As a culinary lover, I could not resist the temptation to explore the local cuisine and learn more about the delicious Thai dishes. Known for its culinary traditions, Chiang Mai is an ideal destination to take an authentic cooking course. Thai cuisine is world famous for its flavorful dishes, with its distinctive balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy.
Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, a cooking course in Chiang Mai is a great way to learn about Thai cuisine, discover new flavors and have a cultural experience you'll cherish for a long time. So, put on your apron, get ready to cook and go on an adventure in Chiang Mai's kitchen!
My choice: Thai Farm Cooking
The reason I chose Thai Farm Cooking (besides the good reviews) was the fact that you can choose which dishes you want to make. The fact that they have their own garden where a variety of vegetables and herbs grow was more than nice, fresher than fresh!
You will be picked up at your ho(s)tel in Chiang Mai and go to the market first. During your visit to the market, the local chef will teach you more about the various ingredients central to Thai cuisine, such as rice; curry paste and various types of spices. Out of our group, there were some with me who had never tried Durian, so we bought a portion to taste later.
Then you will head towards the farm and get a tour of the vegetable/fruit/herb garden. Several vegetables/spices you will also start using in your dishes!
In advance, you choose which dishes you want to make (including vega options) from about 4 categories, including my choice:
1. Curry (includes curry paste)
- Khao Soi Curry
- Rode Curry
- Groene Curry
- Gele Curry
- Masaman Curry
- Penaeng Curry
My choice: Khao Soi Curry
When I first tasted this traditional dish from Chiang Mai, I was immediately sold. Khao Soi Curry consists of a creamy and spicy curry sauce made from coconut milk and Thai spices, served with noodles and meat (often chicken or beef) and garnished with various toppings, such as fried noodles, lime, and chili oil.
Do not add too much chili, as you will taste the flavors of the other ingredients less. Did you add too much anyway? A little sugar and lime will help.
2. Soup
- Tom Yam soup
- Tom Kha soup
- Thai Spicy soup
My choice: Tom Yam soup
A spicy and sour Thai soup known for its refreshing taste and aromatic fragrances. It is considered one of the most iconic dishes of Thai cuisine and is popular throughout Southeast Asia. Tom Yam soup is a deliciously flavorful dish that is often served as an appetizer, but can also be eaten as a main course.
The main ingredients of Tom Yam soup are shrimp, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, red Thai chilis, shallots, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes and fresh herbs such as cilantro and spring onions.
3. Noodle dish
- Pad Thai
- Spring rolls
- Pad Thai Woon Sen
My choice: Pad Thai
A popular dish from Thai cuisine that has become known worldwide as a classic of Thai street food culture. It is a noodle dish based on rice noodles, fried with various ingredients and seasoned with a sweet and sour sauce. Pad Thai is a wonderfully flavorful dish that is mostly eaten as a main course, although I also found it more thanprima for both lunch and dinner.
Pad Thai has a unique flavor that offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty and umami. The noodles are soft and glossy, the sauce is sweet and sour with a hint of salt from the fish sauce, and the ground peanuts add a delicious crunch. It is customary to add extra lime juice and fresh herbs while eating to enhance the flavors.
4. Dessert
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Bananas in coconut milk
- Cocunut Sticky Rice
My choice: Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice, also known as Khao Niew Mamuang, is a famous Thai dessert consisting of sticky rice served with fresh mango and a sweet coconut sauce. It is a popular dish in Thailand and surrounding areas and is often eaten during mango season, which usually runs from April to June.
Mango Sticky Rice is often served as a dessert, but can also be eaten as a sweet snack or breakfast. It is a popular dish in Thailand and is often found at street markets, in restaurants and as a favorite dessert on festive occasions.
You make the dishes in pairs, which means you have 2 rounds of cooking. You will receive a very fine (English) recipe book at the end of the cooking course. In addition to the recipes, it also contains the important ingredients that have passed in the market. Ideal to read back for when you get back in the kitchen at home.
The cooking course requires a down payment of 300 Baht. The easiest way to do this is to go to the office in the center, but you can also pay by credit card via PayPal (€1 transaction fee).
Have a great time cooking!
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