Why Teams Teams Cook Together Work Better Together

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Which Cooking Class Is Best for Your Team? A Guide to Otao Kitchen’s Top Group Events

In the world of corporate team-building, nothing beats getting your hands dirty—and your aprons on. At Otao Kitchen, we believe cooking is one of the most powerful ways to connect people, and our hands-on cooking experiences are designed to do just that.

Whether you're a small startup or a large organisation, a birthday group or a remote team, there’s an Otao Kitchen event designed to bring your people closer—through flavour, culture, and creativity.

“Food sparks conversation, collaboration, and creativity,” says founder and head chef Ha Nguyen.
“That’s why we design our cooking events to be more than just classes—they're experiences.”

Let’s explore which class might be right for your next gathering.

Why Teams Teams Cook Together Work Better Together

🔥 1. Social Cook-Off – For the Competitive Creatives

Think MasterChef meets team offsite.

In our Social Cook-Off Challenge, teams have just one hour to plan, shop, prep, cook, and plate a dish. Armed with a budget and basic pantry staples, they must collaborate under time pressure, hit the markets, and bring their vision to life.

🧑‍💼 Best for:
Corporate groups, startups, innovation teams, leadership retreats.

🎯 Why it works:

  • Builds communication under pressure

  • Encourages creative thinking

  • Requires teamwork and time management

“Just like a startup—you make something from scratch, together.” – Chef Ha


🥟 2. Dumpling or Pizza Party – For the Fun-Loving Teams

Sometimes, the best way to bond is over something simple and joyful—like handmade dumplings or fresh wood-fired pizzas.

These relaxed, 2-hour classes are filled with laughs, flour, and plenty of flavour. They’re our most popular for birthdays, hens parties, and casual team events.

🎉 Best for:
Social clubs, office parties, icebreakers, team celebrations.

🌟 Why it works:

  • Lighthearted and inclusive

  • Great for first-timers

  • BYO-friendly and great with drinks

“It’s amazing how much you learn about someone while folding dumplings side-by-side.” – Chef Ha


🌏 3. International Masterclasses – For the Culturally Curious

Want to explore the cuisines of Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Italy, or India? Our international cuisine masterclasses offer an immersive experience in food culture and technique, led by chefs who specialise in each cuisine.

🥢 Best for:
Foodie teams, learning & development days, culture-based workshops.

🌶️ Why it works:

  • Encourages cultural appreciation

  • Skills-based learning

  • Great for team diversity and inclusivity

“We bring Melbourne’s food cultures to life. This city has so much to celebrate.” – Chef Ha


🌿 4. Bush Food Cooking – For the Purpose-Driven Teams

Take your team on a culinary journey through native Australian ingredients with our Cooking with Australian Ingredients Masterclass. You'll discover wattleseed, Kakadu plum, kangaroo, lemon myrtle, and more—through a 3-course menu.

🌱 Best for:
Sustainability teams, Indigenous awareness programs, NGOs, educators.

🍽️ Why it works:

  • Connects teams with Country and culture

  • Highlights sustainable ingredients

  • Encourages mindfulness through cooking

“When people learn to cook with native foods, they connect to Australia in a new, meaningful way.” – Chef Ha


💻 5. Online Hamper Classes – For Remote and Hybrid Teams

Distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. Our Virtual Cooking Classes with delivered hampers bring the kitchen to your home or office. Participants receive pre-measured ingredients and join a live session with our chefs.

📦 Best for:
Remote teams, interstate clients, virtual conferences, hybrid companies.

💡 Why it works:

  • Connects distributed teams

  • Flexible and scalable

  • Adds a fun twist to Zoom fatigue

“Even in lockdown, we found a way to cook, share, and smile together.” – Chef Ha


🧠 Which Cooking Class Is Right for Your Team?

EventTeam SizeVibeGoal
Social Cook-Off12–40EnergeticStrategy + Fun
Dumpling/Pizza Party8–30CasualBonding + Laughs
Cuisine Masterclass6–32FocusedSkill-building + Culture
Bush Food Cooking6–32PurposefulSustainability + Storytelling
Online Hamper Class10–100+FlexibleRemote Team Connection
* If you have a larger group we will set up a double session to cover group larger than 40 pax.

Ready to Cook, Laugh, and Grow Together?

At Otao Kitchen, we’ve helped thousands of people bond over flame and flavour. Whether it’s a big company offsite or a small celebration, we’re here to craft an experience your team will never forget.

👉 View All Team Cooking Experiences

👉 Talk to Us About a Custom Package

“Cooking together reminds us why we like the people we work with.” – Chef Ha Nguyen

Otao Kitchen Cooking Events Comparison

Event

Overview

Ideal For

Chef Ha Nguyen’s Insight

Social Cook-Off (Team Challenge MasterChef)

Teams compete in MasterChef-style cook-off with budgets, markets, foraging, and plating.

Corporate team-building, startup workshops, creative groups.

“Food sparks conversation, collaboration, and creativity.”

Cooking with the Stars

Masterclasses led by celebrity chefs (e.g., Brendan Pang, Diana Chan) featuring cultural storytelling and high-end cuisine.

Foodies, gastronomes, special occasions.

“We bring global chefs whose passion inspires every participant.” 

Cuisine Masterclasses (e.g., Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian)

Hands-on, 2–3 hr classes focused on a single cuisine, typically in Abbotsford.

Small groups, friends, couples, learners.

“Our expert chefs guide you through authentic dishes … transforming everyday meals into something memorable.” 

Bush Food / Australian Ingredients Masterclass

Discover native bush foods (Kakadu plum, wattleseed, kangaroo) in a 3-course menu.

Sustainability-focused cooks, corporate groups.

“Learn the health benefit of Australian foods … deeper connection to time‑honoured traditions.” 

Pizza Making Party / Dumpling Party

Fun, interactive 2 hr classes—perfect for parties or casual team bonding.

Birthday parties, social groups, casual team-building.

“Class is laid out well, instructor makes it enjoyable … every aspect lovely.” (Jody)

VDI / Online Hamper Classes

Virtual cook-along kits (e.g., sushi, dumplings, ramen) delivered with live demo.

Remote teams, virtual events, home cooks.

“In 2020 … we delivered classes online … promoting better cooking skills and healthier lifestyles.” 

 

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Event Planning