Melbourne is a food lover’s paradise, famous for its diverse culinary scene and vibrant multicultural communities. What better way to learn about this city’s flavors than through a hands-on cooking class? Whether you want to master traditional Chinese dumplings, explore Indian curries, or learn the secrets of Australian cuisine, Melbourne offers a variety of engaging options. We particularly like the Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink for its approachable format, friendly atmosphere, and the chance to enjoy a signature dish you made yourself. Walking away with new skills and a delicious meal is hard to beat.
Melbourne’s culinary classes stand out for their authenticity, expert instruction, and local flavor. With options spanning Asian street food, French finesse, Indian spice, and local Australian dishes, there’s something for every palate and schedule. Below, we’ve curated a list of the top nine cooking experiences, highlighting what makes each unique and helping you pick the best fit.
1. Melbourne: Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink
At number one, this Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class offers a hands-on experience making the iconic Asian snack from scratch. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll learn how to make your own dough, pick fillings like beef, pork, tofu, or chicken, and master the basic techniques needed to create perfect dumplings. The class emphasizes both technique and culture, making it perfect for foodies eager to understand Chinese cuisine more deeply.
What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to sit down and enjoy your creations, complemented by a drink, or take them home to share. With a 5/5 rating from 12 reviews and a reasonable price of $98, it’s a popular choice for its balance of authenticity, fun, and value. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick, interactive culinary lesson and a taste of China right in Melbourne.
Bottom Line: This class combines practical skills with cultural flavor, making it a top pick for beginners and dumpling aficionados alike.
2. Melbourne: Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass
Next on our list is the Choose Your Asian Cuisine Masterclass, which celebrates Melbourne’s multicultural food scene. Over three hours, you’ll learn to cook signature dishes from countries like Thailand, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, or China. The class is led by chefs who draw on their own travel experiences to bring authentic flavors and techniques to your kitchen.
This class scores a perfect 5/5 from 2 reviews and costs $130 per person. What makes it particularly appealing is the variety—it caters to all tastes and offers a broader perspective than just one cuisine. You can sit down to enjoy the meal at the end or take the recipes home. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore multiple Asian cuisines in one session and appreciate authentic, chef-led instruction.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a wide-ranging Asian culinary experience and the chance to recreate dishes from multiple countries.
3. Indian Cooking Master Class
For those interested in spices and vibrant flavors, the Indian Cooking Master Class offers a deep dive into India’s culinary diversity. In about three hours, you’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like chicken tikka masala, palak paneer, and homemade naan. The class emphasizes regional differences, so you’ll gain an understanding of the varied techniques across India’s culinary landscape.
Rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, this small-group experience is praised for its friendly instructor, Dylan, who makes everyone feel at ease. The class is vegetarian-friendly and offers more personalized attention. You’ll finish with a flavorful Indian meal and recipes to recreate at home, making it perfect for foodies interested in spice, technique, and regional history.
Bottom Line: Ideal for anyone wanting to master Indian dishes with an experienced chef in a relaxed setting.
4. Street Food of Asia Cooking Class
The Street Food of Asia Cooking Class is a lively 2.5-hour experience focused on finger foods from Japan, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. This class is perfect if you’re a fan of quick, flavorful bites like spring rolls, sushi, or satay. It includes instruction on simple yet iconic street foods, with equipment and utensils provided—including an apron. After cooking, everyone enjoys the meal with sparkling wine or beer, included in the price.
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, this class is popular for its relaxed, group-friendly atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers of varying culinary skills who want to taste and learn quickly. The recipes are simple enough to recreate at home, making it a good value at $133.73.
Bottom Line: A fun, casual way to learn street food techniques while enjoying drinks in a friendly environment.
5. Private Market Tour and Australian Cooking Class with a Local Chef in her Home
For a personalized experience, the Private Market Tour and Australian Cooking Class combines shopping and cooking in one. Over 5–6 hours, you’ll tour a local market with a professional chef, selecting fresh ingredients, then head to her home to prepare three Australian dishes. The class includes a detailed market tour, step-by-step cooking, and a shared meal with wine or beer.
This experience is highly individual, with just one review but excellent reviews for its personalized attention and authentic local ingredients. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting an in-depth, immersive day and a chance to learn about local produce.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a comprehensive, private experience and a deeper understanding of Australian ingredients and cuisine.
$240.00 per person
6. Chinese Cooking Class Master
The Chinese Cooking Class Master offers a three-hour, hands-on journey into authentic Chinese cooking. The class covers multiple classic recipes, focusing on techniques and knife skills, making it suitable for various skill levels. You’ll cook under the guidance of a chef who provides all ingredients and tools, then enjoy the meal together with wine or beer.
Rated 3/5 from 1 review, it’s a straightforward experience, emphasizing practice and technique. It’s a good option for those with some cooking experience or those looking for a solid introduction to Chinese cuisine in a structured setting.
Bottom Line: A practical choice to learn Chinese cooking fundamentals, ideal for those wanting clear instruction and a shared meal.
$120.77 per person
7. Melbourne: French Cooking Class with Chef Jacqui
At number seven, this French Cooking Class invites you into a relaxed environment to prepare a 3-course French meal. Over 4.5 hours, Chef Jacqui guides you through making everything from starters to dessert, culminating in a long, shared French lunch.
While no reviews are available, the focus on seasonal, sustainable ingredients and the opportunity to work alongside a professional chef make it an attractive option for those interested in French cuisine. It’s suitable for foodies who want a leisurely, immersive experience with a gourmet payoff.
Bottom Line: For lovers of French food who want hands-on cooking and a long, convivial lunch, this offers a memorable culinary journey.
$162 per person
8. Private Modern Australian Cooking Class with a Professional Chef in Melbourne
This Private Modern Australian Cooking Class is a 5-hour personalized experience. Led by a chef in her home, it covers three Australian dishes, with flexibility for dietary needs. You might learn to prepare fresh oysters, trout, or unique desserts, finishing with a meal paired with wine.
Rated 0/5 from no reviews yet, it’s a newer offering but promises tailored instruction and insight into local ingredients. It’s suited for travelers who prefer a private, customizable experience and want to learn about contemporary Australian cuisine.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a private, flexible culinary lesson focusing on Australian ingredients and flavors.
$200.00 per person
9. Thai Cooking Class
The Thai Cooking Class offers a 3-hour hands-on session with professional Chef tuition, featuring authentic Thai ingredients and recipes. Completed with a glass of sparkling wine, it’s a lively, social experience perfect for groups or families wanting to enjoy Thai food and learn simple, flavorful techniques.
Rated no reviews yet, it’s a newer option that promises a fun, interactive experience suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Bottom Line: A good choice for those wanting an authentic Thai experience in a relaxed, social setting.
$132.91 per person
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Melbourne
When selecting a cooking class, consider your budget, time availability, and culinary interests. If you’re after quick and fun street food, the Street Food of Asia is perfect. For a deep dive into Indian spices, the Indian Cooking Master Class offers rich flavors and regional insights. If you prefer a private, personalized experience, the Market Tour and Australian Cooking Class or the Private Modern Australian are excellent.
Booking early is advisable for popular classes, especially those with limited availability or unique experiences. Think about your skill level and whether you prefer a group or private lesson—this can influence your comfort and learning outcome.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne’s range of cooking experiences caters to all tastes and schedules. For those seeking a quick, fun intro to Chinese dumplings, the first class offers excellent value. If exploring multiple Asian cuisines excites you, the Choose Your Asian Cuisine Masterclass delivers variety and authenticity. Food lovers who want a more immersive adventure might enjoy the private Australian or market-based classes.
No matter your choice, booking in advance will ensure you secure a spot in these popular classes. With options that vary from casual street food lessons to long French lunches, Melbourne truly has a culinary class for every traveler eager to roll up their sleeves and learn.