In this story:
Think you need years of culinary training or a passport full of stamps to whip up incredible Asian dishes? Think again! You can find friendly, hands-on Asian cooking classes in Melbourne, where you can learn to make everything from silky pork dumplings to fragrant curries that melt in your mouth. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned home cook, Asian cooking classes across the city will show you just how approachable (and fun!) these vibrant cuisines can be.
Keen to learn more? Read on to discover some of our favourite (and tastiest) cooking classes to try in 2025.
Make traditional Chinese dumplings from scratch
Chinese cuisine is one of the world’s most diverse and beloved, and there’s nothing quite like making your own dumplings, noodles, or stir-fries from scratch. In Melbourne, a variety of cooking classes offer the chance to get hands-on with the basics—no experience needed! Just bring your curiosity and willingness to try something new.
One of the most popular options is a dumpling making class where you'll knead the dough, learn the art of folding, and steam or fry your creations to perfection. This class takes place at Otao Kitchen, where the friendly team will guide you step-by-step through the process, making you feel at ease. By the end of the class, you’ll come away not just with a full belly, but with recipes and skills you’ll actually use at home.
Cassandra F. loved this class so much that she would even come back!
“They made every step seem so simple and provided one-on-one support as required. The dumplings came out so good, I was expecting them to split but they didn’t and tasted incredible! You could also take home the ones you didn’t eat. Would definitely do this again!”
Recreate Thai classics right here in Melbourne
If you've ever wanted to make mouth-watering Thai food, we’ve got you covered with this Thai cooking class in Melbourne’s waterfront dining region, South Wharf. Thai cuisine is all about balance—sweet, salty, sour and spicy—and the best way to really understand it is by learning from someone who knows it inside out. Luckily, the staff at Melbourne’s funkiest restaurant, BangPop, are ready to help you learn the secrets behind those crowd-pleasing dishes.
You’ll often start with a demonstration of the process, then it’s time to roll up your sleeves, cook together, and feast as a group. The dishes you’ll be making are Pad Thai and a fresh green papaya salad (also known as som tam).
Whether you’re looking for a new activity to do with friends or fun things to do on the weekend, head to a Thai cooking class, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Don’t take our word for it, Scarlet C. tried this class and was amazed at how easy it was!
“The teacher and support staff were amazing, very friendly and knowledgeable. All cooking materials were provided for a two-course meal, with two complimentary drinks, a fruit mocktail and a wine. Authentic ingredients were also used, with recommendations on where to buy them in Melbourne. The food was delicious and would be super easy to make!”
Discover how easy it is to cook Japanese cuisine
Japanese cooking might seem intimidating at first, but plenty of our Asian cooking classes in Melbourne show just how simple Japanese dishes can be when broken down into easy-to-follow steps. From sushi rolling to ramen making, there’s something for every taste and preference.
One standout is this Japanese cooking class at Brunswick Kitchen, where you'll learn how to cook a variety of delicious Japanese meals, from the perfect karaage chicken to sweet miso salmon with sweet potato. Guided by Chef Daniel Wilson, you’ll gain new tips and tricks before ending the class with a Japanese feast to savour!
Cook North Indian meals with a pro
There’s a reason why Indian food is so addictive and it’s because of the different aromas of Indian spices wafting through the air—they’re enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble. Luckily, we don’t have to keep you waiting! You can learn how to cook your favourite Indian dishes right here in Melbourne.
This class focuses on North Indian cuisine, where Chef Neda Khan will guide you through the process of using spices and balancing flavours to perfection. Learn how to make your own naan, cook fragrant briyani, and create a rich butter chicken that will impress everyone at your next dinner party! You will also learn the significance behind each dish in Indian history, so it’s more than just cooking tips. Best of all, you’ll learn how to simplify Indian cooking so it’s not only doable in your own kitchen, but something you’ll actually look forward to making again.
Transform simple Asian ingredients into delicious dishes
One of the best things about learning Asian cooking in Melbourne is discovering just how versatile and accessible the ingredients can be. You don’t need a specialty pantry full of niche grocery items. Just a few staples like soy sauce, sesame oil, rice, and fresh herbs can open up a whole world of flavour.
If this interests you, take a look at Otao Kitchen’s unique class and market tour experience. Here, you will meet your local guide at Victoria Markets and taste and shop for fresh, local ingredients. Then, you’ll head back to the kitchen to learn how to recreate traditional Asian dishes. Think sushi, noodles, spring rolls and more! So the next time you’re shopping at the Asian grocery store, you’ll be strolling through like a pro. After this class, you already have all the knowledge you need to bring a bit of that street-food magic into your everyday cooking.
Whether you're a dumpling lover, curry enthusiast, or sushi superfan, there’s an Asian cooking class in Melbourne with your name on it. The friendly, hands-on vibe of these workshops makes learning to cook feel like a casual catch-up with friends (with amazing food as the bonus). So if you’re looking for a fun date idea, a unique gift, or just a way to spice up your weekday meals, why not try one of these Asian cooking classes? You might just get a surprise with how easy and delicious Asian cooking can be.