Culinary Inspiration by Otao Kitchen

Asian Cooking Classes in Melbourne

Melbourne’s food culture is as diverse as its people, and nowhere is this more evident than in its vibrant Asian culinary scene. Across the city, cooking schools and community kitchens are helping people learn how to prepare authentic Asian dishes — from the street food of Vietnam to the traditional flavours of Indonesia. These workshops are hands-on, welcoming, and suitable for anyone keen to improve their cooking skills.

You’ll find a variety of options through well-known providers like ClassBento, Jean's Asian Cooking, BangPop, Relish Mama, Brunswick Kitchen, and Otao Kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these workshops offer something for everyone.

Vietnamese Street Food – Jean's Asian Cooking

Run by Jean Silk, this class focuses on the bold and fresh flavours of Vietnamese street food. You’ll learn how to cook popular home-style dishes in a relaxed, supportive setting.

• Instructor: Jean Silk

• Focus: Vietnamese street food

• Fee: $200

• Location: Noble Park Community Centre

• Website: jeansasiancookingclass.com

This workshop is ideal for anyone who wants a understanding of Vietnamese cooking, from basic techniques to the cultural stories behind the food.

Thai Cooking Experience – BangPop

BangPop offers a 1.5-hour Thai cooking class that starts with a welcome mocktail and includes a hands-on cooking session followed by a riverside meal in a modern Thai restaurant.

• Fee: $109

• Location: South Wharf

• Includes: Thai-inspired mocktail, cooking session, sit-down meal with drinks, and take-home ingredients

It’s a good pick if you’re after a social, engaging way to learn how to cook Thai food.

ClassBento – Cooking Class Marketplace

ClassBento is a great place to find a wide variety of cooking classes across Melbourne. Their platform includes everything from sushi-making to dumpling workshops, making it easy to find a class that suits your interest and location.

• Fee: From $109

• Location: Various across Melbourne

• Offerings: Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and more

Whether you’re looking for a one-off activity or a series of classes, ClassBento is worth checking out.

Seasonal Demo Classes – Brunswick Kitchen

Brunswick Kitchen runs seasonal cooking classes with a focus on local ingredients and community. Led by Chef Tracey, these are mostly demonstration-style but still include plenty of interaction.

• Fee: $120 to $140

• Location: Brunswick

• Focus: Seasonal dishes, stories, and community connections

A great option if you prefer to observe and engage at your own pace while learning about flavour combinations and techniques.

Journey Through Indonesian Flavours – Otao Kitchen

Otao Kitchen in Abbotsford offers cooking classes that explore a wide range of cuisines. Their Indonesian cooking workshop introduces participants to rich, traditional dishes with a hands-on approach.

• Fee: $197 per person

• Location: Victoria Street, Abbotsford

• Includes: Traditional recipes, cultural insights, hands-on experience

They also run a Cooking with the Stars series (starting at $235), which features guest chefs and focuses on dishes inspired by Asian street food and culture.

Learning Through Cooking

Melbourne's Asian cooking classes are more than just a way to learn new recipes. They’re a way to connect with culture, meet like-minded people, and build confidence in the kitchen. Whether you’re after Thai street food, Vietnamese home cooking, or Indian vegetarian meals, you’ll find something that suits your taste and skill level.

Classes are often small and personalised, and many are led by professional chefs like Chef Ha Nguyen at Otao Kitchen or community cooks like Jean Silk.

Common Class Topics

• Thai street food

• Japanese Cooking

• Korean Cooking

• Malaysian Cooking

• Street food of Asia

• Vietnamese cooking

• Chinese dumplings

• Indian curries

• Fusion and seasonal dishes or even a moon cake making class.

You’ll also find flexible formats — some classes are hands-on, others are more demonstration-based, and some offer a mix of both. Many include a meal at the end or take-home ingredients so you can continue your cooking at home.

Conclusion: A Practical Way to Explore Asian Cuisine

If you’re interested in learning more about Asian food, Melbourne is one of the best places to start. With so many cultures represented, the city offers a genuine opportunity to cook, taste, and appreciate dishes from across Asia.

Summary of Recommended Providers

No matter which workshop you choose, you’ll come away with new skills, a deeper understanding of food culture, and some great recipes to try at home.

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