Cooking Schools

During my time in Chiangmai, Thailand I went to three different cooking schools each having their own qualities! Most of these types of cooking schools offer 1/2 and full day courses in most cases, everyday. These were lots of fun and can fit into most peoples schedules. There are also schools that offer 40 hour and more classes and that is one of the things I will be doing on my next visit.

The last cooking class I went to was at "Siam Rice" as with all of them they picked me up at my guesthouse and we stopped at the market. We went to the site where we started in on the cooking. I notice that over my time in Thailand I take more heat (the first school I put 1-2 chilies in my dishes now can put up to 4-5). There are so many curry variations but they can come from just 3 or so bases. I like every curry that I have tried and I lean more towards the red curries. My favorite part at all the schools was learning to mortar curry paste. Nancy was a really nice lady. The vegetable carving time was neat and this really makes a difference in presentation. We used a slice of potato for the leaf and a chunk of carrot for the flower. Pretty good for the first time. Also I like that they gave us certificates.

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Best Market Experience: Organic Thai Farm
Best Nice Touch: Siam Rice (with the carving time)
Best Cookbook: Asian Scenic

Most Fun: Asian Scenic
Most Organized: Organic Thai Farm
Most Relaxed: Siam Rice

At each of these, I had a great experience. The one that stands out most in my mind is Asian Scenic. I felt the most comfortable there and had lots of laughs. Our cook was sweet, funny, and informative. They were very clean and kept our cooking and eating area clear without me even noticing. They also provided us with a beautiful cookbook, nice presentation. This is my top pick and would go again. At the Organic Thai Farm the market time was great. Our host provided us with lots of information and he knew his stuff. When we got to the Farm I was really impressed with the garden and the kitchen work area. We did have to clean up some of our things here and our cook was on the serious side but I do like that he would lighten it up at the end of a cooking segment and say "while you cooking...have a smile". Also got a cookbook here that is easy to understand. This was the farthest out with the ride being quite bumpy but I enjoyed the scenery. I liked Siam Rice too. The family was friendly and kind. In between dishes we stopped to do some vegetable carving. Still waiting for the online cookbook. This is a new outfit but I think if they work at it they can be among the top.

ORGANIC THAI FARM COOKING SCHOOL

ASIAN SCENIC COOKING SCHOOL

SIAM RICE COOKING SCHOOL