Taipei offers more than just its bustling night markets and soaring skyscrapers. It’s a city where you can learn traditional skills, taste authentic cuisine, and connect with local culture through engaging workshops and classes. We especially love the Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Cooking Class for its comprehensive approach to Taiwanese favorites, and the Historic Taipei Dadaocheng Cooking Class and Market Adventure, which combines history and culinary discovery. Whether you’re a foodie eager to master dumplings or a culture enthusiast interested in calligraphy, Taipei’s hands-on experiences deliver genuine insights and fun. If you’re looking to turn your trip into a memorable learning journey, these workshops offer authentic, enriching options you’ll remember long after you return home.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of cooking classes, cultural workshops, and market tours designed to immerse you in Taipei’s local traditions. From the popular Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Cooking Class to the calligraphy workshop, each experience is tailored for specific interests and skill levels. If culinary skills are your focus, options like the Taiwanese Gourmet Cooking Class or the Street Food Cooking Class are excellent choices. For cultural pursuits, the Taipei Calligraphy Workshop stands out. Each tour offers a different window into Taipei life, making the list a perfect starting point for any curiosity.
1. Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Cooking Class in Taipei
This hands-on 3-hour class is a top pick for those wanting to learn how to make Taiwanese comfort food from scratch. Led by experienced instructors, you’ll learn to craft Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), braised beef noodle soup, and bubble milk tea. The class is small, so you get plenty of attention, and the recipes are yours to keep, along with digital photos of your creations. Guests praise the instructor’s patience and the delicious results, with an overall 5.0/5 rating from 131 reviews. This experience is perfect for all skill levels, offering insight into Taiwan’s culinary traditions. Expect a lively atmosphere and a sense of achievement when you finish your dumplings and soup.
Bottom Line: Value-packed, fun, and highly rated, this class is ideal for food lovers eager to bring authentic Taiwanese flavors home.
2. Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A
For about $77, this 3-hour class immerses you in Taiwan’s traditional home-style dishes. Hosted by CookingFunTaiwan, instructors speak Japanese, English, and Chinese, making it accessible for many travelers. You’ll prepare delicious and healthy local delicacies using seasonal vegetables and fruits, with the chance to learn stories behind each dish. The class emphasizes healthy ingredients and family recipes, making it both educational and satisfying. Reviewers highlight how thorough and patient Vivian, the instructor, was—plus, receiving recipes and photos makes recreating these dishes at home easy. The communal atmosphere encourages sharing stories and laughter, creating a memorable culinary experience.
Bottom Line: This class excels at combining local flavors with storytelling, making it perfect for those wanting a personal connection to Taiwanese cuisine.
3. Historic Taipei Dadaocheng Cooking Class and Market Adventure
This 3-hour experience offers more than just cooking; it’s an immersive journey into Dadaocheng, Taipei’s historic commercial district. You’ll explore local markets, learn about traditional ingredients, and cook dishes from scratch, uncovering the stories behind Taiwan’s culinary heritage. Located on Dihua Street, the class is ideal for history buffs or anyone eager to understand Taipei’s past through its food and markets. Past participants comment on how well-organized and engaging the experience is, with plenty of local insights. The market tour adds a layer of authenticity that sets this apart from typical cooking classes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want cultural context along with their cooking, this class combines history, local markets, and delicious food.
4. Xiao Long Bao & Boba Tea Cooking Class in Taipei
In just about 2 hours, learn to make juicy Xiao Long Bao and classic bubble milk tea under the guidance of an experienced chef. This fun, interactive class emphasizes making dough from scratch and offers a gentle introduction to Taiwanese street food. Reviewers appreciate the helpful instructor and the delicious dumplings, with many noting the hands-on experience made the process enjoyable. It’s suitable for any skill level, and you’ll get to feast on your creations afterward. The shorter duration makes it a great option for travelers with limited time.
Bottom Line: A quick, lively class perfect for those who want to learn street food staples without a long commitment.
5. Xiao Long Bao, Pork Thick Soup, Bubble Milk Tea. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-B
For 2.5 hours, this class introduces you to Taiwanese light meals with dishes like Pork thick soup and Xiao Long Bao. Hosted by CookingFunTaiwan, it emphasizes seasonal ingredients and includes instruction in Japanese, English, and Chinese. Learners praise the well-organized, friendly environment and leave with recipes, making it easy to replicate the dishes at home. The approachable pace suits beginners, and the food is described as superb, with participants noting how much they enjoyed creating and tasting their dishes.
Bottom Line: Great for those seeking a relaxed, friendly class that focuses on Taiwanese comfort foods and easy-to-make dishes.
6. Street Food Cooking Class in Taipei: Gua Bao/Lu Rou Fan/Boba Tea
This 2-hour class dives into Taiwan’s beloved street food through a hands-on experience. You’ll learn to prepare Gua Bao (braised pork buns), Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice), and Bubble Milk Tea. The class is intimate, with small groups ensuring personal attention, and participants rave about how delicious and fun it is. Many state they’ll try to recreate what they learned at home and appreciate the authentic recipes and stories shared throughout. The focus on “xiao chi”—small bites—is perfect for travelers who want to understand what locals snack on daily.
Bottom Line: A lively, street-food focused class that’s perfect for snack lovers and those interested in Taiwanese “small eats” culture.
7. Taiwanese Gourmet Cooking Class in Taipei
For those wanting a more comprehensive culinary experience, this about 3-hour class covers classic Taiwanese dishes like 3-cup chicken and Karasumi fried rice. The host, Diana, shares stories behind each dish, enriching the cooking process. Participants love the small group setting, which ensures hands-on participation and personalized guidance. After cooking, everyone enjoys a multi-course feast—a satisfying culmination of the effort. Several reviews mention how approachable and professional the instructor is, making it ideal for casual cooks and more seasoned foodies alike.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those eager to learn several dishes and hear the stories tied to Taiwanese cuisine in a relaxed setting.
8. Xiao Long Bao & Pork Thick Soup. Taiwan Cooking Class B
This 2.5-hour class combines Xiao Long Bao, Pork Thick Soup, and Bubble Milk Tea for a well-rounded taste of Taiwan’s unique ingredients and cooking methods. Participants appreciate the friendly, professional instruction and the opportunity to taste everything they made, with many describing the experience as fun and very delicious. The recipes and understanding of Taiwanese ingredients make this class a good value at $65. It’s suitable for all skill levels and encourages discussion about Taiwan’s food culture.
Bottom Line: A sociable, comprehensive class ideal for anyone wanting a broad taste of Taiwan’s classic dishes.
9. Taipei Calligraphy Workshop (DIY incl.)
This 2-hour class offers a cultural side of Taipei with a hands-on calligraphy experience. Led by a patient instructor, you’ll learn about Chinese calligraphy’s history and practice creating your own artistic characters. The small group (max six) ensures focused instruction, and participants leave with their own calligraphy works. Reviewers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to learn a new skill. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon if you’re interested in Chinese arts or looking for a memorable souvenir.
Bottom Line: Perfect for arts and culture lovers, or those wanting to take home a personalized piece of Taipei’s artistic tradition.
10. Taiwanese Food Culture and Cooking Class
This 4.5-hour experience is tailored for serious foodies interested in Taiwanese food culture. You’ll visit a local market, learn about ingredients, and cook authentic dishes, all in a cozy, fully equipped studio. The class is small, with participants praising the expert guidance of Chef Wayne and the opportunity to try new teas and fruits. The detailed focus on local ingredients and cooking techniques makes it ideal for travelers who want more than just recipes—they want understanding.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those with more time and desire to explore Taiwanese culinary traditions deeply.
11. Turnip Cake, Pork Thick Soup, Tofu Pudding. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-C
For 2.5 hours, this welcoming class introduces Taiwan’s comforting light meals. Participants learn to make Turnip Cake, Pork Thick Soup, and Tofu Pudding, experiencing friendly classroom instruction. Reviewers note the well-organized sessions and delicious food. It’s especially good for those who appreciate relaxed learning and want to focus on mild, nourishing dishes. The friendly, hospitable environment reflects Taiwanese human touch.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, friendly class emphasizing simple, nourishing dishes, perfect for beginners or those seeking comfort food.
12. Taiwanese Cooking Class with Traditional Market Tour
This 3.5-hour tour combines market exploration with hands-on cooking. You’ll visit local stalls, pick ingredients, and then cook a meal from scratch in a fully equipped kitchen. It’s ideal for travelers wanting local insights and authentic ingredients. Participants often praise the personalized attention and how the experience offers tips on cooking and ingredients they can use at home. The class is perfect for foodies eager to learn seasonal Taiwanese recipes and get a behind-the-scenes look at local markets.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want an immersive, market-to-table experience with cultural context.
13. Taiwanese Baking Class with Oolong Tea Tasting in Taipei
This 2.5-hour class combines baking with tea for a sweet and relaxing experience. You’ll learn to make pineapple cakes and mung bean cakes, two iconic Taiwanese pastries. After baking, enjoy a traditional oolong tea service and take home your baked goods. Guests mention how clear and patient the instructor is, and how the beautifully packaged treats are a highlight. It’s a charming choice for pastry lovers and those interested in Taiwanese dessert traditions.
Bottom Line: Sweet, social, and flavorful, ideal for pastry fans wanting a taste of Taiwan’s famous confections.
14. Taiwanese Breakfast Cooking Class in Taipei
This 2-hour workshop introduces you to the beloved Taiwanese breakfast staples like Scallion Pancakes, Egg Crepes, and Fresh Soy Milk. Participants learn traditional recipes in a friendly environment, perfect for breakfast enthusiasts or those interested in Taiwan’s morning culture. The class is straightforward and emphasizes simple, delicious dishes that are part of daily life. Many reviewers enjoyed how approachable the experience was, making it suitable for beginners.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for early risers or anyone curious about Taiwan’s breakfast traditions.
15. Pineapple Pastry with Egg Yolk, Longan Cake, High Mountain Oolong Tea
This 2.5-hour dessert-focused class teaches you to make pineapple pastries, Longan cake, and enjoy a High Mountain Oolong Tea. The highlight is making pineapple pastries with salted egg yolk, a popular souvenir. Participants appreciate how detailed the instruction is, starting from preparing fillings to baking the pastries. Reviewers mention the friendly instructor and how the to-go box of treats makes it a perfect souvenir. This class suits dessert lovers or those wanting to learn Taiwan’s sweet side.
Bottom Line: A delightful, detailed dessert class, perfect for those with a sweet tooth or looking for authentic Taiwanese treats.
How to Choose the Right Workshop in Taipei
Picking the right experience depends on your interests and schedule. If cooking authentic Taiwanese dishes appeals, the Xiao Long Bao, Beef Noodles & Boba Tea Class offers a comprehensive taste. Want to combine culinary learning with cultural insight? The Historic Taipei Dadaocheng Class is your best pick. For art and culture enthusiasts, the Taipei Calligraphy Workshop delivers a hands-on artistic experience. Budget-conscious travelers may prefer shorter classes like the Xiao Long Bao & Boba Tea, while those with more time should consider the Taiwanese Food Culture and Cooking Class, which includes a market tour and a deep dive into local ingredients.
When booking, consider the duration, skill level required, and whether you want to include a market visit or focus solely on cooking. Early booking is recommended during peak travel seasons because these classes tend to fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
From culinary adventures to cultural craftsmanship, Taipei’s workshops and classes give travelers a chance to truly connect with local traditions. Top-rated options like the Xiao Long Bao class and the historic market experience provide authentic, fun, and memorable ways to spend your time. Whether you’re a foodie eager to recreate Taiwanese favorites or an arts lover wanting a hands-on calligraphy lesson, these experiences deliver genuine insights and skills.
For fans of food, I recommend booking the Taiwanese Gourmet Cooking Class, which offers a solid selection of dishes plus storytelling. For those interested in cultural arts, the Taipei Calligraphy Workshop stands out for its relaxed atmosphere and lasting souvenirs. Whatever your focus, these workshops are well worth planning ahead for—reserve early to secure a spot and make your Taipei trip truly memorable.