An Authentic Taste of China from Your Kitchen: Online Fried Rice Class with Sunflower Li

Imagine cozying up in your kitchen, and instead of just scrolling through recipes online, actually learning how to cook a real Chinese dish from a seasoned chef. That’s exactly what Sunflower Li offers with her online fried rice class. For just $20 per person, you get a one-hour interactive session that not only teaches you the techniques but also gives you a taste of Chinese culinary culture. The beauty here is the flexibility: you can schedule your class at a time that works for you, and you can participate from anywhere in the world — no travel required.
What we really appreciate about this experience is the focus on authenticity and personalized instruction. Chef Sunflower Li’s care and engaging style shine through in reviews, making the process approachable even for beginners. Plus, if you’re vegetarian or vegan, she’s ready to accommodate your needs, which is a thoughtful touch. The only consideration might be that you’ll need to prepare your ingredients beforehand — so, a little planning is key.
This class is best suited for foodies eager to learn Chinese cooking, travelers missing their favorite dishes, or even cultural enthusiasts who want to connect with Chinese traditions through cuisine. If you enjoy hands-on experiences that you can replicate at home, this class will likely tick all your boxes.
Key Points

- Flexible scheduling allows you to choose a time that suits your timezone and routine.
- Affordable price for a personalized, interactive culinary experience.
- Includes vegan options, making it accessible to vegetarians and vegans.
- Learn from a seasoned chef with positive reviews highlighting patience and clarity.
- Requires prior ingredient prep—important for smooth participation.
- Offers cultural insights alongside cooking techniques, enriching your understanding.
- Suitable for all skill levels, especially those new to Chinese cuisine.
- Private group setting ensures a focused and engaging class.
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Location and Format
This is a completely online experience, with instruction delivered via Zoom. The instructor, Chef Sunflower Li, hails from Shanghai and brings her expertise directly into your kitchen. Since it’s a virtual class, there’s no travel involved — just the convenience of logging in from wherever you are.
The Itinerary and Content
The class encounters no traditional “stops” in the physical sense but offers a focused lesson on making authentic fried rice — a staple in Chinese cuisine and a dish that pairs well with almost anything. You can also choose from additional class options like Lo Mein, Dumplings, Potstickers, Dim Sum, or Kung Pao Chicken, which shows her versatility and attention to varied tastes.
Chef Sunflower Li’s approach emphasizes from-scratch cooking, so you’ll learn not just the recipe but also chopping and cooking techniques that you can apply to many other dishes. Her style is described as careful, patient, and easy to follow, which is perfect for those who might be new to Chinese cooking.
What the Reviews Say
Multiple reviewers highlight her engaging personality and the quality of instruction. One raved, “The online cooking class not only taught me how to make authentic Chinese dishes but also provided cultural stories and history behind each dish.” This indicates that the class offers more than just recipes — it’s a cultural exchange enriching your understanding of Chinese food traditions.
Another reviewer appreciated how easy she made the process, even for a beginner: “I don’t have much cooking skills but she was kind and patient.” This is a recurring theme — her teaching style makes complex-looking dishes approachable.
Price and Value
At $20 per person, this class offers excellent value, especially considering the personalized guidance and cultural insights. The cost covers only the instruction — you’ll need to buy your ingredients separately, which is a smart move allowing you to choose fresh, local produce. Think of it as a culinary investment in your home cooking, with the bonus of a memorable cultural experience.
Enjoy hands-on learning? Here are other cooking experiences we've covered in Shanghai
- Shanghai-Cooking Dumpling & Meal in Local Family-w/Vegan
- Shanghai: Authentic Chinese Cooking Class with Master Chef
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai
- Private Home Cooking Class with Shanghai Mama
- Discover the Flavors of China in an Interactive Cooking Workshop
- Wok ‘n’ Roll: Chinese Cooking Class with Local Master Chef
Booking and Flexibility
Booking is straightforward, with an average lead time of about 10 days in advance, allowing you to plan ahead. The flexible scheduling means you can reschedule if needed, and the private setting ensures a one-on-one or small group experience, avoiding the distractions of larger classes and allowing for tailored questions.
The Breakdown of the Class

Preparing in Advance
Before scheduling, you’ll receive instructions on the ingredients list, which you should gather beforehand. This prep ensures that when your session starts, you’re ready to cook without delays. The class lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes, giving enough time to master techniques and ask questions.
The Cooking Session
Once logged in, Chef Sunflower Li will guide you through each step, starting with chopping vegetables and preparing rice. Her detailed instructions make it easy to follow along, even for first-timers. The focus on technique helps ensure you get perfectly stir-fried rice with the right flavor and texture.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session, you will have:
- Mastered chopping and stir-frying techniques.
- Learned how to season and balance flavors.
- Created authentic fried rice from scratch.
- Gained cultural insights about Chinese cuisine.
Who Would Enjoy This
This class is ideal for travelers missing their favorite Chinese dishes, home cooks wanting to expand their skills, or culture lovers interested in Chinese food traditions. It’s especially helpful for beginners looking for guidance from an experienced instructor.
Additional Considerations
While the experience is highly praised, keep in mind that your ingredients are not included and must be purchased separately. This allows you to use local or fresh ingredients, but it also requires some planning. Also, the class is virtual, so it depends on your internet connection and comfort with online learning.
The duration and timing flexibility make it appealing for busy schedules, and the reviews show that Chef Sunflower Li’s friendly, engaging style makes the experience enjoyable for all skill levels.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Book?
If you’re someone who loves cooking at home but wants to learn authentic Chinese dishes, this class is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for beginners or intermediate cooks eager to develop confidence in Asian flavors. Food enthusiasts who appreciate cultural stories behind their meals** will find this enriching**. And if you’re traveling through Shanghai but prefer a virtual experience, this class offers a fantastic way to connect with Chinese cuisine without leaving your home.
For those who value personalized instruction, authentic recipes, and the convenience of online learning, this Fried Rice class stands out as a practical and enjoyable choice.
FAQ
Do I need to be in Shanghai to participate?
No, this is an online class. You can join from anywhere in the world, as long as you have internet access.
How long before I can book the class?
Most bookings are made about 10 days in advance, but you can schedule at a time that suits you, offering flexibility.
What ingredients do I need?
You’ll receive instructions on the ingredients needed after booking, and it’s best to buy them beforehand so you’re ready to cook.
Is there a vegan option?
Yes, Chef Sunflower Li offers a vegan option, making this class suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
How long does the class last?
Typically around one hour, but some sessions may extend to 90 minutes to cover techniques and questions.
Can I reschedule or cancel?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if done 24 hours before the class. Rescheduling is also possible.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, many reviews mention how approachable and clear her instructions are, even for those new to Chinese cooking.
Will I learn cultural insights?
Yes, some reviews note that the class provides stories and background that deepen your appreciation for Chinese cuisine.
How many people can join?
This is a private experience, so it’s just your group, ensuring personalized attention.
To sum it up, Sunflower Li’s online fried rice class offers an affordable, authentic, and flexible way to bring a piece of Chinese culinary tradition into your home. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a curious beginner, her engaging style and focus on genuine techniques make this experience well worth considering — especially for those who value learning through cultural stories and the joy of cooking from scratch.
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- Shanghai Concession and History: Tour in a Minivan
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- From Shanghai: Nanjing Private Day Trip by High-Speed Rail
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