Culinary Inspiration by Otao Kitchen

Tired of bland vegan meals? These ten lesser-known ingredients are your ticket to transforming vegan dishes from basic to brilliant. Perfect for beginner cooks, they pack flavour, texture, and nutrition into every bite.

Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or looking to level up your skills, these secret weapons will make your meals exciting and satisfying. And if you’re keen to learn hands-on, our Vegan Cooking Classes at Otao Kitchen are the perfect place to start.

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.

Celebrate Mum with a Cooking Class: A Taste of Love This Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, go beyond flowers and chocolates—give Mum a truly meaningful experience with a hands-on cooking class. It’s more than a gift—it’s quality time, creativity, and a shared meal, all wrapped into one delicious celebration. Whether you’re a partner booking with the kids, a teen planning a surprise, or an adult child wanting a heartfelt day, a cooking class creates memories that last far beyond the final bite.

In this guide, we’ll help you plan the perfect experience—from choosing Mum’s ideal menu to adding personal touches that say, “I love you.” Let’s cook up a day she’ll remember forever.

This year, elevate your corporate holiday celebration with a cooking class, where your employees become the chefs, crafting a festive meal together. It’s a hands-on, heartwarming experience that blends team-building, holiday cheer, and delicious results, perfect for rewarding your staff and strengthening workplace bonds. 

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. 

Remember the meal you shared on your first date—the way the flavors lingered as you laughed and locked eyes across the table? What if you could recreate that magic together, hands deep in dough or stirring a simmering sauce?