Hands-on Cajun Cooking Class in New Orleans French Quarter

You cook the whole meal, then you eat it together.

A hands-on cooking class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking in New Orleans' French Quarter where you learn to prepare three classic Louisiana dishes (barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding) under instruction from the chefs, then enjoy dinner with your classmates. The class runs three hours, accommodates groups as small as two people, and solo travelers can join a scheduled session by calling ahead.

The experience

You arrive at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking in the French Quarter, put on an apron, and start cooking alongside the chefs. This is not a demonstration where you watch from a stool. You're handling the knife, tending the pan, learning the seasonings and techniques as you go. The menu stays the same: barbecue shrimp New Orleans style, chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding with a brandy mocha sauce. Each dish teaches you something about how Louisiana cooking works, from the way the spices layer to the way the roux builds flavor.

The chefs teach professional techniques and the history behind the recipes while you work. They explain why the seasonings matter, how to read a dish as it cooks, what makes the difference between good jambalaya and great jambalaya. The class feels more like cooking with friends than sitting in a classroom. The chefs are personable and entertaining, and you're learning from people who actually cook this food every day, not from a script.

When the cooking is done, you sit down with your classmates and eat everything you made. Drinks are included. The whole experience runs about three hours from the moment you walk in until you leave. Minimum class size is two people. Solo travelers can call to find out which scheduled sessions have space to join.

What’s included

• Hands-on instruction from the chefs.
• all ingredients and cooking equipment.
• three prepared dishes (barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, chocolate bread pudding).
• dinner with your classmates.
• alcoholic beverages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 14:00 and 18:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Wheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearby

Operated by The Mardi Gras School of Cooking

Is this one for you?The chefs teach in English and French, so if you speak either language you'll follow the instruction comfortably. This class works for anyone who wants to actually cook, not watch. You'll leave knowing how to make these dishes at home, not just having tasted them once.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What three dishes do I learn to cook in this class?

Barbecue shrimp New Orleans style, chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding with a brandy mocha sauce. You prepare each one from start to finish, then eat them together at the end of the class.

Can I take this class if I'm traveling alone?

Solo travelers can join an already-scheduled class. Call the Mardi Gras School of Cooking to find out which sessions have space available and book your spot.

How long does the cooking class take?

The class runs three hours from arrival through dinner. You spend the time cooking with the chefs, learning techniques and the history of Louisiana cuisine, then sitting down to eat what you've made.

What's included in the class?

The class includes instruction from the chefs, all ingredients and equipment, and dinner with alcoholic beverages. You leave with the recipes and the knowledge of how to make these dishes at home.

Is this class accessible for people in wheelchairs?

Yes. The Mardi Gras School of Cooking is wheelchair accessible, with all areas and surfaces designed to accommodate wheelchairs.