Eat Your Way Through These Foodie Experiences

If your idea of a foodie good time is a bit more hands-on than sitting back and reading a menu, it’s time to shake up your culinary routine. Get out from behind the dining table and into the heart of the kitchen, bar or local food scene, where you can roll pasta from scratch, shake up cocktails, uncover hidden food spots and get a little more involved in what’s on your plate. 

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and discover the ultimate lineup of hands-on food and drink experiences in Australia!

Go on a safari for your taste buds

They say the best way to get to know a city’s culture is through its stomach, and we couldn’t agree more! Guided foodie tours take you past the tourist traps and straight into local food heaven. It’s part sightseeing, part feast and a much tastier way to get to know a city. 

Why you’ll love it:

• Discover secret spots, hole-in-the-wall eateries and family-run bakeries you’d never find on map apps.
• Learn the fascinating local stories behind iconic regional dishes while snacking along the way.
• Let expert local guides curate the ultimate tasting menu for your afternoon.

Tried and tested by Leng: 

“Although I've lived in Adelaide for more than 20 years, this tour has opened my eyes to all the wonderful food that I can obtain within Central Market. Fantastic tour by Stephanie who gave us a wealth of knowledge on the different cultural groups of people who call Adelaide home and share with us their delicious food.”

The vibe:

Think lively market buzz, the irresistible smell of something delicious cooking nearby and the thrill of discovering a hidden gem you’d never have stumbled across on your own. It’s a little adventurous, wonderfully local and best enjoyed with an open mind (and an appetite!).

Pro tip for food explorers:

Wear comfortable shoes, skip lunch before you go and always leave a little room for secret off-menu surprises!

Learn how to cook a dish you’ve always wanted to try

Any foodie worth their salt has at least a recipe or two in their back pocket. Become that foodie and head to a cooking class to add a new dish, or even an entire meal, to your repertoire. Perfect for impressing your friends at your next dinner party or simply treating yourself to something delicious whenever the hunger strikes.

Here are three unmissable cooking experiences to add to your bucket list:

Hand-rolled pasta making workshop

Ditch the store-bought boxed pasta and discover the joyful art of fresh Italian cooking.

• What to expect: Learn how to make silky pasta dough from scratch and shape delicate tagliatelle, ravioli, or fluffy pillow-soft gnocchi.
• The reward: Sit down with your fellow foodies to feast on your creations alongside rich, slow-simmered sauces and a glass of crisp wine.

Authentic Japanese sushi making

Learn how to master the delicate precision of making Japanese sushi from scratch. 

• What to expect: Learn the secrets to perfectly seasoned sushi rice, expert fish selection, precision slicing, and the trick to rolling pristine maki and hand-pressing nigiri.
• The reward: A stunning, colourful platter of restaurant-quality sushi created by you (plus skills that will make you the star host of your next dinner party).

Social dumpling masterclass

Bring the sizzle and steam of Asian night markets right to your kitchen bench.

• What to expect: Master the art of filling dumplings and executing signature pleats—from classic pan-fried potstickers to pillowy bao buns.
• The reward: A glorious stack of juicy dumplings cooked to perfection, ready to eat!

Sip, shake and savour your favourite drinks

A truly spectacular meal deserves an equally spectacular drink. Step behind the bar (or barista station) to discover the science, artistry and magic behind your favourite pours.

Cocktail classes

Stop relying on basic gin and tonics. Dive into the thrilling world of craft mixology hosted by top local bartenders in your city!

• The flavour profile: Learn how to balance sweet, sour, bitter, and aromatic elements like a seasoned pro.
• Hands-on fun: Practice classic techniques—muddling fresh herbs, dry-shaking egg whites for silky foams, and adding citrus peels for an irresistible aroma.
• Bonus: You’ll craft (and sip!) signature cocktails during the session.

Wine tasting experiences

Ever wondered what makes a cool-climate Pinot Noir leap out of the glass, or how to spot the subtle line between a crisp Riesling and a buttery Chardonnay before you even take a sip? Join a wine tasting experience in Sydney, Melbourne and beyond!

• The experience: Guided by an expert sommelier, you’ll swirl, sniff and sip your way through curated boutique drops and iconic regional vintages, usually paired with cheese or light refreshments. 
• The vibe: Sophisticated, relaxing and endlessly indulgent.

Coffee and latte art workshop

For those who take their morning caffeine kick seriously!

• The experience: Learn espresso extraction, milk texturing secrets and how to pour beautiful hearts, rosettes and tulips into your morning cup.
• Why it rules: Say goodbye to average home brews forever!

Try these food and drink trends for your home cafe.

Bake it til you make it!

Life is short—eat dessert first! If you have a sweet tooth, taking a beginner's pastry or baking class is the ultimate treat.

• Learn how to make French macarons from scratch! Whip up meringue, master macaronage (folding batter) and pipe smooth, colourful shells with rich ganache fillings.
• Or are you a fan of chocolate? Now’s your chance to try! Learn how to temper chocolate and hand-roll decadent truffles that look almost too good to eat.
• Okay, technically, not a sweet class, but we’ve still included sourdough because it’s popular among foodies wanting to start a new hobby in the kitchen! Get your hands sticky, learn sourdough starter maintenance and master scoring techniques for that picture-perfect oven spring.

Turn food into your next adventure

The best part about these foodie experiences is they’re not just about eating good food. They’re about going behind the scenes and getting your hands dirty. It's the difference between enjoying food and being a certified foodie, one who wants to discover the stories, skills and people behind what’s on their plate (as well as eating it).  

Explore a new neighbourhood on a foodie tour, master a dish you’ve always wanted to make, shake up cocktails with friends or finally learn how cafés create those impossibly pretty latte art designs.

Whatever your flavour, these food and drink experiences make it easy to swap the standard dinner reservation for something a little more hands-on, a lot more delicious and seriously memorable.

So grab your favourite foodies, bring your appetite and get ready to eat, drink, make and discover something new.