Chengdu: Sichuan Cooking Class & Local Spice Market Walk

Summary

Chengdu food adventure with market stroll & hands-on cooking

You’ll wander Chengdu’s bustling spice market with a local guide before learning classic Sichuan recipes in a cozy kitchen workshop. Enjoy local tea, cook side-by-side with a chef, then share your homemade meal (with drinks) around the table. It’s hands-on, welcoming, and full of small moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked under the striped awning into Chengdu’s spice market, and right away I got hit by this warm, peppery smell — like someone had just cracked open a bag of dried chilies. Our guide, Li, handed us little cards with “challenges” (find star anise, spot the pickled veggies). It was loud in there: stall owners calling out prices, someone arguing over tofu, and that clack-clack of cleavers. I tried to say “doubanjiang” but Li laughed — probably butchered it. But hey, everyone smiled anyway.

After the market we wandered back to Chilli Cool Workshop, which is tucked behind a row of scooters and laundry lines. They poured us local tea in these tiny cups — earthy and almost smoky — while we cooled off. The kitchen was bright but not fancy; just big wooden tables and stacks of bowls. The chef showed us how to slice ginger thin enough you could almost see through it (I didn’t get there). There were more than 50 dishes on their board but we stuck to three classics. My mapo tofu was a bit lopsided but tasted way better than I expected.

We ate what we made together at this long table, with cold beer and lots of joking about whose noodles looked the weirdest. I still think about that first mouthful — tongue-tingling from Sichuan peppercorns but somehow comforting too. Walking out into the city after, my hands smelled like garlic for hours. So yeah… if you want a real day trip in Chengdu that’s all about food (and laughing at your own chopping skills), this cooking class is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chengdu cooking class and market visit

• Visit local spice market
• Complete spice challenges
• Enjoy Sichuan local tea
• Learn cooking with professional chef
• Savor homemade dishes with drinks

Top questions

How long does the Chengdu cooking class last?

The class lasts about 4-5 hours including the market visit and meal.

Is lunch or dinner included in the cooking class?

Yes, you’ll enjoy lunch or dinner based on your class schedule.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested at booking.

Where is the Chilli Cool Workshop located?

The workshop is in central Chengdu city center.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

What age can join the cooking class?

The minimum age is 5 years old for participants.

Do I need to bring anything special?

No special items needed—just wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.

What’s included

Your experience includes a guided tour of Chengdu’s local spice market with interactive challenges, English-speaking guide support throughout, light refreshments and local tea on arrival at Chilli Cool Workshop, all food ingredients for your chosen dishes (with over 50 options), hands-on cooking instruction from a professional chef in a cozy kitchen setting, plus recipes to take home. You’ll sit down together to enjoy your homemade lunch or dinner along with beer or beverages before heading out again into the city.