London: Full Day Chinese Banquet Cooking Class with Wine

Discover Authentic Chinese Cooking in London: A Full-Day Banquet Class

If you’re dreaming of bringing the vibrant flavors of China into your own kitchen, this full-day Chinese banquet cooking class in London offers an engaging, hands-on experience. Taught by professional chefs from the School of Wok, for around $264 per person, you’ll spend about five hours learning not just recipes but fundamental techniques like wok stir-frying, steaming, and knife skills. This class is set in a friendly, well-structured environment, perfect for those who love to cook or simply want to deepen their understanding of Chinese cuisine.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the depth of skills you develop — from mastering a Chinese cleaver to balancing seasonings like soy, oyster, and black bean sauces. Plus, the chance to enjoy a glass of wine while you cook adds a relaxed, convivial touch. The class size—ranging from 6 to 12 participants—means personalized attention without feeling crowded.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the menu may contain allergens such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, and egg. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, the provider is accommodating with prior notice. Also, this experience is best suited for those aged 16 and above, making it a great activity for curious food lovers, couples, or small groups wanting an authentic taste of China without leaving London.

This experience is ideal for adventurous cooks or travelers who want a practical, enriching activity that leaves them with new skills and delicious recipes to try at home. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned home chef, you’ll find value in the detailed instruction and the opportunity to create a banquet of Chinese favorites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Hands-on Techniques: Learn wok stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying, essential for authentic Chinese dishes.
Knife Skills: Master the Chinese cleaver for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients efficiently.
Flavor Foundations: Discover how to balance seasonings using garlic, ginger, soy, oyster, and other sauces.
Authentic Dishes: Make dishes like Hunan beef, Jiaozi dumplings, and steamed Sea Bass.
Wine Included: Enjoy a glass of wine while cooking and tasting your creations.
Flexible & Inclusive: Vegetarian options and allergy accommodations available; suitable for those 16+.

While in London, here are other experiences we've covered

A Closer Look at the Experience

What the Class Looks Like

The full-day class, lasting around five hours, is hosted in a professional kitchen setting led by a Head Chef and an Assistant Chef. The atmosphere strikes a good balance between educational and relaxed. You’ll begin with an overview of Chinese ingredients, sauces, and essential techniques, then move into hands-on cooking.

Each participant has their own prep station with a chopping board—an important detail that allows you to practice knife skills under guidance. The actual cooking happens at the hob in pairs, which encourages teamwork and makes the experience more social.

Throughout the day, you’ll work on a menu that includes a variety of dishes to showcase the diversity of Chinese cuisine. Expect to prepare Hunan Beef, known for its spicy profile, along with Jiaozi dumplings, which you’ll learn to fold perfectly. Other offerings might include vegetable Chow Mein, stir-fried Green Beans in Chilli Hoisin sauce, and Steamed Sea Bass — each cooking technique designed to teach you something new.

The Skills You Learn

From the outset, your instructors emphasize technique. You’ll learn how to use a Chinese cleaver to cut ingredients efficiently—something we found especially helpful for improving our prep speed and accuracy. The wok sessions focus on stir-frying, a quick, high-heat method that preserves the flavor and texture of ingredients. You’ll also explore steaming and deep-frying, gaining confidence in different cooking styles.

One of the most valuable parts of this class is understanding seasoning fundamentals. The chefs explain how garlic, ginger, soy, and oyster sauce work together to create authentic flavors. The use of sauces like black bean and sweet and sour demonstrates how they can elevate simple ingredients into complex, balanced dishes.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Menu and Dietary Considerations

The menu is thoughtfully designed to give you a well-rounded taste of Chinese banquet fare. Along With the dishes mentioned earlier, the class may include other options, and vegetarian alternatives are available upon request. Keep in mind, the menu can contain allergens such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, and egg, so informing the provider in advance is wise if you have allergies.

While in London, here are other experiences we've covered

The Wine and Atmosphere

A standout feature of this class is the inclusion of a glass of wine—a nice touch that encourages a relaxed, convivial environment. Many participants have remarked how this added to the enjoyment of their cooking experience, making it less like a class and more like a lively dinner with friends.

Practical Details

Group Size: 6-12 students, fostering both personal attention and a social atmosphere.
Duration: 5 hours, including instruction and hands-on cooking.
Price: $264, which covers all your ingredients, instruction, and wine.
Booking: You can reserve now and pay later, adding flexibility to your plans.
Age Limit: Suitable for those 16 and older.
Cancellation: Full refund available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

The Value Proposition

When weighing the cost, think about what you’ll take home: new skills, confidence in Chinese cooking, and a set of recipes to impress friends or family. The hands-on approach, combined with expert guidance, makes this a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to expand their culinary repertoire. Plus, learning techniques like wok stir-frying and proper seasoning will serve you well beyond this class.

Who Should Sign Up?

This class is perfect for curious travelers, home cooks, or foodies eager to broaden their kitchen skills. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy a social, interactive environment with a professional chef guiding every step. If you love Chinese food but have never tried making it yourself, this class provides the foundational skills needed. Vegetarians are welcome, and the chef can accommodate allergies with prior notice, making it inclusive for a range of dietary needs.

The Sum Up

This full-day Chinese banquet cooking class in London offers a rare opportunity to learn and practice authentic techniques in a friendly, well-equipped environment. For around $264, you gain more than just recipes—you develop skills that elevate your everyday cooking and deepen your appreciation of Chinese cuisine. With expert instructors, a convivial atmosphere, and a wine break to relax and reflect, it’s an experience that balances education and enjoyment.

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or a casual home cook, you’ll leave with new confidence, tasty dishes, and a better understanding of the flavors and techniques that make Chinese food so beloved worldwide. It’s a thoughtful, engaging, and delicious way to spend a day in London.

FAQ

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to accommodate all skill levels, from complete novices to more experienced cooks. The instructors are patient and explain techniques clearly.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarians can be accommodated and should request this when booking. The chef can suggest suitable substitutions for meat or seafood.

What allergens should I be aware of?
The menu may contain nuts, shellfish, gluten, and egg. It’s best to inform the provider in advance if you have allergies so they can prepare suitable alternatives.

Do I need to bring any materials or equipment?
No, everything is provided, including individual chopping boards and ingredients. Just bring an appetite and perhaps some Tupperware for leftovers.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now without upfront payment, giving you flexibility until your plans are firm.

Is the experience suitable for children?
The minimum age is 16, making it more suitable for teenagers and adults.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes suitable for a kitchen environment. Aprons are provided.

Will I get to take home the dishes I prepare?
Absolutely, bring some Tupperware to carry home leftovers of your delicious creations.

This comprehensive, practical review should give you all the insights needed to decide whether to dive into this flavorful, skill-building Chinese cooking day in London. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity, a new hobby, or a way to impress at dinner parties, this class offers a genuine taste of Chinese culinary artistry.