Blogs
There’s something magical about Christmas, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the festive music, the joy of gathering with friends and family—and of course, the food. Christmas is the perfect time to bring people together through cooking, and this year, why not make it extra special?
Whether you're entertaining a big group or keeping it intimate, learning new festive recipes can transform your holiday from routine to remarkable. That’s why we’ve rounded up 15 of the best Christmas dishes to learn this season, covering starters, mains, and desserts that will impress your guests and fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas.
Even better—you can learn to make many of these dishes in our hands-on Christmas cooking classes or through our Home Chef Program at Otao Kitchen. These experiences are perfect for couples, families, or friends who want to cook, connect, and celebrate together.
Mexican Shredded Chicken in a Pressure Cooker: Quick, Flavourful, and Versatile
Craving tender, spicy Mexican shredded chicken but short on time? Your pressure cooker is about to become your kitchen hero. This bold, juicy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or meal prep.
At Otao Kitchen, we love teaching modern home cooks how to blend speed with authentic flavour. In this guide, you’ll get a foolproof recipe, chef-approved tips, and creative ways to serve this crowd-pleaser.
10 Essential Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Cooking
Spice up your kitchen with the bold, soulful flavours of Mexico—guided by the culinary experts at Otao Kitchen.
Mexican cuisine is a celebration of vibrant ingredients, layered spices, and cultural fusion. Rooted in ancient Mesoamerican tradition and enriched by Spanish influence, it’s bold, diverse, and deeply satisfying. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned foodie, cooking Mexican food at home starts with a well-stocked pantry.
In this guide, our chefs at Otao Kitchen’s Mexican and Latin American Cooking Class share the ten must-have ingredients that form the foundation of truly authentic dishes—from tacos and guacamole to salsa and mole. These staples are the secret to creating mouthwatering meals that rival your favourite taqueria.
Taste the streets of China—from smoky skewers to sweet candied fruit—right here in Melbourne with Otao Kitchen.
Affordable, vibrant, and packed with flavour, Chinese street food offers a delicious glimpse into the country’s regional diversity. From the spice-laden alleys of Chengdu to the refined bites of Cantonese markets, each dish tells a story rooted in history and culture.
Whether you’re a curious traveller, a nostalgic foodie, or someone who dreams of recreating these iconic bites at home, this guide explores 10 must-try Chinese street foods in 2025—and shows you how to experience them hands-on with our Chinese cooking classes at Otao Kitchen.
Imagine the sizzle of Thai fish cakes hitting the pan, the crunch of a Vietnamese turmeric pancake fresh off the griddle, the aroma of Sichuan chili oil wafting through the air—all crafted by your own hands in the heart of Melbourne.
Rushing home after a long day, stomach growling, craving something delicious and good for you—but the clock’s ticking and takeout’s calling. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there, caught between wanting to eat well and the reality of a packed schedule.