London: Malaysian Cooking Class with Wine

Experiencing Malaysian cuisine in London becomes a hands-on adventure with the Malaysian Cooking Class with Wine, offered by School of Wok. Priced at $156 per person, this 3-hour class provides an engaging way to learn authentic recipes while enjoying a glass of wine or beer. The class is designed for those eager to understand the true flavors of Malaysia, from mastering aromatic curry pastes to stir-frying dishes like Char Kway Teow and Rojak Salad.

While the class covers a wide range of skills and dishes, it is especially suitable for foodies who appreciate interactive cooking experiences. The inclusion of all ingredients, equipment, and apron hire makes the experience straightforward and stress-free. A key highlight is the chance to take home any leftovers, along with a digital recipe pack to recreate Malaysian dishes at home.

This experience offers a great balance of learning, tasting, and socializing, with unlimited soft drinks and the chance to relax with a glass of wine or beer after cooking. It’s important to note that the class is not suitable for children under 16, and participants should be prepared to follow health and safety rules like avoiding open-toed shoes. Overall, it’s an inviting activity that highlights Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage in a fun, welcoming environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Malaysian dishes like Char Kway Teow and Rojak Salad are on the menu
• Master the art of making curry pastes from scratch using a pestle and mortar
• Expert guidance from professional chefs and a teaching assistant
• Includes all ingredients and equipment, plus apron hire and a digital recipe pack
• Enjoy a glass of wine or beer while cooking and socializing
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point in South East England: The School of Wok Venue

The Malaysian Cooking Class begins at the School of Wok in London, a well-regarded venue known for its engaging cookery workshops. The location is accessible, with clear instructions provided for arriving and joining the class. The class duration is exactly 3 hours, making it a compact yet comprehensive experience.

Participants are welcomed with all the necessary ingredients and equipment provided, ensuring a smooth start. The English-speaking instructor guides the group through each step, explaining the techniques behind traditional Malaysian cooking. The focus is on learning practical skills like using a pestle and mortar and proper wok heating, which are crucial to authentic flavor and texture.

The class is designed to be interactive, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get hands-on experience. The teaching assistant supports the instructor, helping participants refine their techniques. The friendly environment encourages sharing tips and enjoying each other’s company over soft drinks during the session.

Creating Aromatic Curry Pastes from Scratch

A standout feature of this class is learning how to make curry pastes from scratch. Using a pestle and mortar, participants combine fresh herbs and spices to craft an aromatic base. This skill is fundamental for Malaysian curries, and the class emphasizes balancing flavors for authentic results.

The essential herbs and spices are introduced in detail, with explanations on how to use them properly. The process reveals the importance of fresh ingredients and techniques in developing rich, flavorful curries. Participants leave with a clear understanding of how to adjust spice levels and create complex flavors.

Mastering curry paste preparation helps demystify Malaysian cooking and gives participants confidence to experiment at home. The class also covers proper wok heating and stir-frying methods to achieve the perfect texture and flavor in dishes like Char Kway Teow. This focus on techniques ensures that the skills learned are practical and applicable beyond the class.

Hands-On Making of Char Kway Teow and Rojak Salad

At the heart of the class are hands-on lessons in preparing two popular Malaysian dishes: Char Kway Teow and Rojak Salad. Participants get to prepare and cook these dishes step-by-step, gaining confidence in stir-frying techniques and balancing flavors.

Char Kway Teow is cooked using proper heat and stir-frying methods that ensure wok hei—that distinctive smoky flavor. The dish involves noodles, vegetables, and meats, all stir-fried quickly to retain texture and flavor. The chef guides participants on achieving the perfect balance of saltiness, sweetness, and umami.

The Rojak Salad introduces participants to tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, showcasing Malaysia’s unique mix of ingredients. Preparing the salad includes creating a fresh tangy sauce and mixing it with chopped fruits and vegetables. The process emphasizes texture contrast and flavor harmony, essential traits of Malaysian street food.

By completing these dishes, participants gain practical skills they can adapt to their own kitchens, ensuring that the flavors learned can be recreated at any time.

Discovering the Secrets of Malaysian Herbs and Spices

A key element of the class involves learning about the herbs and spices used in Malaysian cooking. The instructor highlights common ingredients such as turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, and chili, explaining how to use each for maximum flavor.

Participants get to see and smell fresh herbs and spices, understanding their role in creating aromatic dishes. The class emphasizes techniques like proper chopping, crushing, and mixing, which are crucial to unlocking the full potential of Malaysian ingredients.

This knowledge not only improves cooking skills but also deepens appreciation for Malaysia’s culinary heritage. Learning about the herbal combinations helps cooks balance aromatic complexity with spice levels, resulting in more authentic-tasting dishes.

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Wok Cooking Techniques and Stir-Frying Skills

A significant part of the class is dedicated to wok cooking, a cornerstone of Malaysian cuisine. The instructor demonstrates the correct way to heat and stir-fry vegetables and meats to achieve perfect textures.

Participants practice stir-frying with guidance on control of heat and timing to prevent burning or sogginess. The emphasis is on quick, high-heat cooking that locks in flavors and preserves freshness.

Learning these techniques helps students replicate Malaysian stir-fry dishes at home with professional results. The focus on wok skills ensures dishes like Char Kway Teow and other stir-fried recipes develop authentic flavor and texture.

Enjoying Wine or Beer During the Class

One of the appealing aspects of this experience is the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine or beer as part of the class. The unlimited soft drinks and optional alcoholic beverages create a relaxed atmosphere for learning and socializing.

Participants can sip their drink while watching demonstrations or during cooking breaks, making the experience more enjoyable and less formal. After finishing the dishes, everyone shares a meal together, allowing for conversation and reflection on the techniques learned.

The inclusion of wine or beer enhances the convivial environment, making this activity suitable for food and drink enthusiasts looking for a more social, leisurely cooking experience.

Practical Details: Bookings, Accessibility, and Dietary Info

Booking the class is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. The class is conducted in English and is suitable for participants aged 16 and above.

The venue provides all ingredients and equipment, so participants only need to follow the instructions. Allergy accommodations and Halal options can be arranged if requested in advance, accommodating dietary restrictions.

Participants are advised to avoid open-toed and bare feet shoes, ensuring safety during the cooking sessions. The class concludes with a shared meal and a digital recipe pack to recreate these Malaysian favorites at home.

Comparing This Class to Other London Food Experiences

Unlike sightseeing tours or museum visits, this cooking class offers an interactive, culinary experience. It stands out for its focus on authentic Malaysian dishes, mastering curry pastes, and cooking techniques.

While other experiences like Harry Potter tours or river cruises offer sightseeing, this activity appeals to food lovers who want a personal, hands-on activity. The inclusion of wines or beers during the session adds a relaxed, social element not always found in cooking classes.

The all-inclusive setup—ingredients, equipment, apron hire, and recipe pack—provides good value, especially considering the quality of instruction and authentic recipes. For those interested in Malaysian cuisine or learning new cooking skills, this class provides a memorable and practical experience.

Final Thoughts on the Malaysian Cooking Class in London

This 3-hour Malaysian cooking class from School of Wok offers a comprehensive, hands-on way to explore Malaysia’s flavorful dishes in London. The expert guidance helps participants master curry pastes, stir-frying, and flavor balancing, making it ideal for culinary enthusiasts.

The inclusion of wine or beer and all ingredients and equipment makes it a convenient and enjoyable activity. The focus on authentic recipes and traditional techniques ensures that skills learned can be used long after the class ends.

While it’s not suitable for children under 16, adults seeking a fun, educational cooking experience should find this class both informative and delightful. For anyone interested in Malaysian cuisine, this well-organized, friendly class promises a rewarding introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this class suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be accessible whether you’re new to Malaysian cooking or have some experience. Instructors guide you through each step, and all ingredients and equipment are provided.

Can I book this class last minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the “reserve now and pay later” option. Just ensure you book at least 24 hours before to benefit from the free cancellation.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The class can accommodate allergies and Halal requirements if informed in advance. The venue offers alternative recipes or ingredients where needed.

What should I wear during the class?
Participants should avoid open-toed or bare feet shoes for safety. Apron hire is included, so you only need to wear comfortable clothing suitable for cooking.

Will I receive a recipe to take home?
Yes, each participant gets a digital recipe pack to recreate Malaysian dishes in their own kitchen.

Is alcohol included in the price?
Participants enjoy unlimited soft drinks, with the option to include wine or beer during the class at no extra cost.

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