London: Korean Bibimbap Cookery Class with Wine

Imagine spending an afternoon in Covent Garden, learning how to craft iconic Korean dishes in a lively, friendly environment. For $156 per person, this 3-hour cookery class offers not only hands-on cooking but also a chance to relax with wine and enjoy your own creations. Led by passionate chefs, you’ll learn techniques that elevate your home cooking and gain an appreciation for Korea’s vibrant flavors.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are the expert guidance on handling a Chinese cleaver—a skill that impresses—and the opportunity to enjoy a full meal of your freshly cooked dishes washed down with wine. It’s a practical, fun way to deepen your culinary repertoire and connect with Korean cuisine authentically.

One possible consideration: this class is quite immersive, so expect a lively pace and a fair amount of chopping and tasting. It’s ideal if you’re genuinely interested in hands-on cooking rather than just observing. This experience suits those who enjoy interactive, small-group classes and want to bring a taste of Korea home—whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner.

Key Points

Authentic Recipes: Learn to make classic Korean dishes like Bibimbap, seafood pancake, and kimchi.
Expert Instruction: Friendly chefs guide you through knife skills, seasoning, and fermentation.
All-Inclusive: All ingredients, equipment, and a digital recipe pack are provided.
Enjoy Your Meal: After cooking, sit down to feast on what you’ve made, complemented by wine or beer.
Learn Unique Techniques: Handling a Chinese cleaver, hot stone cooking, and kimchi fermentation.
Great Location: Situated in Covent Garden, perfect for combining with sightseeing or shopping.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

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Setting in Covent Garden: Central and Convenient

The class is held in Covent Garden, a lively hub filled with shops, theaters, and cafés. This makes it easy to combine your culinary adventure with a day of exploring London’s vibrant West End. The space itself is well-equipped and welcoming, with all ingredients and tools ready for use. We appreciated that the class size typically ranges from 6 to 12 students, fostering a friendly, interactive atmosphere.

What to Expect During the Class

The 3-hour session is packed with practical skills and tasting opportunities. Your hosts, including a head chef and assistant, are passionate about sharing their knowledge and eager to answer your questions. The class begins with an overview of key Korean ingredients like gochujang (red chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, and fermented staples like doenjang and gochugaru.

Knife skills are a highlight—particularly learning how to handle a Chinese cleaver safely and effectively. We loved the way the chef emphasized the importance of proper grip and technique, turning what might seem intimidating into a fun and rewarding experience. You’ll learn to cut, slice, and chop vegetables and meats with precision, which makes a noticeable difference in the dish’s appearance and flavor.

Cooking Authentic Korean Dishes

The menu includes:

Beef Bibimbap: A colorful bowl of rice topped with seasoned vegetables and marinated beef. The process involves layering, seasoning, and even heating with a hot stone, which adds a lovely crispy crust and authentic texture.
Korean Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake): Crispy, savory, and packed with seafood and spring onions. It’s a great example of how Korean cuisine combines simple ingredients into complex flavors.
Yak Gochujang (Chilli Sauce with Minced Beef): Sweet, spicy, and savory—this sauce is a true flavor booster, and you’ll learn how to balance the ingredients for perfect heat and sweetness.
Kimchi: The class includes making your own from shredded cabbage and vegetables. The chef teaches the basics of fermentation, so you can continue fermenting at home, which is a real treat if you enjoy DIY projects and traditional flavors.

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Unique Techniques and Cultural Insights

Korean cuisine relies on techniques like hot stone cooking, which enhances flavors and textures, and fermentation—a skill that takes patience but pays off in the form of tangy, probiotic-rich kimchi. The class also covers seasoning basics, helping you understand how to use gochujang, sesame oil, and soy sauce to achieve authentic flavors.

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The Meal and Drinks

After cooking, the entire group sits down to eat the food we’ve prepared, which is a highlight. The dishes are hearty and flavorful, with a lovely balance of sweetness, spice, and umami. Accompanied by a selection of wine or beer, the relaxed setting makes this a truly enjoyable experience. The inclusion of soft drinks and the opportunity to take home leftovers add to the overall value.

Dietary Considerations and Allergens

The class is attentive to dietary needs, with options for vegetarians and accommodations for allergies such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, and eggs. If you have restrictions, it’s wise to contact the organizers in advance—they’re happy to provide alternatives. This consideration makes the experience accessible and more enjoyable for everyone.

Value for Money

At $156, this class is a good value considering the length, inclusions, and the quality of instruction. You’re not only learning new skills but also taking home recipes, a kimchi jar to ferment later, and a full meal. Plus, the wine or beer and soft drinks are included, making it a relaxed, all-in-one culinary adventure.

Final Impressions

From the friendly guidance to the delicious dishes, this class offers a well-rounded introduction to Korean cuisine. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to expand their skills and for curious travelers wanting an authentic, hands-on experience in London.

Who Would Love This Experience?

If you’re looking for an engaging way to learn about another culture through its food, this class hits the mark. It’s especially suited for:

Beginners interested in Asian cooking
Foodies who appreciate learning new techniques
Travelers keen on authentic, small-group experiences
Anyone wanting to impress friends with homemade Korean dishes

However, it might feel a bit intensive if you’re not comfortable with chopping or handling sharp knives. Also, if you prefer a passive tasting session, this might not be the best fit.

The Sum Up

This Korean Bibimbap cookery class in London offers a practical, fun way to deepen your culinary knowledge while enjoying authentic flavors. The expertise of the guides and the quality of the dishes make it a worthwhile activity, especially in a lively setting like Covent Garden. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, you’ll leave with new skills, a full belly, and a taste for Korean dishes that you can recreate at home.

For those who appreciate hands-on learning, small-group intimacy, and delicious food with a glass of wine, this class delivers a memorable experience. It’s a wonderful choice for anyone eager to bring home more than just souvenirs but a real understanding of Korean cooking techniques and flavors.

FAQ

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to accommodate all skill levels, with detailed instructions and plenty of guidance, making it accessible even for those new to Asian cooking.

How long is the class?
The class lasts approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to learn, cook, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the class can cater to vegetarians and those with allergies such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, or eggs. Contact the provider ahead of time for specific needs.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, equipment, apron hire, a digital recipe pack, unlimited soft drinks, and a choice of wine or beer are included. You can also take leftovers home.

Can I buy cookbooks or other merchandise?
Yes, these are available for purchase after the class, though they are not included in the price.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Participants must be 16 years or older, or accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes, and note that open-toed shoes, high heels, pets, and bare feet are not allowed for safety reasons.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility in planning your trip.

This class is an opportunity to really understand Korean flavors and cooking techniques in a relaxed, friendly setting. Whether you’re visiting London or a local resident, it’s a delicious way to spend an afternoon and elevate your culinary game.