Do you love Thai food? Are you curious about the secrets behind the delicious flavours that make Thai cuisine so unique? Then learn to cook authentic Thai by taking a class while you're in Chiang Mai, Thailand!
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture is through food. Thai cuisine is world renowned for its complex blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavours. However, learning to cook Thai food isn't just about mastering the recipes – it's also about understanding how to use the ingredients and understand the culture from which they come.
Thai Food and Culture
Food is an integral part of any culture and experiencing it can provide a deeper understanding of local traditions and daily life. Thai cuisine is particularly noteworthy for its unique blend of flavours and aromas, which is created by using fresh herbs, spices, and ingredients.
Understanding the use of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and fish sauce, for example, can help you appreciate the importance of having fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Lemongrass, used in soups, curries, and stir-fries, with its distinct citrusy aroma and flavour, lends a refreshing note to said dishes. Kaffir lime leaves, on the other hand, have a unique, floral flavour which provides depth to curries and soups. Fish sauce, made from fermented fish, is a staple ingredient used to add saltiness and umami to dishes.
Many of these ingredients are grown locally and harvested at their peak, to ensure full flavour and aroma. This emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients is also reflected in the many street markets and food stalls found throughout Thailand, which are daily frequented by locals.
By learning to cook Thai food using these ingredients, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for its story. And taking a cooking class in Thailand (in this case, in Chiang Mai) can also be a fun and engaging way to meet new people and create lasting memories.
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Learn to Cook Authentic Thai in Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai, there are many cooking schools that offer classes for both beginners and more experienced cooks. They typically start with a trip to a local market, where you'll get to see and learn about the different herbs, spices, and other ingredients that will be used throughout the class. You'll also get tips on how to select the freshest and best-quality ingredients.
The other students and I were led on foot to the outdoor market by the cheerful instructor who adopted a hands-on approach to our learning. Rather than read from a book, she provided first-hand knowledge regarding the essential ingredients for the day: fiery chilies; sweet coconut milk; lemon grass; kaffir lime leaves; Thai basil; ginger; coriander; and a few other non-essential ingredients.
At one point she animatedly said, “Four chillies make you sexy, ten make you sexier, and fifteen make you sexiest.” She wasn’t wrong!
Once you've purchased your ingredients, it's time to head back to the kitchen and start cooking!
Most Thai cooking classes cover several dishes, such as pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. You'll learn how to prepare and cook each dish, as well as the techniques and tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavours.
The first dish we learned to create was Pad Thai, which must be one of the most appetising meals in Thailand! We diligently cut, chopped, and sliced our ingredients, avoiding cuts and injuries as best we could.
The banter during the lesson was continually amusing, particularly when she requested, “You not set my kitchen on fire, okay?”!
After observing her demonstrate, six gas tops were ignited and oil simultaneously splashed into woks with a carefully timed procession of ingredients to follow: garlic; finely chopped chicken; tofu; bean sprouts; noodles; oyster sauce; fish sauce; and sugar. It’s not a complex dish to replicate.
Of course, the best part of the class is getting to eat the food that you've prepared! Not only will you get to taste the flavours of Thailand, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you've cooked the dishes yourself.
Plus, you'll have the recipes to take home with you, so you can recreate the dishes for your friends and family. I often refer to my book from Baan Thai when I’m contemplating dinner options.
Cooking Schools in Chiang Mai
Here are some of the most popular Thai cooking schools in Chiang Mai.
Baan Thai Cookery School
This school has been around for over 20 years and offers a wide range of classes (including vegetarian and vegan options).
Thai Farm Cooking School
Located on an organic farm just outside of Chiang Mai, this school offers a unique farm-to-table experience.
A Lot of Thai
Located in the heart of the city, A Lot of Thai offers classes in both English and Chinese.
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School offers both half-day and full-day classes, as well as the option to customise your menu.
Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School
This school has been featured in several international travel guides and offers classes in a traditional Thai teakwood house.
Ready to Learn to Cook Authentic Thai Food?
If you're looking for a fun and educational way to learn about Thai culture and cuisine, taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai is a great option. Not only will you get to taste delicious Thai food, but you'll gain valuable knowledge and skills that you can take home with you.
So go ahead and sign up for a class – who knows, you might just discover your inner chef!
