Blogs

🎄 Why Experience Gifts Are the Best Christmas Presents

The joy of experience gifts is simple:
✔️ No clutter.
✔️ No guessing sizes.
✔️ Just pure excitement and anticipation for something special.

More and more Australians are choosing experiential Christmas presents — and for good reason.

At Otao Kitchen, you can gift experiences that spark joy — from Asian street food and dumpling-making classes to Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese masterclasses.

🧧 Give a Christmas Gift Voucher from Otao Kitchen

A Cooking Class Voucher They’ll Never Forget

From dumplings to pho, sushi to stir-fries — Otao Kitchen gift vouchers open the door to new skills, bold flavours, and memorable moments.

Perfect for:

• Food lovers and aspiring chefs

• Couples looking for a fun date night

• Friends and families who love trying new things

• Team members, clients, or colleagues you want to impress

And if you want to join them, even better. It’s a gift for them and a great time for you, too.

🍽️ Top Experience Gift Ideas from Otao Kitchen

Here are some of the most popular options:

• Dumpling Making Party – Fun, interactive, and delicious.

• Thai Cooking Class – Spice things up with tropical flair.

• Vietnamese Masterclass – Great for lovers of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine.

• Asian Finger Food Cooking – Perfect for party hosts and entertainers.

• Japanese Cooking Experience – From sushi to ramen, this one’s always a hit.

🍺 Add a Thoughtful Extra

Pair your gift voucher with a festive add-on:

• A branded beer coaster for holiday toasts

• A quality apron, chef’s knife, or spice set

• A Christmas card with a personal message

• A box of Asian pantry essentials for at-home fun

Looking for corporate gifts? Add a custom branded item for clients or employees they’ll actually enjoy.

🧑‍🎄 A Gift for Every Kind of Person

Whether you’re shopping for:

• Couples looking for a new date night idea

• Parents who deserve something different

• Friends who have everything

• Work teams who love shared experiences

• Or even yourself (go on, treat yourself)

An Otao Kitchen gift voucher gives people something exciting to look forward to.

✨ Where to Buy the Best Christmas Experience Gifts

Browse all options and purchase instantly here:
👉 Buy a Christmas Gift Voucher

Vouchers are:

• Delivered instantly by email

• Personalised with a custom message

• Valid for 3 years

• Redeemable across all our cooking classes and group experiences

🎅 Make This Christmas One to Remember

This festive season, give something more than a gift — give an experience they’ll cherish.

From cooking, connection, and fun, a Christmas gift voucher from Otao Kitchen is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.

🎁 Buy your gift vouchers today and make someone’s Christmas deliciously memorable.

Father’s Day with a Dad Who Loves Cooking? Here’s the Perfect Gift Idea 

Give your dad a hug, laugh at his funny jokes, and this year—bring him back into the kitchen. If your old man loves cooking (or even just eating!), Father’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate his passion. Melbourne is bursting with ways to show appreciation: from sightseeing and a cheeky drink at a local bar to upgrading his gadget stash. But this year, why not gift him something a little more hands-on and meaningful?

When is Father’s Day in Australia?

In September. Mark it in the calendar—and if you’re still scratching your head for what to get Dad, we’ve got you covered.

Why a Cooking Class Is the Ultimate Father’s Day Gift

Let’s be honest—most dads don’t need another pair of socks or a random BBQ tool. Instead, give the gift of experience. At Otao Kitchen, we offer fun, flavour-packed cooking classes that will get your dad mixing, flipping, sizzling and laughing.

Whether your dad is a seasoned home cook or just curious about new cuisines, he’ll love learning hands-on techniques from our expert chefs—and maybe even sharing the class with you!

Remember What Dad Taught You in the Kitchen

This Father’s Day, take a second to appreciate the flavours and food memories you’ve shared. Maybe it was his weekend pancakes, his legendary roast, or that time he totally burnt the garlic bread (but you both laughed). These are the kitchen moments that shaped us.

Let’s honour that—with a culinary experience you can both enjoy.

Celebrate with Otao Kitchen:

• 🍣 Japanese Sushi & Gyoza

• 🌶️ Thai Street Food

• 🍝 Italian Pasta Making

• 🔥 BBQ Cooking Experience

• 🧒 Kids + Teens Cooking Classes (Family Fun!)

Gift vouchers are available—and yes, you can book it as a surprise!

Don’t Just Buy Him a Gift. Cook Something Together.

Melbourne dads love a good feed. This year, help yours create it from scratch. Book a Father’s Day cooking class at Otao Kitchen, and make it a celebration to remember.

36 Hours in Hanoi: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Timeless Capital

Hanoi — Vietnam’s graceful and exotic capital — is a city where ancient culture and modern life merge beautifully. From tree-lined boulevards and tranquil lakes to buzzing street markets and contemporary cafés, this city offers a captivating experience in just 36 hours.

Whether you’re nostalgic for the past or eager to embrace the city’s vibrant future, Hanoi invites you to walk, eat, watch, and wonder. Let’s dive into the best way to spend 36 hours in this unforgettable destination.

Best Things To Do in Melbourne on a Rainy Day

Don’t let the drizzle dampen your spirits—Melbourne is packed with cosy, vibrant, and delicious things to do when it’s wet outside. Whether you’re a local looking for a spontaneous indoor adventure or a visitor wanting to make the most of your time in the city, there’s no shortage of rainy day gems.

One of the top places to explore? Victoria Street, Richmond, known affectionately as “Little Saigon”.

Christmas is coming, and we can no longer put off the challenge that is Christmas shopping! If you’re looking for something thoughtful, practical and a little bit special, we’ve got just the thing. Whether you're buying for a home cook, a foodie friend, or someone who simply loves trying new things, our ultimate gift guide will help you find the perfect present.

From cooking experiences to online classes and gift vouchers, there’s something for everyone at Otao Kitchen.