Chiang Mai: Thai Cooking Class & Market Pickup, 6 Dishes

Summary

Cook six Thai favorites in Chiang Mai with local chef and market pickup

You’ll get picked up in Chiang Mai and dive into real Thai cooking with a local chef—choose six classic dishes like tom yum soup or khao soi, then eat what you’ve made together. It’s hands-on but relaxed, with plenty of laughter and small tips you’ll actually remember back home.

What’s the experience like?

"Try not to cry when you chop the shallots," our teacher joked as we crowded around the low table at Tomyumthai Cooking School in Chiang Mai. I was already blinking from the chili fumes, but honestly, I didn’t mind. The place smelled like lemongrass and something sweet—maybe the mangoes waiting for dessert. Our guide, Nok, picked us up right from our hotel (which was great because I’d definitely have gotten lost) and kept things easygoing, even when my friend dropped a kaffir lime leaf on the floor. Nok just laughed and showed us again how to slice it thin—her hands so quick it made me feel clumsy in a good way.

The kitchen was bright but not fancy—just fans humming and sunlight coming through slatted windows. We each got to pick six dishes for the day; I went for Tom Yum soup (because you have to), khao soi (Nok said it’s “the Chiang Mai noodle”), and of course mango sticky rice. When I tried saying “khao soi” in Thai, Li next to me burst out laughing—I probably butchered it. The curry paste part was messier than I expected; my fingers still smelled like galangal hours later. There was this moment when everyone went quiet except for the sizzle of garlic hitting oil. Maybe that’s what I remember most—the hush before tasting.

Lunch was just us sitting together, eating what we’d made—no fuss, no restaurant polish. Nok poured cold water all around and told stories about her grandmother’s recipes while we tried not to spill coconut cream everywhere. At some point someone found our photos on their Facebook page already—my face red from the wok heat but smiling anyway. I still think about that first spoonful of khao soi: rich, spicy, a little tangy, somehow comforting even though I’d never tasted anything quite like it before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn and cook Thai dishes

• Attend Tomyumthai Cooking Class
• Receive cooking tips and techniques
• Choose 6 Thai dishes to cook
• Cook dishes step by step with chef
• Enjoy the delicious cooked meal

Top questions

How many dishes do you cook at Tomyumthai Cooking School?

You’ll choose and cook six different Thai dishes during the class.

Is hotel pickup included for this Chiang Mai cooking class?

Yes, pickup and return to your hotel within Chiangmai Old City is included.

Do you get recipes after the class?

Yes, a recipe book is provided so you can try making the dishes at home.

What are some sample dishes taught in this class?

Dishes include Tom Yum soup, khao soi noodle curry soup, and mango sticky rice.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads the class and helps throughout.

Are drinks provided during the cooking class?

Drinking water is included for all participants.

Can travelers with spinal injuries join?

This activity isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

How do you get your photos from the class?

Your cooking photos are shared on their Facebook page after the session.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel (within the old city), all ingredients and equipment for cooking six Thai dishes with an English-speaking guide, drinking water throughout, a recipe book to take home, air-conditioned transport back to your hotel afterward, plus access to your group’s photo gallery online.