of simplicity and sophistication. Sukhumvit 33 Tel 02 259-0620-3

Modern Women Institute

Opposite Samsen train station offers classes in Thai, Chinese and European cooking. The course is nine days and teaches all basic techniques of a Thai kitchen. Tel 02 279-2831, 279-2834

Thai Cooking Schools in Phuket

Culinary Workshops at The Boathouse

On Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 2:00 you can try your hand with Chef Tamanoon's menus that include appetizers, salads and main courses. A leisurely lunch follows each class. Graduates get a Boathouse certificate, apron and recipe collection. Tel 076 330015-7 Fax 076 330561 e mail boathouse@phuket.com

Hideaway School of Thai Cookery

run Monday through Friday. You can select mornings from 9:00 to 1:00 followed by lunch, or afternoons 2:00 to 6:00 followed by dinner. Starters, soups, salads, main course and dessert. Tel 076 330914. ... Hideaway School of Thai Cookery

Pat's Home

really is a cooking school at the home of Pat Teinthong near Phuket Town. Half-day classes include four dishes each session. Tel 076 213 765 Fax 076 223 847 ... Pat's Home

The Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel

has classes in Thai cooking every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon from 3:00 to 5:00 hrs. Telephone Guest Activities at 076 324 324 x 2855 for details. ... Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel

Chiang Mai Cooking Schools

Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School

has five different courses, each of which is designed as a one-day course. Select one or all five of these hands-on classes. ... Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School

Gap's School of Thai Culinary Art

located at Gap's Guest house offers a two-day Thai Cooking course. Day one is devoted to balancing the flavor of a meal, while the second teaches preparation ... Gap's School of Thai Culinary Art

Thai Food Cooking School

offers a different approach to learning the art of Thai cooking. The school is in a village outside Chiang Mai. Walk into Chef Trairat's garden to look at, smell, taste and pick fresh herbs and produce ... Thai Food Cooking School

Koh Samui Cooking Schools

Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts

During your visit to Ko Samui, take a morning or afternoon to learn Thai cooking. Classes are available Monday through Saturday ... Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts

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