London: Gluten-Free Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class with Wine

Unlock the Secrets of Gluten-Free Dim Sum and Bao in London

The London: Gluten-Free Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class with Wine offers a hands-on experience where you learn to craft authentic dim sum and fluffy bao buns—all gluten-free—within three engaging hours. Priced at $156 per person, this class is perfect for foodies eager to explore Asian cuisine with a dietary twist. The School of Wok, known for its practical cooking courses, leads this session led by an English-speaking instructor, making it accessible for a broad audience.

The class combines interactive instruction, professional guidance, and delicious tasting—all in a friendly environment. With all ingredients and equipment provided, plus a digital recipe pack to take home, it offers real value for those interested in improving their culinary skills. A unique feature is the inclusion of wine or beer, elevating the experience beyond just cooking. While the group size ranges from 6 to 12 participants, the intimate setting ensures plenty of personal attention.

This experience suits beginners to seasoned cooks who want to master gluten-free Asian dishes or seek a fun, educational activity. It’s also ideal for wine lovers who appreciate good food paired with a glass of wine while cooking. The main limitation is that children under 16 are not permitted, and participants must be at least 16 years old. This class offers a practical, taste-focused journey into gluten-free dim sum and bao making.

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Key Points

• Learn to make gluten-free dim sum and bao buns from scratch with professional guidance.
• All ingredients and equipment are included, along with apron hire and a digital recipe pack.
• Enjoy a glass of wine or beer while cooking and tasting your creations.
• The class is suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced cooks.
• Group sizes are small (6-12 students), ensuring personalized attention.
• The class takes place in South East England and lasts 3 hours.

The Location and Setting at the School of Wok

The School of Wok hosts this class in a well-equipped kitchen environment in South East England. The venue is designed for interactive learning, with each participant assigned a personal chopping board and prep space. The setting emphasizes comfort and practicality, making it easy for both novices and more experienced cooks to feel confident.

The kitchen provides all ingredients and equipment, and participants are given the choice of apron hire. The atmosphere is friendly and professional, with a head chef and an assistant chef guiding the class. The venue’s focus on hands-on learning means that everyone gets to actively participate in preparing each dish.

The location’s accessibility and well-organized space help ensure a smooth experience. Soft drinks are available throughout the session, and the class concludes with everyone sharing the prepared meal, making it a social and satisfying culinary adventure.

Making Gluten-Free Bao Dough: Fluffy and Light

A key feature of this class is mastering the art of gluten-free bao dough. The professional chefs teach how to craft a dough that is fluffy, light, and pliable. This process involves specific techniques to ensure the buns rise properly and have the desired texture, critical for achieving authentic results.

Participants learn the entire process from scratch, including mixing, kneading, and resting the dough. The focus on gluten-free ingredients means the buns are safe for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing the airy quality typical of traditional bao. The class ensures everyone understands how to replicate the process at home, with tips to troubleshoot common issues.

The bao buns prepared include savory fillings, such as Char Sui Pork, giving a rich, flavorful experience. The skills learned here form a foundation for recreating similar dishes independently, making this class practical for everyday cooking or special occasions.

Shaping and Folding: Achieving Perfect Results

Understanding the various methods for shaping bao buns and folding dumplings is a core part of this experience. The guides demonstrate how to create pleats, pleating techniques, and different folding styles to ensure your dumplings look professional and are easy to eat.

Participants practice folding techniques for dumplings, focusing on pleating and pleat placement to produce a polished appearance. The class also covers shaping bao buns to achieve a consistent, fluffy exterior.

Along With shaping, the Chefs teach how to pan-fry dumplings to get a crispy bottom without sticking. These skills help produce restaurant-quality dim sum at home and boost confidence in handling delicate dough and fillings.

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Discovering Flavors: Fillings for Bao and Dumplings

The class explores flavorful fillings for both bao buns and dumplings. The menu includes savory options like Char Sui Pork and Pork & Prawn Jiaozi. Vegetarian options are also available, allowing participants to customize fillings.

The chefs explain how to prepare these flavorful fillings, emphasizing seasoning and texture balance. They also share tips for preparing fillings in advance and keeping ingredients fresh.

The focus on flavor ensures that each bite offers a satisfying blend of spices, meats, and vegetables, all within gluten-free wrappers. This part of the class provides insight into creating balanced, tasty fillings that complement the chewy, soft bao or crispy dumplings.

The Experience of Cooking and Tasting with Wine

A standout feature of this class is the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while cooking. The relaxed atmosphere encourages participants to socialize and share their progress as they prepare their dishes.

After the hands-on cooking, everyone gets to taste their creations, including Gui Chai Tod, crispy garlic chive dumplings**, and the smashed cucumber salad. The pairing of drinks enhances the flavors of the dishes and creates a more festive, restaurant-style feel.

Unlimited soft drinks are also available throughout the class, catering to all preferences. The wine or beer adds a celebratory touch and makes the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

Managing Dietary Restrictions and Special Requests

The class is happy to accommodate allergies and dietary needs, provided that participants inform the staff in advance. The menu may include ingredients like nuts, shellfish, or egg, but alternative recipes or ingredients are available whenever possible.

Halal options can be provided in many classes, reflecting the venue’s flexibility. The chefs are approachable and willing to answer questions about ingredients and techniques, making it suitable for those with specific dietary considerations.

Participants with allergies or special requests should communicate beforehand to ensure a smooth experience. The venue’s commitment to inclusive cooking makes it a good choice for various dietary needs.

Group Size, Pacing, and Instructor Support

The small group size (6-12 students) allows for a personalized learning environment, where the chefs can give individual attention. Each participant has their own prep station, but cooking at the hob is done in pairs, encouraging collaboration.

The pacing is designed to keep everyone engaged without feeling rushed, with enough time allocated to learn techniques, assemble dishes, and taste. The instructor and assistant are experienced and approachable, ready to answer questions and guide through each step.

The duration of 3 hours strikes a balance, providing thorough instruction without becoming tiresome. This format suits both complete beginners and those with some cooking experience wanting to refine their skills.

The Practicalities: Booking, Cancellation, and What’s Included

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, offering some peace of mind for planning. Cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk activity.

The price of $156 covers all ingredients, equipment, apron hire, a professional tutor, a teaching assistant, and unlimited soft drinks. The digital recipe pack ensures that all techniques and recipes are accessible after the class.

Note that cookbooks or merchandise are not included in the price but are available for purchase. The class is not suitable for children under 16, and participants must be at least 16.

Why This Class Stands Out in London

This gluten-free dim sum and bao class offers a practical, hands-on approach to mastering Asian dishes in a supportive setting. The focus on gluten-free ingredients makes it particularly appealing for those with dietary restrictions, without sacrificing authentic textures and flavors.

The inclusion of wine or beer and the small class size foster a convivial atmosphere, suitable for food lovers and aspiring home chefs alike. The comprehensive instruction ensures that participants walk away with valuable skills and confidence in making dim sum and bao buns.

While not suited for children under 16, the class provides an engaging and informative experience for adults looking to expand their culinary repertoire or enjoy a fun, social activity in London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book this class for a group or private event?
The standard class is designed for small groups of 6-12 students. For private events, you would need to check with the School of Wok directly to see if tailored sessions are available.

Are there vegetarian options for fillings?
Yes, the class includes vegetarian fillings, and participants can customize their ingredients to suit their preferences.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers a 3-hour cookery class, professional guidance, all ingredients and equipment, apron hire, digital recipe pack, and unlimited soft drinks. Wine or beer is also included.

Is this class suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely. The class is suitable for all skill levels, from total beginners to seasoned cooks, with support from experienced chefs.

Can I accommodate specific dietary restrictions?
Yes, the class can adapt for allergies or dietary needs if informed in advance, including offering Halal options in many cases.

This London gluten-free dim sum and bao cooking class delivers a practical, enjoyable, and tasty experience, perfect for those eager to learn new skills while enjoying good food and drinks.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby