London: Vegetarian Korean Cooking Class with Wine

Imagine spending an afternoon in London learning how to make delicious vegetarian Korean dishes, from kimchi to bibimbap, all while enjoying a glass of wine. For $156 per person, you can join a 3-hour hands-on experience led by expert chefs at the School of Wok. This class offers a wonderful blend of culinary skills, cultural insight, and lively conversation, making it a great choice for foodies eager to explore beyond typical tourist fare.

What we love most about this experience is how interactive it is: you’ll get your hands dirty with knife skills and seasonings, and you’ll walk away with practical recipes and confidence to recreate these dishes at home. Plus, the chance to sample wine while cooking adds a relaxed, social vibe. Our only consideration is that it’s a fairly focused experience—if you’re after a broader culinary tour of Korea, this might be more of a specialty class than a full culture.

This experience is perfect for food lovers, vegetarians, or anyone curious about Korean cuisine who wants a fun, educational, and delicious activity during their London trip. If you enjoy making authentic food in a friendly setting, this class will suit you well.

Key Points

Hands-on learning: Gain practical skills like knife techniques and seasoning secrets.
Authentic dishes: Prepare kimchi, vegetarian kimbap, and bibimbap from scratch.
Cultural insights: Discover core Korean flavors like gochujang and sesame oil.
Relaxed atmosphere: Enjoy wine and soft drinks as you cook and eat.
All ingredients provided: No need to bring anything but your enthusiasm.
Take-home skills: Receive a digital recipes pack to recreate the dishes later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Look at the Korean Vegetarian Cooking Class in London

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at Korean vegetarian cuisine, this class offers an excellent opportunity. The School of Wok—a well-regarded provider in London—hosts this 3-hour experience that balances instruction, hands-on practice, and tasting. Priced at $156 per person, it offers good value considering the level of engagement, the quality of instruction, and the included food and drinks.

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What’s Included and How It Works

From the outset, you’re welcomed with all necessary ingredients and equipment, including your own chopping board and prep space. You’ll be introduced to the core flavors of Korean cooking — think gochujang (red chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, doenjang (fermented soybean paste), and gochugaru (red pepper flakes) — learning how to balance these bold tastes.

Led by a professional Head Chef and an assistant, you’ll learn essential knife skills, especially how to handle a Chinese cleaver with precision—key for preparing ingredients like vegetables and herbs. We loved the way the chef emphasized techniques for slicing and dicing, which made us more confident in our own home cooking.

Focus on Vegetarian Dishes

The star dishes—kimchi, Yachaejeon (vegetable pancake), and vegetarian kimbap—are prepared from scratch. Making kimchi involves more than just mixing ingredients; you’ll learn about the fermentation process and how to prepare vegetables properly. The Yachaejeon recipe teaches how to get a perfect crispy exterior and tender inside, while the vegetarian kimbap (Korean sushi roll) introduces you to the art of rolling and cutting.

The Bibimbap Experience

A highlight is cooking bibimbap in a traditional hot stone bowl. This part of the class showcases Korean flavor layering: balancing sweet, spicy, savory, and sour elements. The chef explains how to heat and maintain the hot stone bowl to get that crisp, slightly burnt rice crust—a crucial detail for authentic bibimbap. It’s a dish that’s both visually appealing and satisfying, especially when topped with fresh vegetables and a spicy gochujang sauce.

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The Social Side and Tasting

The class is designed for 6 to 12 participants, fostering a friendly atmosphere where everyone can participate comfortably. Pairs cook at the hob, and the chefs share tips on ingredient swaps and techniques. We appreciated the relaxed vibe, complemented by unlimited soft drinks and a glass of wine or beer—a thoughtful touch that makes the experience more enjoyable.

At the end of the session, everyone sits down to enjoy their creations together. The leftovers are yours to take home, and the digital recipe pack ensures you can continue practicing at your own pace.

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Value and Practicality

For the price, you’re getting not just a cooking class, but a culinary adventure into Korean vegetarian cuisine. The focus on core ingredients and techniques means you’ll leave with skills that can be applied repeatedly. Plus, with the included apron hire, all you need is your enthusiasm.

The class is also accommodating for those with dietary restrictions—all ingredients are provided, and special options such as Halal are available in many classes if requested in advance. This flexibility is greatly appreciated.

Who Will Enjoy It Most?

If you’re someone who loves learning new recipes, this is a fantastic choice. It’s especially ideal for vegetarians or those interested in Korean food but don’t want to venture into meat-based dishes. It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate interactive, social experiences with a focus on authentic flavors. Keep in mind, it’s a multi-sensory culinary experience, so if you’re looking for a quick taste or a full-depth cultural tour, this might be more limited.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Book ahead: The class typically hosts 6-12 people, so spots fill quickly.
Dietary needs: Inform the team in advance if you have allergies or specific requirements.
Age restriction: Participants should be at least 16 or accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation policy: Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Location: Located conveniently in South East England, accessible by public transport.
What to bring: Nothing—everything is provided, including aprons and ingredients.

Why We Think This Is a Great Choice

This experience offers instant gratification: you learn practical skills, enjoy delicious food, and take home new recipes, all in just three hours. It’s a perfect activity for foodies, curious travelers, or couples looking for a memorable, engaging outing in London. The combination of hands-on cooking, cultural insights, and social relaxation with wine makes it a well-rounded option.

For those who want to expand their culinary repertoire or just enjoy a fun, interactive meal with friends, this class hits the right notes. Its focus on vegetarian dishes adds a thoughtful dimension, appealing to health-conscious and ethical eaters alike.

FAQ

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes, no prior cooking experience is necessary. The chefs explain each step clearly, and all ingredients and equipment are provided.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
Absolutely. Soft drinks are unlimited, and wine or beer is included if you want it—there’s no pressure.

Are ingredients allergen-free?
All ingredients are provided, but some dishes may include nuts, shellfish, gluten, or egg. The team can offer alternatives for certain allergies if you notify them in advance.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll learn to prepare kimchi, Yachaejeon (vegetable pancake), vegetarian kimbap, and bibimbap in a hot stone bowl.

How many people are in each class?
Typically, 6 to 12 participants, creating a friendly and interactive environment.

Is there a way to see the recipes before the class?
Yes, a digital recipe pack is provided after the session, so you can practice at home.

Can I take leftovers home?
Yes, leftovers are yours to enjoy later.

What should I wear?
An apron is included—just wear comfortable clothes suitable for cooking.

Is the class suitable for children?
Participants should be at least 16 years old, or accompanied by an adult.

To sum it up, the London Vegetarian Korean Cooking Class with Wine offers a fantastic blend of culinary education, cultural exploration, and social fun. It’s ideal for those who enjoy hands-on experiences and want to bring authentic Korean flavors into their home cooking. With thoughtful details, friendly guides, and mouthwatering dishes, it provides a memorable way to spend part of your London trip—especially if you love learning new skills in a relaxed environment.