London: Malaysian Cooking Class with Wine

If you’re craving a taste of Southeast Asia without leaving London, the Malaysian Cooking Class with Wine from the School of Wok might just be the experience you’re looking for. This 3-hour session offers a hands-on introduction to Malaysian dishes, from perfecting curry pastes to stir-frying iconic dishes like Char Kway Teow. It’s suitable for food lovers eager to expand their culinary skills and get a genuine peek into Malaysian flavors — with the bonus of enjoying a glass of wine while you cook.

What we particularly love about this class is its focus on authentic techniques. You won’t just be following a recipe; you’ll learn how to make aromatic curry pastes from scratch and master the art of balancing flavors, all in a friendly, professional environment. That said, the class is quite immersive, so if you’re a complete beginner or not comfortable handling heat and spices, it’s worth knowing you’ll be actively involved.

One possible consideration is the price point at $156 per person. While it includes all ingredients, equipment, and a digital recipe pack, it’s on the higher end for a three-hour class. But, for the quality of instruction and the experience of leaving with new skills and a meal to take home, many will find it well worth the spend. This class is best suited for curious foodies, couples, or small groups who value authentic culinary techniques and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Key Points

• Authentic Malaysian Recipes: Learn to make dishes like Char Kway Teow and Rojak Salad from scratch.
• Expert Guidance: Professional chefs guide every step, sharing tips on balancing flavors and heat.
• All-Inclusive: Ingredients, equipment, apron hire, soft drinks, and wine/beer are included.
• Hands-On Experience: Active participation ensures you gain practical skills, not just watch-and-learn.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and book now to pay later.
• Suitable for Adults: Participants must be at least 16, with options for dietary restrictions.

What to Expect from the Malaysian Cooking Class

The class kicks off with a warm welcome at the School of Wok’s London location. The friendly atmosphere immediately sets the stage for a relaxed, engaging experience. You’ll be introduced to a professional instructor, usually an English-speaking chef with a passion for sharing Malaysian culinary secrets. Alongside a knowledgeable teaching assistant, the class is designed to keep everyone involved and entertained.

Learning to Make Curry Pastes from Scratch

The first focus is on creating authentic curry pastes. Using a pestle and mortar, you’ll learn how to grind fresh herbs and spices — a cornerstone technique in Malaysian cooking. Reviewers mention that the chefs are happy to share insider tips on how to get the perfect aromatic blend, emphasizing the importance of balancing ingredients like turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and chili.

The benefit? This skill lets you take home not just the dishes but the knowledge to replicate the flavors in your own kitchen. Plus, you’ll get insight into the essential herbs and spices that define Malaysian cuisine, which can often be overlooked in Western grocery stores.

Mastering Iconic Dishes

Next, the class moves onto the stir-fry station. You’ll learn how to heat the wok properly and stir-fry vegetables, meats, and seafood to develop that characteristic smoky flavor. The chef explains that timing and heat control are critical, and you’ll get hands-on practice to perfect your technique.

Dishes like Char Kway Teow are highlighted as favorites. The experienced instructors guide you through achieving the right balance of sweetness, saltiness, and smokiness — a skill that transforms a simple stir-fry into an authentic experience. Participants have noted that this part of the class is lively and interactive, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and tweak your dish to your taste.

Creating Rojak Salad

The final dish is Rojak, a tangy and refreshing salad with fruits, vegetables, and a distinctive prawn paste sauce. The recipe encourages creativity, and the chef offers tips on balancing flavors — spicy, sour, sweet, and salty — to produce a truly authentic Rojak. It’s a fun, tactile dish that showcases Malaysian street food culture.

Enjoying a Glass of Wine

Throughout the session, you’ll be served unlimited soft drinks and a choice of wine or beer. This casual addition makes the experience feel more like a social gathering, and many reviews mention how well the drinks complement the flavors of the dishes you’re preparing. After cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creations — a satisfying reward for your efforts.

The Practicalities

The class lasts approximately three hours, a duration that strikes a good balance between detail and enjoyment. The group size is generally small, ensuring personalized attention. All ingredients and equipment are provided, and any leftovers are yours to take home.

Participants have appreciated the digital recipe pack, which captures the techniques learned and recipes to recreate later. Apron hire is included, so you can focus on cooking without worrying about dirty clothes.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At $156, this class is priced higher than many standard cooking experiences in London. However, considering the comprehensive nature of the class, the quality of instruction, and all-inclusive amenities, many find it justified. The focus on authentic techniques and the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs add significant value.

The experience is particularly worth it if you’re eager to expand your culinary skills, love Malaysian cuisine, or want an interactive activity that combines learning, socializing, and tasting. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer to see a new cuisine in a hands-on setting rather than just eating at a restaurant.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This Malaysian Cooking Class is perfect for adults looking for an engaging, educational activity in London. It suits foodies who appreciate authentic flavors and enjoy cooking from scratch. It’s also great for small groups or couples seeking a memorable, shared experience. If you have dietary restrictions, the instructors are willing to accommodate allergies and Halal options, which adds to its appeal.

However, it’s less suitable for children under 16, or those expecting a quick, casual cooking demo. The focus on technique and active participation means you’ll need to be ready to get involved.

The Sum Up

This experience offers a genuine introduction to Malaysian cuisine, with an emphasis on technique, flavor balancing, and fun. It’s a well-structured, detail-rich class that provides the tools to recreate authentic dishes at home. The inclusion of wine and the opportunity to take home leftovers make it feel like a complete social event, not just a cooking lesson.

While the cost might be a consideration, many will find the depth of knowledge, quality of ingredients, and professional guidance worth the investment. Whether you’re a cooking novice or an experienced home chef eager to add new dishes to your repertoire, this class delivers both practical skills and a memorable cultural experience.

In short, if you want to learn how to cook Malaysian food in a friendly, supportive environment while enjoying a drink and some good company, this class checks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed to be accessible for all skill levels. The chefs guide you step-by-step, making it easy to follow even if you’re new to Malaysian cuisine.

Are ingredients and equipment provided?
Absolutely. All ingredients, cooking equipment, and apron hire are included in the price.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, the instructors are happy to accommodate allergies and dietary needs where possible. Halal options are often available.

What drinks are included?
Unlimited soft drinks are available throughout the class, along with a choice of wine or beer for the meal afterward.

How long is the class?
The session lasts around three hours, offering enough time to learn, cook, and enjoy your food.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I buy a recipe book or merchandise?
These are available to purchase after the class, but they’re not included in the price.

Is it suitable for children?
Participants must be at least 16 years old. The experience isn’t recommended for younger children.

What’s the group size?
While the exact number varies, the class tends to be small, ensuring personalized attention from the chef.

Do I need to bring anything?
Nope. Everything you need is provided, just bring your enthusiasm and appetite!

Overall, this Malaysian cooking class in London offers a practical, engaging, and authentic culinary experience. Whether you’re looking to impress friends with your new skills or simply enjoy a fun foodie activity, it’s a worthwhile investment in both knowledge and flavor.