Lyon: Asian cooking classes: make your own baos!

Learn to Make Authentic Baos in Lyon with Chef Ying

The Lyon Asian cooking class offered by Baotime provides a hands-on experience to master the art of making baos, the soft, stuffed buns popular in Chinese street food. Priced at $88 per person and lasting 3.5 hours, this workshop is perfect for foodies eager to unlock the secrets of Asian cuisine. The class takes place in Ying’s restaurant, where you will learn in a small group of up to 10 participants, ensuring personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of cooking techniques, cultural insight, and the chance to leave with your own homemade baos. The workshop is adaptable to vegetarian diets, making it accessible for different preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers practical tips, fun braiding techniques, and a delicious payoff. The only consideration is that the workshop does not accommodate those with gluten intolerance, as gluten is a core ingredient.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• 3.5-hour hands-on bao-making experience led by Chef Ying in Lyon
• Includes preparation of two recipes, with vegetarian options available
• All ingredients and equipment are provided, so no need to bring anything
• Participants leave with their own homemade baos to enjoy or take home
• The workshop takes place at Baotime restaurant, in a small group setting for personalized guidance

A Warm Welcome at Baotime in Lyon’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

This Asian cooking class is hosted at Baotime restaurant, situated within Lyon’s vibrant Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The meeting point is straightforward: inside the restaurant, where Chef Ying awaits to greet participants. The small group size, limited to 10 participants, fosters a friendly environment that encourages interaction and personalized tips.

The setting emphasizes authentic Asian cuisine, with the workshop designed to make you comfortable whether you are a beginner or have some cooking experience. The venue’s intimate size helps maintain a relaxed pace, and the chef’s expertise in Asian cooking ensures you receive clear, helpful instructions throughout the experience.

Step-by-Step Bao Shaping: From Dough to Steamed Buns

The core activity involves shaping the dough, which is made from white wheat flour, a key ingredient for authentic baos. You’ll learn how to work with the dough, a step that requires some skill but is made accessible thanks to Chef Ying’s guidance. The process continues with preparing two fillings—which can be either meat and vegetable-based or vegetarian/vegan—both of which are explained in detail.

The most technical part of the workshop is braiding the dough, a technique that adds visual appeal and demonstrates real mastery of bao-making. Thanks to Chef Ying’s tips, you’ll find yourself braiding with confidence. After shaping, the baos are cooked in traditional bamboo steamers, adding to the authenticity of the experience. Finally, you get to enjoy your freshly steamed baos on-site, with the option to take some home, if you can resist eating them immediately.

Vegetarian and Dietary Options for Inclusive Cooking

A key feature of this workshop is its adaptability to vegetarian diets. Participants can choose to prepare two vegetarian or vegan recipes, making the class suitable for those avoiding meat. This flexibility is clearly communicated, and Chef Ying provides guidance on substituting ingredients to keep the fillings flavorful and satisfying.

However, it’s important to note that people with gluten intolerance should be aware that the ingredients involved contain gluten, and this workshop may not be suitable for them. The focus remains on traditional, wheat-flour-based baos, with no gluten-free alternatives specified.

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The Bao Experience: Making, Sharing, and Tasting

Throughout the class, sharing tips and tricks with Chef Ying enriches the experience, giving insight into Chinese culinary techniques and cultural context. The workshop culminates with tasting your handmade baos, providing immediate satisfaction and practical knowledge.

Participants can also take their baos home, making this experience not just educational but also practical. The taste and presentation of the baos reflect the care and skill imparted by Chef Ying, leaving you with a new culinary skill and delicious souvenirs of your time in Lyon.

Practical Details: Scheduling, Cancellation, and Accessibility

The tour offers flexibility with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which gives peace of mind when planning. You can reserve your spot online and pay later, making it easier to fit into travel plans. The class is available in French and Chinese, with wheelchair accessibility to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

The duration of 3.5 hours allows ample time to learn different techniques, cook, and enjoy your baos without feeling rushed. The small group size ensures personal attention, and the workshop content is designed to be engaging and accessible, even for those new to Chinese cooking.

Why This Bao Workshop Offers Authenticity and Fun

This Lyon-based bao-making class excels in authenticity, with Chef Ying’s expertise guiding you through traditional shaping, braiding, and steaming techniques. The use of bamboo steamers adds an extra layer of authenticity, making the buns taste as close as possible to street food in China.

The experience is both educational and fun, perfect for food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, or anyone eager to expand their culinary skills. The small group environment fosters a personalized learning experience, and the opportunity to taste and take home baos makes it a practical choice for a tasty souvenir.

Who Will Appreciate This Lyon Cooking Class

This workshop is ideal for adventurous cooks curious about Asian cuisine, families looking for a fun activity, or culinary travelers wanting a hands-on experience. It’s especially suitable for those with dietary flexibility, thanks to the vegetarian options.

However, people with gluten intolerance should consider other options, as the class involves wheat flour. The price point of $88 reflects the inclusion of all ingredients and equipment, making it a worthwhile investment for a memorable culinary skill.

Final Thoughts on the Bao-Making Experience in Lyon

The Lyon Asian cooking class with Chef Ying offers a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to making baos, a staple of Chinese street food. The 3.5-hour workshop balances learning technical skills with plenty of tasting, making it both educational and delicious.

The small group size ensures personalized guidance, and the authentic techniques, like braiding and steaming in bamboo baskets, add value for those interested in genuine Chinese cooking. The adaptation to vegetarian diets broadens its appeal, and the option to bring baos home makes this experience even more rewarding.

While not suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals, this class offers an engaging, cultural dive into Asian cuisine in Lyon—a perfect activity for food lovers wishing to impress friends or simply enjoy a new culinary adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, with clear instructions and personal guidance from Chef Ying.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian options are available, but the workshop does not accommodate gluten intolerance or other specific dietary needs beyond vegetarian.

How much do I leave with after the class?
Participants leave with their own homemade baos and all ingredients and equipment used during the workshop.

Is the workshop held in English?
The class is conducted in French and Chinese; language support or translation may be available if needed.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning.

Is there a limit to group size?
Yes, the workshop is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate, engaging experience.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, you can prepare two vegetarian or vegan recipes during the session.

Where exactly does the workshop take place?
The class is held inside Baotime restaurant in Lyon, providing an authentic culinary setting.

What should I bring?
All ingredients and equipment are provided; no additional supplies are necessary.

How long is the workshop?
The class lasts 3.5 hours and includes shaping, filling, braiding, steaming, and tasting.

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