There is no better way to learn about a culture than through its food and a Thai cooking class will give you a real taste of Thailand.
Cooking Thai food is actually much easier than you think and there are plenty of classes in Khao Lak where you can learn the secrets of Thai cuisine. One of the most popular classes is Riverside Thai Cooking hosted by Chef Apple.
Chef Apple
Apple learnt the art of Thai cooking the traditional way, helping her Mama cook family meals from a young age. With her wealth of knowledge, after just one class with Apple, you will be able to impress your friends and family back home with your new Thai culinary skills.
Classes at Riverside follow a fairly standard format. They are ‘dish-focused’ classes, which typically involves learning how to make your chosen Thai dish and the other dishes your classmates are learning. This type of class is great for those who want to learn how to cook their particular favourite Thai dish or for those who want to add a new dish to their repertoire.
It All Starts At Khao Lak’s Market
Like any good meal, the first thing you will need is some quality ingredients. So the cooking class starts at Khao Lak’s thriving morning market. On the market tour, you will get to see firsthand where locals shop for food and learn more about the different spices, pastes and herbs used in Thai cuisine. This is a great way to learn more about daily Thai life and the food that locals enjoy.
Learning about ingredients at the market
After the market tour you will head to the class room which is ideally located in town set next to a slow meandering river surrounded by lush grasses and trees.
Learning to Prepare and Cook Thai Food
Preparing some Thai pastes for cooking
In the class room you will learn how to prepare and then cook your chosen Thai dish.
You will also get to learn to make delicious spring rolls, a very popular Thai appetiser and included in every lesson. As well as cooking you will learn about the history and culture behind Thai cuisine and have a go at vegetable carving and food presentation.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned chef, the class will give you the skills and knowledge you need to make authentic Thai food at home.
Enjoy the Food You Have Created
After everyone has finished cooking you get to enjoy the meal that you prepared! Sit down with your fellow classmates and indulge on the fruits of your labour and savour the flavours of Thailand cooked by yours truly.
What Thai Dishes to Expect at your Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak?
You will be able to learn how to cook some of the most popular and delicious dishes from Thailand. Here are some of the popular dishes on the cooking class menu:
Pad Thai
This dish is a stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, eggs and some secret sauces, served with a lime wedge and crushed peanuts. This one of the most famous Thai dishes and immensely popular with guests at the cooking class.
Tom Yam Soup
This famous Thai soup is a fragrant, hot and sour, made with lemongrass, chill and fish sauce to name a few ingredients. It’s usually cooked with shrimp.
Green Curry
Green curry is made with green chili peppers, coconut milk, fish sauce and fresh herbs. This dish is deliciously fragrant and packs a real flavour punch. It’s typically made with chicken.
Red Curry
Ingredients for red curry paste
This curry is made with red chills, coconut milk, fish sauce and fresh Thai herbs. At Riverside it is prepared with pork and fresh pineapple, creating a heady mix of sweet and spicy flavours.
Masaman Curry
This curry is made with chicken, coconut milk, potatoes, onions, peanuts and spices. Masaman curry is less spicy that other Thai curries and is therefore very popular with visitors to Thailand.
Free Thai Recipes
As part of your Thai cooking class in Khao Lak, you will get all the recipes for the dishes cooked during your class. Apple also has a popular mailing list and you will receive lots more recipes and cooking tips in the future.
Small Class Sizes
One of the great things about Apple’s kitchen is the small class sizes. This allows for a more intimate and hands-on learning experience with the chef. You will be able to ask questions, get help when needed and really learn all the tips and tricks for making authentic Thai cuisine.
Vegetarian Thai Food is Always Available
When it comes to Thai food, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options to choose from. Riverside Thai Cooking has an extensive Thai vegetarian and vegan menu to chose from.
Some Useful Information
Riverside Thai Cooking is open daily and offers morning and afternoon classes. Morning classes include the tour of Khao Lak’s market, food preparation and cooking the Thai dish of your choice, spring rolls, vegetable carving and recipes. There is no market tour for the afternoon classes but instead you can learn an extra delicious Thai dessert.
Classes cost 1,500 Thai Baht per person, which includes your hotel pick-up and drop-off and lasts approximately four to five hours depending on class sizes. Classes are kept to a maximum of six guests though Chef Apple can cater for larger groups.
