The 10 Best Chinese Cooking Classes

1.Warsaw’s No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 576 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $77Our pick

At Pierogi & More in Warsaw, you’ll learn dough, fillings, folding tricks, and cooking methods in a group of up to 10. Instructors such as Daria, Patrycya, Ben, Nina, and Zuzia guide the class, which ends with a family-style pierogi meal and Polish liqueur tasting.

“Great experience, fun to see the traditional polish way of making pierogi. Patricia was a great guide. Only small complaint is that room was very hot.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto: Traditional Japanese Dumplings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $118

In a traditional Kyoto townhouse, an English-speaking instructor such as Hama, Maya, Ryo, or Yo guides you through making wrappers, choosing a filling, wrapping 10 to 12 gyoza, and cooking them. Finish with optional Samurai armor photos. Tools are provided, and the class lasts about 90 minutes.

“This was the best experience. It was so much fun to have a private gyoza class. We learned so much about the culture while making every step of the gyoza process. Truly one of the highlights of my trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Ramen & Dumpling Cooking in Tokyo with Chef/Vegan possible

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · from $102

Join Yoshi and Amo near Ekoda Station for a two-hour, hands-on class in fresh ramen and gyoza. You will make noodles, fold dumplings, prepare toppings, and build your own bowl. The small group format allows plenty of help, and vegetarian, vegan, and food-restricted meals can be arranged in advance.

“We loved traveling to this residential area! Navigating the trains was easy. First, Amo met us at the train station & then walked us to their home for the class. It was so clean & being there just felt comfortable. Yoshi had prepared the broth and meat in advance, which we learned was extremely time consuming. The cooking experience, the deliciousness of the food, and the friendly environment made it the hi light of our day. Even my picky eater teenage son loved it, he was able to customize his bowl. My personal favorite part was making the noodles. My family of 4 just loved it. I absolutely recommend you…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Flavors of Beijing: Eat Like A Real Chinese

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · from $99

Join Chef Chao for a Beijing market walk, condiment lesson, and hands-on cooking class in a local home. You may prepare dumplings, noodles, dim sum, fish, pork, or beef, with a vegetarian menu on one scheduled day. Groups are capped at 12.

“This was one of our favourite experiences in Beijing. Chao the chef was really friendly and speaks excellent English. He took us on a market tour, showing us various foods and letting us try things. We then learnt how to make dumplings. Chao demonstrated the technique and then we made our own. He taught us knife skills and how to make the dumpling, fillings and cookings. He provided all recipes and techniques on pieces of paper for us to take home. After a busy morning cooking we were then able to eat all our dumplings which are delicious. It was really fun to also experience going inside a Hutong home.…”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Beijing: Dumpling Making Workshop with Meal and Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 69 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Meet your English-speaking guide at 16:30, then learn to roll dough, prepare or work with fillings, and shape dumplings in several styles. Hosts such as Eric, Jenny, Janine, and Heyang lead the class, followed by dumplings, local dishes, tea, and drinks in a traditional Beijing setting.

“Heyang and his sister are excellent teachers. I booked this knowing nothing about how to make dumplings. But they guide you through the entire process and the meaning of dumplings in Chinese culture and cuisine. We made dozens of both meat and vegetable dumplings. I got to chat with the other participants as the dumplings were boiled. In the end, we got to eat a delicious meal and have a few beers. Highly recommended experience in Beijing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $20Best value

Join Chef Miss Sunflower Li from Beijing for a private 60 to 90 minute Zoom cooking class. Choose dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, dim sum, fried rice, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, or a vegan option. You shop for ingredients in advance, then cook from scratch at home.

“We had an absolutely amazing cooking class with Sunflower. It was both fun and very informative. We learned how to make authentic dumplings, Kung Pao chicken, and bok choy with mushrooms. We felt like we were in her home in Beijing Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Shanghai-Cooking Dumpling & Meal in Local Family-w/Vegan

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 36 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $82

Join English-speaking host Bonnie and her mother in Jing’an for a 3.5-hour Shanghai food experience. You’ll make dumplings from scratch, taste local dishes, drink tea, and get personal tips for Shanghai and nearby cities. Small groups are limited to six, with vegan options available by advance notice.

“A truly special and authentic experience. Bonnie was fantastic: very knowledgeable, kind, and professional. You can clearly tell she has hosted this experience many times, as everything is well organized and feels very natural. She explains each step calmly and really involves you in the dumpling-making process, letting you get hands-on multiple times. Bonnie’s mom is lovely and brings true family tradition to the table. Cooking with them makes you feel immediately at home. It’s wonderful to prepare dumplings from scratch, try several different types, and then enjoy them together during the final dinner, all prepared by the family. The atmosphere is warm and genuine — it truly feels like…”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi’an

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $90

Meet an English-speaking guide such as Tilla, Dodo, or Lily at your Xi’an hotel, then visit a local family home for a four-hour dumpling class. Mix dough, prepare fillings, fold jiaozi, and eat lunch with dishes such as mapo tofu, steamed fish, or stewed chicken.

“Our tour guide Tilla is very nice and kind. We have spent a splendid time with a local family. They are quite friendly. Jiao Zi is delicious! We definitely recommend this tour for everybody. Next time I plan to learn with them how to make noodles.”

Check availability →Read our full review