Which Shanghai Cooking Classes To Choose? We Rank The 14 Best

Shanghai is one of China’s most dynamic cities, famous for its skyline, buzzing streets, and, of course, its food. But beyond just eating, why not learn how to make some of those iconic dishes yourself? Shanghai’s cooking classes offer a chance to get hands-on with local ingredients, master traditional techniques, and take home skills that will impress friends and family. We’re especially fond of Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum in Shanghai for its personalized attention and clear focus on classic bite-sized treats like dumplings and egg rolls. With options ranging from private home lessons to market visits with master chefs, there’s a cooking experience suited for almost every traveler.

Whether you want a quick online lesson or an immersive, full-day tour, Shanghai’s cooking classes are rich in flavor, culture, and fun. They’re perfect for foodies, curious travelers, or anyone who loves a good hands-on experience and authentic Chinese cuisine. Below, we’ve rounded up 14 of the best options, highlighting what makes each unique, practical details, and who they’re best suited for.

1. Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai

This private class in Shanghai’s French Concession offers a personalized culinary journey into dim sum. Under the guidance of your instructor, you’ll choose two bite-sized treats, such as dumplings, egg rolls, or desserts, and learn how to make them from scratch. The class lasts about two hours and includes all ingredients and tools, with a focus on technique and flavor. Many reviews praise the instructor’s clear teaching style and patience—perfect for beginners or those wanting to sharpen their skills.

What sets this apart is the private setting, which allows for detailed attention and customization. After making your dumplings, you get to enjoy your creations, plus some extra tips on regional flavors. At just $96, this class offers great value and an authentic experience in a relaxed environment. It’s ideal for travelers who want a hands-on, intimate experience with a focus on classic Shanghai dim sum.

Bottom Line: Personalized, fun, and delicious—this class is perfect if you want expert guidance and to take home your own dim sum.

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

For a truly immersive cultural experience, this tour combines dumpling-making with a meal hosted by a local Shanghai family. You’ll visit a market, learn about local ingredients, and then roll up your sleeves to craft delicious dumplings. The experience includes a visit to a traditional market and a home-cooked meal, plus free travel tips for exploring Shanghai and nearby areas. The highlight is the genuine interaction with a local family, making it a heartfelt way to understand Chinese home cooking.

This experience is highly affordable at just $6, making it accessible for all budgets. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in authentic cultural exchanges and those who want to see how locals shop, cook, and eat. The vegan option ensures everyone can enjoy the meal, and the added insights into Chinese medicine and culture elevate the experience.

Bottom Line: Authentic, affordable, and personal—this is perfect for travelers craving a deep cultural connection and home-style Chinese cuisine.

3. Private Home Cooking Class with Shanghai Mama

This four-hour class offers an intimate look into daily Shanghai life through a home-cooked meal. Starting with a market tour where you’ll sample snacks, you then head to your instructor’s home for a customized cooking lesson. The class includes all ingredients, snacks, bottled water, and a meal you prepare together—lively conversation included. With a small group size and personalized attention, it’s ideal for those who want to learn family recipes and get a taste of local hospitality.

Guests rave about the hospitality and knowledge of the guides, describing it as “delightful” and “delicious.” The price of around $199 per person reflects the more personalized, in-depth nature of this experience. It’s perfect for foodies interested in cultural storytelling and authentic home cooking.

Bottom Line: A relaxed, immersive experience emphasizing personal attention and local flavors—great for those eager to learn families’ secrets.

4. Wok ‘n’ Roll: Chinese Cooking Class with Local Master Chef

Led by a local, certified master chef, this class dives into the vibrant world of Chinese stir-frying. It begins with a tour of a wet market to pick fresh ingredients, followed by making two types of traditional Chinese dumplings. The chef shares stories behind each dish and reveals secrets of stir-frying with a fiery wok. The class lasts about three and a half hours and ends with a tea tasting session, enhancing your understanding of Chinese culinary traditions.

What makes this experience unique is the emphasis on technique and storytelling. The group is small, up to two people for $239, making it perfect for a couple or intimate travelers. The guide’s enthusiasm and expertise shine through, making it a lively, informative session.

Bottom Line: For those wanting to master the art of stir-frying and learn about Chinese ingredients directly from a master, this class hits the mark.

5. 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings

This class specializes in Xiaolongbao, Shanghai’s iconic soup dumplings, and lasts around two and a half hours. You’ll meet at an accessible location on Changshu Road and learn to make the dough, fill, and fold the dumplings—cooking them two ways. The instructor, Yin, is praised for her approachability and expertise, making the class lively and interactive.

Guests appreciate the focus on technique and flavor, with many comments about leaving with new recipes and skills. The class is suitable for children and adults alike, with vegetarian and vegan options available. The value shines through at only $98.88 per person, especially considering the homemade dumplings you get to eat afterward.

Bottom Line: Perfect for dumpling lovers wanting to learn from a passionate foodie, this class offers a hands-on experience with delicious results.

6. Shanghai: Authentic Chinese Cooking Class with Master Chef

This experience offers a full immersion into Chinese cuisine with a focus on making two types of dumplings and local dishes, led by an English-speaking master chef. Starting with a visit to a wet market, you’ll discover the secrets behind fresh ingredients. The class then moves to a kitchen where you’ll learn to craft authentic dishes, including traditional sauces.

Rated highly for its comprehensive approach, the class is ideal for serious foodies who want a deep dive into regional flavors. The inclusion of a market tour and the chance to make two kinds of dumplings make this experience especially rich. The price is $261 for groups up to two, reflecting its private, detailed nature.

Bottom Line: For a full hands-on lesson that covers key Chinese dishes and the importance of fresh ingredients, this class is a top choice.

7. Shanghai Cooking Dumpling and Taste Local Food w/Vegan Option

This tour combines dumpling making with tasting local Shanghai cuisine. Hosted in a host’s home, it offers a warm, welcoming environment with the chance to create your own dumplings and learn about traditional recipes. The class lasts approximately three and a half hours and costs around $86.37 per person, making it accessible and family-friendly.

The experience is praised for its authenticity and personal touch, with a focus on cultural exchange. The vegan option ensures that dietary preferences are accommodated, and the review highlights the genuine contact with local cooks.

Bottom Line: An affordable, authentic experience ideal for travelers looking for a home-style, cultural cooking class with a friendly atmosphere.

8. Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li

If you’re short on time or prefer learning from your own kitchen, this online class is a fantastic choice. Led by Sunflower Li, it focuses on authentic Chinese fried rice, with options for vegan and traditional styles. The class lasts about an hour, and you just need to prepare your ingredients beforehand.

Perfect for those wanting flexibility, this virtual lesson offers practical skills you can use back home. It’s also very budget-friendly at $20 per person. Reviewers appreciate the clarity and friendliness of the instructor, making it an engaging way to learn remotely.

Bottom Line: Great for beginners or busy travelers who want to learn a classic dish with minimal fuss and maximum flexibility.

9. 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Art Steamed Dumplings

This small group class focuses on steamed dumplings, teaching you how to marinate fillings, fold different styles, and make a tasty dipping sauce. Lasting about two and a half hours, it’s perfect for those interested in traditional Chinese dumpling art. The instructor emphasizes colorful presentation and technique.

Rated positively for its interactive approach and the chance to enjoy tea while cooking, it’s suited for those who want a more artistic cooking experience. The group size is limited to 15, ensuring plenty of individual guidance.

Bottom Line: Ideal for dumpling enthusiasts who want to learn various folding techniques and enjoy a relaxed, creative atmosphere.

10. Private Wet Market Visit with Cooking Class in Shanghai

This private half-day experience combines a wet market visit with a three-course meal cooked at a local home. Starting with a visit to see how locals shop for fresh seafood, vegetables, and herbs, you then cook a traditional meal with a guide. The class lasts about four hours, emphasizing local ingredients and cooking techniques.

Rated highly for its personalized approach and the chance to see behind the scenes of Shanghai’s food scene, it’s suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive culinary overview. The price of $238 reflects its private, detailed nature, offering a full day of learning and eating.

Bottom Line: Perfect for dedicated food lovers who want an in-depth look at local markets and home-style cooking.

11. Public Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai

This entry-level, group cooking workshop in the French Concession focuses on stir-fry cuisine. You’ll learn to cook three dishes, such as Shanghai Fried Noodles or Bean Curd Salad, and then enjoy your meal. It’s designed for travelers who want a fun, hands-on introduction at a budget-friendly $50.

Despite its lower rating, it remains a popular, accessible option for those new to Chinese cookery. It’s best suited for casual visitors who want a taste of local flavors in a lively setting.

Bottom Line: Budget-friendly and casual, ideal for first-timers wanting a quick, fun glimpse into Chinese cooking.

12. Shanghai: Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking Class with Market

For plant-based eaters, this eight-hour class stands out. You’ll learn to cook vegan soup dumplings and four vegetarian dishes, all using fresh, local ingredients. The class includes a market visit and tips on Chinese phrases to help navigate local markets.

It’s a long day, but the depth of learning about vegetarian Chinese cuisine and the focus on plant-based fillings make it well worth it. The high rating of 4.9 suggests satisfied participants appreciate the thorough, engaging experience.

Bottom Line: A comprehensive, in-depth class for vegans and vegetarians eager to explore Chinese plant-based dishes.

13. Discover the Flavors of China in an Interactive Cooking Workshop

This newer offering emphasizes interactive learning. You’ll visit a local market, then cook four dishes (two meat and two vegetarian) with a skilled chef. Afterward, enjoy your meal paired with rice or noodles, plus a tea tasting. The class aims to teach basic techniques and flavor profiles.

While it currently has no reviews, it offers a comprehensive experience suited for travelers interested in diversity in Chinese cuisine and hands-on practice. It’s priced at $119, making it a good option for those wanting variety.

Bottom Line: Suitable for those looking to explore multiple regional flavors in one session with emphasis on hands-on techniques.

14. Shanghai: Pan-Fried Bun Cooking Class with Chef

This short, two-hour class teaches you how to make Shanghai-style pan-fried buns, a crispy, savory treat. Led by a local chef, you’ll learn to knead dough, fill, and fry the buns to perfection—all in a family-style kitchen setting. It’s straightforward, practical, and focused on one iconic dish.

Without reviews listed, it’s best suited for travelers who want a quick, focused class and enjoy delicious, crispy buns. The small group size ensures good hands-on practice.

Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick yet authentic lesson on a local specialty, ideal if you’re pressed for time but want a memorable experience.

How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Shanghai

Think about your budget, time, and culinary interests. If you want a personalized experience and love the idea of making dim sum, start with the Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum. For a deeper dive into Chinese ingredients, the Authentic Chinese Cooking Class with Master Chef offers a comprehensive look.

If your goal is to learn remotely or fit a class into a busy schedule, the Online Fried Rice Class is budget-friendly and flexible. For vegetarians or vegans, the Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking Class provides in-depth plant-based culinary skills.

Finally, consider whether you want a market visit, a home experience, or a group workshop. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred date.

Final Thoughts

Shanghai offers a rich array of cooking classes, catering to all interests and budgets. From intimate private lessons to vibrant market tours and online courses, each experience provides a unique way to connect with Chinese culture through food. For a solid introduction, the Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum is hard to beat for its quality and intimacy. For those seeking a more comprehensive immersion, the Authentic Chinese Cooking Class with Master Chef offers a full deep-dive.

Whether you’re a culinary novice, a seasoned home cook, or just looking for a memorable cultural activity, these classes promise a tasty, educational, and often fun experience. Be sure to plan ahead and book early, as these popular experiences tend to fill quickly. Happy cooking!