Taking a Thai Cooking Class: What to Expect and Where

A Thai cooking class is one of the most rewarding experiences in Thailand, and most schools happily adapt recipes for vegetarians by using soy sauce instead of fish sauce and tofu instead of meat. Expect a market tour, hands-on cooking of four or five dishes and a shared meal. Chiang Mai is known for farm-based schools in the countryside; Bangkok has convenient city schools.

For Indian travellers who love food, a cooking class is a way to understand Thai flavours and take recipes home. It also solves the vegetarian question for one meal at least, as you cook your own food. This guide explains what classes involve, how to choose one and how to ask for vegetarian and Jain adaptations.

What a class involves

Typical dishes

Classes often include a curry paste made from scratch, a green or red curry, a stir-fry such as pad thai or holy basil stir-fry, a soup such as tom yum or tom kha, a salad such as papaya salad, and a dessert such as mango sticky rice. Vegetarian versions use tofu, mushrooms and vegetables.

Vegetarian adaptations

Instructors replace fish sauce with soy sauce or salt, shrimp paste with vegetarian alternatives, and meat with tofu or vegetables. Curry pastes can be made without shrimp paste. Ask the school how they handle each dish.

Jain adaptations

Onion, garlic and shallots are central to many Thai recipes, so Jain-friendly classes need planning. Some schools offer private classes where the instructor adapts every dish; ask in advance.

Chiang Mai farm schools

Many Chiang Mai schools are on farms outside the city, with organic gardens where you pick herbs and vegetables before cooking. They make a relaxed half-day out of the city. Our Chiang Mai guide has more on the city.

Bangkok classes

Bangkok schools are often in the city centre or near markets, convenient for short stays, with morning and evening sessions.

On the islands

Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi also have cooking schools, some at resorts, good for a rainy day.

Choosing a school

Check recent reviews mentioning vegetarian food, class size, whether each person has a cooking station, and what is included, such as pick-up and recipes.

For families

Many schools welcome children, who enjoy the market and cooking. Ask about age limits and safety around hot woks.

Taking flavours home

Buy curry pastes, dried herbs and sauces at markets to cook at home, checking labels for fish sauce and shrimp paste. Check customs rules before packing food.

The market tour

Most classes begin at a local market, where the instructor explains Thai herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and holy basil, different types of chilli, rice and noodles, and sauces including soy sauce and fish sauce. It is a good chance for vegetarians to learn which ingredients to avoid when ordering elsewhere.

Making curry paste

Pounding curry paste in a mortar and pestle is a highlight. Vegetarians can ask for paste without shrimp paste, and Jain travellers without garlic and shallots, though this changes the flavour.

Private classes

Private classes cost more but allow complete customisation for vegetarian or Jain diets, specific dishes and children's needs. They suit families and couples.

Booking tips

Book a day or two ahead in season, confirm pick-up times and dietary adaptations, and check whether the class runs in the morning or evening.

What to wear

Wear comfortable, cool clothes and closed shoes. Aprons are usually provided. Bring a bag for the recipe booklet and any ingredients you buy.

Vegetarian dishes to request

Ask to cook green curry with tofu and vegetables, vegetable pad thai without egg or fish sauce, tom kha soup with mushrooms, and mango sticky rice. These are classic dishes you can recreate at home.

Why take a class

A cooking class helps vegetarian travellers understand which ingredients to ask about, which dishes can be adapted and how to order with confidence for the rest of the trip. It is also a relaxed, social half day, often in a garden or farm setting, and a good choice on a rainy day or between busy sightseeing days.

With children

Children enjoy picking herbs, pounding curry paste and making desserts. Ask for a child-friendly class with lower work surfaces and close supervision around hot pans and knives. Some schools offer shorter family sessions.

Adjusting spice

Classes let you control the chilli. If you prefer milder food, add less; if you love spice, ask the instructor for extra. It is a good way to find your preferred level for ordering in restaurants.

Cost

Prices vary by location, class length and group size. Half-day group classes are the most affordable; private and full-day classes cost more. Pick-up is often included.

On a rainy day

Cooking classes are an ideal rainy-day activity in the monsoon, indoors and hands-on. Our Thailand in the monsoon guide has other ideas.

Classes on the islands and in Phuket

On Phuket, Koh Samui and in Krabi, classes are often held at resorts or in small schools near the beaches, with shorter sessions that fit around beach days. Some include a garden or market visit. They are convenient for families who prefer not to travel far.

Ingredients to look for at home

Many Thai ingredients, such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk and Thai basil, are now available in Indian cities, so you can recreate dishes at home.

Jain travellers

For Jain diets, a private class is the best choice. Ask the school to plan dishes such as stir-fried vegetables, green curry without paste ingredients you avoid, and desserts like mango sticky rice, which need little adaptation. Confirm the menu in writing before the day.

A lasting souvenir

The recipes and skills you bring home last far longer than most souvenirs.

Next steps

Read our vegetarian street food guide and vegetarian and Jain food in Thailand, or see our Chiang Mai page.

A BagPackerMe planner can plan your Thailand trip privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

Can vegetarians take Thai cooking classes?

Yes. Most cooking schools offer vegetarian versions of dishes, replacing fish sauce with soy sauce and meat with tofu or vegetables. Tell the school when booking.

Are Jain-friendly classes possible?

Some schools can avoid onion, garlic and root vegetables if asked in advance, but this changes many recipes. Ask before booking, and consider a private class.

Chiang Mai or Bangkok for a cooking class?

Chiang Mai is known for farm-based schools with organic gardens in the countryside. Bangkok has city schools that are convenient for short stays.

How long is a cooking class?

Most classes last half a day, about four to five hours, including a market visit. Full-day classes include more dishes.