London: Full Day Chinese Banquet Cooking Class with Wine

If you’re a foodie eager to go beyond takeout and truly understand Chinese cuisine, this full-day cooking class in London offers an engaging, hands-on opportunity. Led by professional chefs from the School of Wok, you’ll learn to craft classic dishes like spicy Hunan beef, Jiaozi dumplings, and steamed sea bass, all while mastering essential techniques like wok stir-frying and proper knife skills. The session also includes a generous serving of wine, making it as enjoyable as it is educational.

What we really like about this experience is how approachable it feels—whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with a bit of kitchen experience, the class is designed to be inclusive and friendly. The fact that you get your own chopping station helps keep things organized, and pairing up at the wok allows for a social, collaborative vibe. Plus, the detailed focus on seasoning and sauce selection means you’ll walk away with practical skills to recreate these dishes at home.

One potential consideration is the duration—at around five hours, it’s a longer commitment than many quick classes, which might be tiring if you’re on a tight schedule. Also, the menu includes allergens like nuts, shellfish, gluten, and egg, so travelers with allergies should plan accordingly. But overall, this class suits anyone who loves Chinese food or wants to develop serious cooking skills in a fun, relaxed environment.

This experience is ideal for food lovers, cooking enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Asian cuisine who wants an immersive, practical session. Whether you’re visiting London for a few days or a local looking to sharpen your culinary repertoire, you’ll find this class both engaging and rewarding.

Key Points

• Hands-on Learning: You’ll actively cook dishes rather than just watch or sample, ensuring you learn real skills.
• Expert Guidance: Led by a professional Head Chef and Assistant Chef, with clear instructions suited for all experience levels.
• Authentic Techniques: Focus on wok cooking, knife skills, and seasoning fundamentals, useful for recreating dishes at home.
• Wine Included: A glass of wine accompanies the session, adding a relaxed, social element.
• Flexible Menu: Vegetarian options available, and allergen concerns can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
• Duration & Group Size: A comprehensive 3-hour class with small groups of 6-12 people, fostering intimacy and personalized attention.

An In-Depth Look at the Chinese Banquet Cooking Class

What Makes This Cooking Class Stand Out?

This class is more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a cultural journey into Chinese culinary traditions. The school emphasizes practical skills that translate well beyond the class, such as mastering wok techniques like stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying. The experience is designed to give everyone the confidence to cook Chinese dishes at home, whether it’s for a family dinner or impressing friends at your next dinner party.

One aspect that regular participants rave about is the quality of the wine. The inclusion of wine during the session adds a layer of enjoyment, balancing the spicy and savory flavors of the dishes. A reviewer mentioned, “The wine really lifted the experience, making it feel more like a celebration than just a cooking class,” which highlights how the wine is integrated seamlessly into the session.

The Itinerary – What Can You Expect?

The class begins with a warm welcome and introduction from your instructor, an English-speaking chef who clearly has a passion for sharing Chinese cuisine. Each participant gets their own chopping board and prep space—meaning everyone can focus on sharpening their knife skills and understanding ingredient textures without feeling rushed.

First, you’ll learn knife techniques with a Chinese cleaver, covering how to slice and chop ingredients efficiently. A reviewer noted, “It was surprisingly satisfying to learn how to handle a Chinese cleaver properly. It really changed how I approach vegetable prep.” Once comfortable, you’ll move on to wok skills, practicing stir-frying and steaming techniques that are fundamental to authentic Chinese cooking.

The menu includes a variety of dishes, starting with vegetable Chow Mein and stir-fried Green Beans in Chili Hoisin Sauce—both quick to prepare but packed with flavor. The highlight is the preparation of Hunan beef, known for its spicy kick, and Jiaozi dumplings, which involve folding and sealing techniques. The class concludes with steaming a whole Sea Bass, an elegant yet approachable dish that demonstrates Chinese steaming skills.

Technique and Flavor – What Will You Learn?

The class emphasizes fundamentals—from selecting the right sauces like soy, oyster, black bean, and sweet and sour—to understanding how to balance flavors for maximum impact. The chefs teach how garlic, ginger, and sauces can transform simple ingredients into memorable dishes.

A participant shared, “I appreciated how the chefs explained the reason behind each seasoning choice, making me feel more confident to experiment at home.” This focus on seasoning fundamentals ensures you’ll leave with knowledge that’s practical and easy to apply.

The Practical Side – Group Dynamics and Comfort

With groups limited to 12, the class maintains a friendly, approachable atmosphere. Cooking at the hob is done in pairs, encouraging teamwork and conversation. Some guests mention that working in pairs helps reduce the pressure, especially for newcomers.

The school encourages bringing Tupperware for leftovers, which many do, making the most of the hearty, freshly cooked dishes. The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable yet comprehensive session that fits well into a day of sightseeing or exploring London.

Accessibility and Dietary Requirements

The class is accommodating to vegetarians and those with allergies, provided you inform the staff in advance. The menu may contain allergens such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, and egg, but the team is willing to suggest alternatives. This flexibility makes it a good choice for a variety of dietary needs.

Price and Value

At $264 per person, this isn’t the cheapest cooking class you’ll find, but it offers excellent value considering the length, quality of instruction, and inclusion of wine. You leave with practical skills, delicious dishes to recreate, and memorable experiences that justify the cost.

Final Impressions

We loved the way the class balances hands-on participation with expert guidance, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned cooks. The focus on authentic techniques, combined with the social aspect of cooking and wine, creates a warm, engaging environment. The dishes you prepare are both impressive and approachable, perfect for impressing friends or simply enjoying a good meal at home.

Who Is This Cooking Class Ideal For?

This experience is best suited for food lovers eager to understand Chinese cuisine beyond takeout, cooking enthusiasts wanting to sharpen their wok skills, or anyone looking for a fun, educational activity during a London visit. It’s also great for couples or small groups, thanks to its intimate format and paired cooking stations.

However, if you’re on a very tight schedule or aren’t comfortable with longer commitments, you might find the 5-hour duration a bit extensive. Also, travelers with nut, shellfish, gluten, or egg allergies should contact the provider beforehand to ensure suitable alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class welcomes all experience levels, including complete beginners. The instructors are patient, and each participant gets a dedicated prep station, making it easy to follow along.

How many people are in the class?
The class sizes range from 6 to 12 students, fostering a relaxed, intimate environment where everyone can participate actively.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarians can be accommodated upon request. It’s best to inform the staff in advance to ensure suitable ingredients and recipes.

Can I take leftovers home?
Absolutely. Bringing Tupperware is encouraged so you can enjoy your homemade dishes later.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You’ll create dishes such as Hunan beef, Jiaozi dumplings, vegetable Chow Mein, stir-fried Green Beans in Chilli Hoisin, and steamed Sea Bass.

Does the class include any beverages?
Yes, a glass of wine is included, which you’ll enjoy as part of the experience, adding a convivial touch.

How long is the class?
The session lasts around 3 hours, making it a substantial yet manageable activity during your day.

Is there a specific dress code?
No special attire is necessary, but comfortable clothing and an apron are recommended.

Are there any allergens I should be aware of?
The menu may contain nuts, shellfish, gluten, and egg. Please inform the provider if you have allergies so they can suggest suitable alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day Chinese Banquet Cooking Class with Wine in London offers a delightful blend of education, authentic flavors, and social fun. You’ll develop practical skills that extend into your own kitchen and gain confidence in cooking Chinese dishes from scratch. The inclusion of wine and the small group setting make it a relaxed, memorable experience.

Whether you’re a culinary novice looking to learn new techniques or a seasoned cook wanting to deepen your understanding of Chinese cuisine, this class provides excellent value and a taste of true culinary artistry. The friendly atmosphere and expert guidance ensure that you’ll leave not only with new skills but also with a full belly and a smile.

This experience is perfect for foodies, cultural explorers, and anyone wanting a hands-on, fun, and authentic culinary adventure in London.