Cooking Class with Celebrity Chef Tony Hu

Explore a Unique Cooking Experience with Celebrity Chef Tony Hu in Chicago

The Cooking Class with Celebrity Chef Tony Hu offers a chance to learn two signature Sichuan dishes—Chefs Special Dry Chili Chicken and Crispy Lemon Shrimp—in a 1 hour 30-minute hands-on workshop. Priced at $135 per person, this experience is ideal for foodies, first-time Chinatown visitors, and those curious about Chinese cuisine. The class takes place in Chicago, with the Lao Sze Chuan restaurant at 2172 S Archer Ave serving as the vibrant meeting point.

Booking is recommended 15 days in advance, and the experience is suitable for groups of at least four participants. This workshop combines culinary skills and cultural storytelling, making it a memorable activity that goes beyond just cooking, offering a taste of Chinese heritage in a warm, interactive atmosphere.

Key Points

• Hands-on cooking of two Chef Tony Hu’s signature dishes: Dry Chili Chicken and Crispy Lemon Shrimp
• Approximate duration of 1 hour 30 minutes, beginning at 11:30am
• Includes a shared meal and insights into Sichuan ingredients and techniques
• Exclusive benefits: VIP status, discounts on future workshops, a professional photo, and a Chinatown Pedicab voucher
• Booking requires a minimum of four participants; full refunds are available with 24-hour cancellation notice
• No prior cooking experience needed—just come hungry and ready to learn!

Starting Point at Lao Sze Chuan in Chicago’s Chinatown

The tour begins at Lao Sze Chuan, located at 2172 S Archer Ave. This vibrant restaurant is not only the setting for the cooking class but also a symbol of Chef Tony Hu’s culinary influence. The meeting at 11:30am ensures a relaxed start to a session packed with culinary techniques and cultural stories.

Participants are led through guided cooking steps by Chef Tony Hu, a celebrity chef and founder of the renowned Lao Sze Chuan Restaurants. The class emphasizes traditional Sichuan ingredients and techniques, allowing guests to understand the flavor profiles and cooking methods that make these dishes special.

What’s Included in the Cooking Class Experience

This workshop offers more than just cooking. Guided steps with expert tips from Chef Tony Hu help participants master two signature dishes. The experience includes a shared meal, so everyone gets to taste the dishes they help prepare.

Other benefits are insider insights into key ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilis, as well as traditional cooking techniques. Participants also receive a professional photo from the event, a special gift from the Chinatown Visitor Center, and an exclusive discount on future workshops.

Who Will Appreciate This Chinese Cooking Class?

This experience is perfect for cultural organizations and student groups, as well as corporate teams looking for unique team-building activities. It also appeals to cooking enthusiasts and food lovers eager to learn new skills in an authentic setting. No prior experience is necessary—simply come hungry to learn and taste.

The workshop’s interactive nature makes it accessible and engaging, while the culinary focus appeals to those interested in Chinese cuisine and Sichuan flavors. The VIP benefits and exclusive discounts add extra value for participants seeking a memorable and educational activity.

What is the Cooking Class Menu: The Dishes You’ll Prepare

Participants learn to prepare Chef Tony Hu’s signature Dry Chili Chicken, a dish celebrated for its spicy, savory flavor and crispy texture. The Crispy Lemon Shrimp offers a refreshing citrus twist paired with crispy shrimp, showcasing the balance of heat and freshness typical of Sichuan cuisine.

Throughout the class, Chef Tony Hu shares stories behind each dish, explaining ingredients and techniques that define authentic Sichuan cooking. The focus on traditional methods ensures that every bite reflects cultural authenticity.

Location and Accessibility of the Meeting Point

The workshop starts at Lao Sze Chuan, conveniently located in Chicago’s Chinatown. The location is near public transportation, making it accessible for visitors. The group size is limited to 15 participants, ensuring an interactive and personalized experience.

The end point is the same as the start, allowing for easy access after the class. This setup makes it straightforward for attendees to plan their day in Chicago’s Chinatown.

Logistics: Booking, Cancellation, and Group Size

Reservations are made through the Chinatown Visitor Center, with full confirmation received upon booking. The minimum group size of four means the experience may be canceled if not met, but full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

The maximum group size of 15 helps maintain an intimate atmosphere. Participants are advised to arrive prepared and are encouraged to tip $15–$20 per person for excellent service and guidance.

Additional Perks and Benefits for Participants

Beyond the cooking, participants enjoy VIP status at all Lao Sze Chuan locations and partner beverage shops. They also receive discounts on future workshops led by Chef Tony Hu or guest celebrity chefs.

Other inclusions are a special gift from the Chinatown Visitor Center, a professional photo, and a free Chinatown Pedicab voucher valid for one ride in the 2025 season. These extras enhance the overall experience, making it both educational and memorable.

Physical and Accessibility Considerations

The workshop is suitable for most participants, with service animals allowed. The location’s proximity to public transportation makes it accessible for many visitors. The duration and format are designed to be engaging but not physically demanding.

Price and Value for the Culinary Experience

At $135 per person, the class offers good value for an authentic, celebrity-led cooking experience that includes hands-on participation, a shared meal, and exclusive benefits. The VIP perks and souvenir photos further enhance the value, especially for those interested in cultural learning and culinary techniques.

Final Thoughts on the Celebrity Chef Tony Hu Cooking Class

The Cooking Class with Celebrity Chef Tony Hu stands out as a rich cultural activity in Chicago’s Chinatown. It provides a personalized introduction to Sichuan cuisine with expert guidance, making it perfect for food lovers eager to expand their skills.

While the group size is limited, and booking in advance is recommended, the experience’s inclusions and cultural depth make it a worthy investment. The warm atmosphere and storytelling approach deliver a true taste of Chinese culinary tradition.

This workshop suits anyone who enjoys interactive cooking and authentic cuisine, especially those looking for a memorable activity that combines culinary skills and cultural storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior cooking experience necessary for this class?
No, there is no prior experience needed. The class is designed for all skill levels, focusing on learning and tasting.

What dishes will I learn to prepare?
Participants learn to make Chef Tony Hu’s Dry Chili Chicken and Crispy Lemon Shrimp, signature dishes celebrated for their flavor and technique.

Where does the class take place?
The class starts and ends at Lao Sze Chuan, located at 2172 S Archer Ave in Chicago’s Chinatown.

How long is the workshop?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, beginning at 11:30am.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What are the benefits included?
Participants receive a shared meal, a professional photo, VIP status, discounts on future workshops, and a special gift from the Chinatown Visitor Center.

Is this suitable for groups?
Yes, the experience is designed for groups of at least four, with a maximum of 15 participants to maintain an interactive environment.

Are there accessibility options?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation for accessibility.

What should I tip?
A suggested gratuity is $15–$20 per participant, supporting the guides and staff.

Are there additional perks?
Yes, including discounts on future workshops and a free Chinatown Pedicab ride voucher for 2025.

Can I purchase this as a gift?
Yes, booking for this experience makes a thoughtful gift for food lovers and cultural explorers.

How do I book this experience?
Reservations are made through the Chinatown Visitor Center, and it’s recommended to book 15 days in advance for availability.