Bangkok: Thai Cooking Class & Market Tour with Lunch

Summary

Bangkok flavors come alive at On Nut market then into the kitchen

You’ll dive straight into Bangkok’s On Nut market for fresh ingredients, then cook classic Thai dishes side-by-side with locals in Pink Chili’s kitchen. Expect laughter over woks, hands-on lessons (with plenty of help), and lunch you actually cooked yourself. The smells and stories will stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Opened my eyes to the clatter of scooters and that humid Bangkok air — you know, the kind that sticks to your skin before breakfast. We met our guide outside On Nut market; she waved us over with a grin and a “sawasdee ka” I tried to copy (not well). Inside, it was chaos in the best way: piles of green mangoes, chilies sharp enough to make my eyes water just by sniffing near them. There was this one stall selling coconut milk that smelled like sweet grass — I kept sneaking glances at how the locals picked their produce. Our guide pointed out holy basil, which honestly just looked like any basil until she crushed it in her palm for us to smell. That scent still lingers in my head.

Back at Pink Chili’s kitchen, shoes off at the door (which felt oddly intimate), we each got an apron and a little station. The woks made these popping noises when they hit the flame — louder than I expected. I tried making Pad Thai first; noodles stuck together but Li, our instructor, just laughed and showed me how to loosen them up with a splash of water. She told stories about her grandmother’s curry paste while we chopped lemongrass. I fumbled my way through green curry next — somehow managed not to burn it. The steam carried this spicy-sweet smell that made me hungry even though we’d just eaten samples at the market.

Lunch was all our own work: sticky rice with mango (I probably used too much coconut cream), chicken soup bright with lime leaves, everything eaten around a big table where people swapped stories about home kitchens and travel mishaps. Someone spilled tea but nobody cared — it felt like being at a friend’s house more than a class. Afterward I sat for a minute longer than planned, watching light move across the tiled floor and thinking about how different food tastes when you’ve touched every part of it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and Thai cooking class

• Visit On Nut fresh market
• Select fresh ingredients and vegetables
• Prepare authentic Thai dishes
• Cook dishes using wok
• Savor the dishes you prepared

Top questions

How long is the Thai cooking class in Bangkok?

The class lasts around 4 hours including the market visit and meal.

Is pickup included for this cooking class?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet directly at Pink Chili near On Nut market.

What dishes do you cook during the class?

You’ll make four dishes: usually a starter (like coconut soup or papaya salad), one curry (green or red), one main dish (Pad Thai or similar), plus mango sticky rice for dessert.

Are beginners welcome at this Bangkok cooking class?

Yes, beginners are definitely welcome—no experience needed.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, after cooking you’ll eat all four dishes as your lunch or dinner.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to On Nut market and Pink Chili.

Will I get recipes to take home?

Yes, recipes are included so you can try making everything again later.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided tour of On Nut fresh market for local ingredients, hands-on cooking instruction in Pink Chili’s kitchen, all necessary recipes and supplies, plus lunch or dinner featuring your own creations. Drinks like tea, coffee, water, and even wifi are provided throughout your visit.