The 15 Best Cooking Classes in the USA

1.New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,000 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $43Our pick

At the New Orleans School of Cooking, a local chef prepares Creole classics while explaining roux, spices, and Louisiana food traditions. You will sample gumbo, jambalaya, seafood dishes, and desserts with beer, iced tea, or coffee. This is demonstration-only, with no hands-on cooking.

“Very good cooking demonstration with a lot of detail. The history of Louisiana and the Cajun and Creole styles of cooking was quite fabulous. The food was absolutely delicious. It was also nice to be able to have some local beer. We really learned a lot about the Louisiana culture surrounding the food and the people. I would highly recommend the class to anyone who is interested in learning more about the food and the people.”

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2.New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class with Meal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,183 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $162

At the New Orleans School of Cooking, you’ll spend about three hours preparing a full Louisiana meal in a group of no more than 10. Chefs such as Ricardo, Eric, Austin, Cindy, and Vivian teach the class, with wine, Abita Amber, recipes, and an apron included.

“This was an incredible experience. This was hands-on cooking, and I am not a cook by trade or even by interest, but I love to eat. Where do I start? The food was amazing. There was plenty to eat and drink and it was an outstanding meal, but definitely the best experience. Chef Austin is certainly a new friend. I felt like I went to his house to have dinner and met some of his other friends and we sat around the table and shared what’s best in life good people, good food and fellowship. I mean, who doesn’t love an experience. Where so much is done for you that…”

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3.Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 948 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Chef Forrest Parker leads a 90-minute walk from the Pineapple Fountain through Charleston’s historic district, linking food, architecture, and difficult history. Then watch him prepare three Lowcountry recipes at Bistro Au Vin, enjoy wine-paired lunch, and take the recipes home.

“Six of us met in Charleston for a girls weekend. From the very beginning, Chef Forrest ("Gump") set the tone with his warm, engaging personality—he is not only entertaining but also deeply knowledgeable about Charleston’s history, food, and culture. The walking portion of the tour was truly special. We explored lesser-known streets filled with stories that brought the city’s past to life. Chef wove together Charleston’s layered history with vivid detail, helping us appreciate the architecture and craftsmanship. This historical context gave us a much deeper understanding of how the city has evolved and why its culture is so unique today. The tour culminated in a beautifully prepared meal that...”

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4.New Orleans: Cajun and Creole Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 730 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $40Best value

In a renovated early-1800s molasses warehouse in the French Quarter, an English-speaking chef demonstrates dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, and pralines. You eat the finished meal with local drinks, hear New Orleans food stories, receive recipes, and get a store coupon. This is demonstration-based, not hands-on.

“I thought it was truly fantastic. we had fun great food and learned a lot. the Gumbo was great.”

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5.Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 356 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $163

At the Mardi Gras School of Cooking, you’ll spend about three hours making Cajun Holy Trinity, dark and light roux, chicken and andouille gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and bananas Foster. Chefs including Raymond, Mark, Jason, Cam, and Connor lead small groups of up to 10, with wine or soda and dinner included.

“We had a great class, chef Connor is one of the best coaches, very patient, professional, and knowledgeable. During the class, we learned a lot from him. He served our dinner and offered us a take home.”

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6.Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150

At Imu Mea ‘Ai in Pāhoa, the Men of Paʻa guide you through building an underground imu, explain its Hawaiian meaning, and cook a shared meal of kalua pork, chicken, vegetables, and kulolo. The four-hour experience begins at 10:00 am and returns to the meeting point.

“This is a highlight of our trip! Our family loved this experience and loved the food. It’s a gift to be given the opportunity to be apart of Hawaii culture and learn from the Men of Pa’a”

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7.Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $169

At Kulaniapia Farms near Hilo, you’ll tour the gardens, harvest seasonal produce, and prepare a mostly farm-grown plant-based lunch in a restored barn kitchen. Guides such as Natalie, Davey, Adrian, and Ayden have led sessions, though the team may change. Closed-toe shoes are a must.

“This was a great laid back and relaxing experience, had so much fun! Picked our own ingredients and then got to enjoy them in our meal. Small group was the way to enjoy this the most. There were just 4 of us. 4-6 is a perfect size for this experience.”

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8.Atlanta: Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 25 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Spend two hours with a guide such as Arielle, Glenn, Joy, Kristin, or Mila exploring Atlanta’s historic Municipal Market. Taste eight Southern foods from four vendors, hear stories about peaches, collards, pecans, and local bread, then make biscuits in a hands-on class.

“Loved all the food and Glenn did an excellent job of explaining the history of the Sweet Auburn Market, the women who raised the funds for it and bread all the way down to the corn and wheat. The food was delicious and who would have thought I could make yummy biscuits!”

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9.Sushi Making Class at a Local Distillery in Boston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

At Short Path Distillery in Everett, Chef Harold teaches you to make miso soup, shrimp tempura and sweet potato hand rolls, plus spicy tuna rolls. The two-hour class suits beginners and experienced cooks, with ingredients, tools, recipes and plenty of time to eat your work. Drinks cost extra.

“Chef Harold was absolutely delightful! He made the experience light hearted and unforgettable. I was excited to learn how to make hand rolls so quickly with his instruction. Our group loved hearing about his experiences as a chef and his careful approach to sushi making. We would definitely return for another class and experience with him!”

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10.New Orleans: Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 16 reviews · 4 hours · from $105

Spend four hours learning Louisiana cooking at New Orleans School of Cooking, then walk the French Quarter with an English-speaking guide such as Bob or Kimberly. Taste two included cocktails, hear the stories behind the Sazerac, and finish with live jazz at Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub.

“Cooking demonstration was great! The cocktail walking tour, not as much. Only 2 out of the 3 cocktails provided.”

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11.San Francisco: Dumpling Cooking Class & 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $135

Meet Chef Eddie at 555 Fulton Street for a three-hour, English-language dumpling class limited to eight people. Knead dough, roll skins, pleat dumplings, mix dipping sauce, and enjoy a three-course dinner with pork belly and red bean dessert.

“it was a wonderful evening. perfect for couples or small groups.”

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12.New Orleans: Traditions Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 3 hours · from $157

Join a small English-language class at Mardi Gras School of Cooking and learn New Orleans barbecue shrimp, chicken and andouille jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding. Chefs such as Raymond and Erika explain techniques, seasoning, and local food traditions, with wine, beer, sodas, and water served.

“We had a great time with Raymond and friends. Class was awesome and so much fun! Nest meal we had in New Orleans and will definitely recommend to friends and family if they visit here.”

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13.New Orleans: Food Walking Tour & Cooking Class Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 5h 30m · from $127

Spend three hours tasting through the French Quarter, then join a two-hour cooking demonstration with recipes, refreshments, and lunch at New Orleans Cooking School. Guides have included Susan and Nate, with Chef Tom leading the kitchen session. Expect classic Louisiana dishes, walking, and a full half-day.

“I enjoyed all the information on the people and different kinds of food in this area. Very interesting.”

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14.Authentic Asian Cooking Class in NYC (Includes 4-Course Meal)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $159

Spend about three hours at 136 17th St in Brooklyn with a local chef and a maximum of four people. You’ll practice knife skills, sauces, and stir-frying while preparing a four-course Asian meal. Bring wine or beer, and share dietary needs in advance.

“Chef Jame is the best. We loved this class, especially the chicken teriyaki with vegetable fried rice. Great tips by our chef and delicious food.”

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15.New Orleans: Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 7 reviews · 3 hours · from $157

In New Orleans’ French Quarter, you’ll learn Cajun and Creole cooking in a small, hands-on class. Prepare dark-roux chicken and andouille gumbo, light-roux shrimp etouffee, and bananas foster while enjoying wine, beer, soda, and water. English instruction and wheelchair access are available.

“Mark was a fantastic chef who explained everything carefully, was fun, and taught us how to make excellent dishes.”

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