Cooking Schools in Bangkok
 

Greetings! First, I would like to apologize if this topic has already been covered on Flyertalk. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any threads on this particular issue. I am interested in the possibility of taking Thai cooking classes in Bangkok during my October 2007 to Asia so have done some research via the Internet and Thai travel guides. However, I'm still a bit confused (or more accurately) overwhelmed with the information I have found. If anyone has had any experience taking cooking classes in Bangkok and would be willing to share your experience, I would be really grateful. Thank you in advance for your time and kindness.

Here's an e-mail I received from the concierge at the Four Seasons Bangkok:

Dear francophile,

For Thai cooking class, there are two places in Bangkok to do so.

1) Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant.
http://www.blueelephant.com/school/index.html


2) The Oriental Hotel
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/510000260.asp


From the guest's comments, the Blue Elephant Cooking School is more reputable.
There are two sessions each day for you to pick and we recommend
you to join the morning session since they will take you to a local market
and shop as well. The menu is different every day.

Sincerely yours,
Kritti / Concierge

I am not familiar with those schools in Bangkok, but if you plan on making it up to Chiang Mai, I highly recommend the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School.

We went for the one day course at Chef Sompon's house outside the city.

According to everything I've heard (from guidebooks) Blue Elephant is excellent, when I was in TPE there was even a article written in chinese in a trendy magazine about them. However, they cost about $80 per day.

The cooking classes in Chiang Mai are significantly less expensive, I went to Baan Thai for 700 Bhat (evening class). Any hostel or hotel can arrange one for about 800-900 bhat for a full day.

Cooking classes are very worthwile, if I ever travel back to thailand will definitely do it again.

Just as a aside, I met a lady on a RTW trip who got sick only once- eating her own cooking at a Thai cooking class (but she still recommended taking the class, I think that says something)!

I've taken classes at the Blue Elephant and I quite enjoyed them. I have talked to individuals who have taken at the Oriental as well and they said they learned more and got more hands on time at the Blue Elephant.

Its hands on where each individual has a station and cooktop... you all cook the same dishes. Some you eat straight away and some they take off to finish cooking for you and then you sit down to a communal lunch with the others and even MORE dishes when you are done!

My classes have also included a market segment where we have gone to the market to buy produce or spices and I found that to be *very* informative!

Check the Lonely Planet guidebook. In Chiang Mai, there are dozens, if not more. Average price is about 700THB/$20US (including 30-40% commission).

With fewer choices in BKK, and ever changing staff, the guidebook may be your most up to date source of info.

If it were up to me, and I had the time to spare. I'd probably pick 3 or 4 different ones and try a new one each day. Thai food is so easy to make, but it takes repetition for us to remember the technique.

Take the lessons at the end of your trip and once home, cook your new Thai recepies 10 times in the 1st month. You'll be a pro in no-time.

http://www.ufmeducation.com/

http://www.baipai.com/main.html

http://www.thaikitchen.com/cookingschool.html

http://www.thaihomecooking.com/

People seem to rave about Baipai.

This subject has come up here several times, and there were some informative posts, but I don't have time to search right now.

Thank you to all who responded to my enquiry. Your feedback is truly appreciated. I really gained a lot from all of your responses. Cheers!

Count me in, I took a class there in Nov. 2006, and plan to include a class in each future visit to BKK.

I have taken the morning class at the Blue Elephant in Bangkok, the Thai Cookery in Chang Mai, and another in Phuket (can't remember offhand the name, but was one street up from the strip in Patong...only a 2 hour class.)

The Blue Elephant class was excellent. As already mentioned, you have a classroom portion, then off to the kitchen with your own workspace and assistant. The market tour in the morning was very interesting - worth taking the early class for that. You receive a cookbook and an apron, also a basket of spices to take home with you. The amount of food you cook is staggering! My class sat for 2 hours eating after, and my husband joined us after his dentist appointment and couldn't believe I had cooked all those dishes.

The Chang Mai course was very good, more rustic and held in the restaurant, which was an outdoor kitchen. Again, lots of food, however you were rushed to eat it after you cooked so they could get through the menu in the day. The class was much less expensive, very casual, and a lot of fun.

The Phuket class was fine - certainly the lesser of the three I have taken.

Good luck with the class!

Any courses in Hua Hin? We are planning on blowing lots of points this summer at the Hyatt there.

Ok, how about Koh Chang? Koh Samui?

Chiang Mai
 

I heard good things about www.alotofthai.com so will take a day class in September!

If one does not like going to the market and can't get up early :D, it seems the Blue Elephant afternoon class is a better place because it uses the extra time to teach you another dish?

http://www.blueelephant.com/school/schedule.html

Thanks.

I'm planning on taking the morning class at Blue Elephant this coming Monday. Anyone care to join the fun?