Frequently Asked Questions

Covid-19 Information Hub

We’ve had to make significant changes to our services following government restrictions. We know these changes impact many of our customers, and we thank you for your understanding.

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Our Story

ABOUT US

Otao kitchen is a cooking school and event space with a mission for people to come together to cook, connect, celebrate. We believe cooking and eating should be an experience, not just a meal. We created Otao kitchen as an extension of our passions to cook, share and inspire.

EXPERT IN COOKING CLASSES

Otao kitchen was launched in Melbourne, Australia in July 2014, with the goal of celebrating the rich and varied cooking experiences of Melbourne’s immigrant multicultural communities. Its founder, Chef Ha Nguyen, originally from Hanoi shares his passion for food, instructing customers in the exotic diaspora of Asian and around the world cuisine.

WHAT WE DO BEST?

Today our guests can get inspired by cooking with our local and international chefs, listen to their cooking and travel experiences in Asia and around the world and bring some cooking and cultural tips and tricks home. With the nods at the diversity of communities within Melbourne, Otao kitchen features an array of global food experiences from Indian to Japan to Mexico and more.

In 2020 with the challenge of global Covid 19 pandemic, we set out to capture the curriculum of our hands-cooking classes and deliver it online to home cooks in Australia and across the world to guide you to cooking success and better health.

Products and services: cooking master classes, private and corporate events, catering and event services, kid and school programs, and gift vouchers.

WHAT'S "OTAO" MEAN?

Otao kitchen is named after Ông Táo, the Vietnamese Kitchen God. Ông Táo is regarded as the advocate of Vietnamese families to the gods and a messenger between Heaven and Earth. In preparation of a prosperous year, Vietnamese families clean their homes and polish their silver. During the New Year celebrations, Ông Táo comes to serve as the Kitchen God to Vietnamese families. As the old year ends, he flys back to Heaven on a magic-carp reporting on each family’s life and experiences over the past year to the Jade Emperor, the King of Heaven. Ông Táo is regarded as a family member and various prayers and offerings are brought to him at the family altar.

How to get to us?

From 5th July, Otao Kitchen is located 393 Victoria Street, Abbotsford, 3067 - 400 m from our old venue.

Our Old Otao Kitchen Venue is located at 360 Victoria Street, Richmond, 3121 Victoria, Australia

Public Transport

We encourage you to travel on public transport. Please check with Public Transport Victoria (www.ptv.vic.gov.au or 1800 800 007) for train and tram timetables. Otao kitchen is accessible via train to North Richmond Station and/or tram; route 109 (Box Hill to Port Melbourne) and route 12 (St Kilda to Victoria Gardens) go along Victoria Street – you should disembark at stop 20. Route 78 (Prahran to Richmond) stops at the corner of Church and Victoria Streets and is only one block from Otao kitchen.

Car Parking

There is plenty of street parking available during the day on Lithgrow St, Albert St, Princess St., and Nelson Street, with have a 1-2-4 hour parking limit. Please check the sign. Parking can also be limited depending on the day and time, so plan carefully. Alternatively, you can park your vehicle in Hive Shopping Centre where 2 hours and more parking is available at reasonable rates. Otao Kitchen is just a short 5 minute walk from the Shopping Centre.

Bicycle

Bicycles can be stored and locked securely at the front of Otao kitchen’s property. If you need to park the bike in the back, please enter via the Victoria Street main entrance and arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your class so the bicycle can be stored without interruption to the class.

Opening hours

Scheduled Classes

2.5 - 3 hours

Thu & Fri: 2 pm and 6.30 pm
Sat & Sun: 10 am, 2 pm and 6.30 pm

Private & Corporate Events

by private booking only

Thu & Fri: 2 pm and 6.30 pm
Sat & Sun 10 am, 2 pm and 6.30 pm

Drop off or pick up items including lost and found item.
As per request or during the scheduled class days

Catering and event

by private booking only with requested time from clients

Food Tour

by private booking only with requested time from clients

Contact us

hello@otaokitchen.com.au
telephone 0408 217 899

Parking in North Richmond & Abbotsford?

North Richmond & Abbotsford Victoria is a vibrant inner-suburb of Melbourne, just 3km outside the Melbourne CBD. There’s plenty to do in North Richmond & Abbotsford, but it’s most famous for its shopping, eating and drinking, watching spots from Melbourne Cricket Ground, the largest sports stadium in the southern hemisphere. North Richmond & Abbotsford is well served by public transport. Having a plan for parking in North Richmond & Abbotsford will make your life a lot easier. There are lots of options for cheap parking in Richmond, but as the closest suburb to the MCG it’s crowded when there’s a big game on with over 100,000 people.

The best way to get to here is via train or tram, with lots of route choices. You can get to Richmond’s train station from Flinders Street Station in the CBD, with a travel time of about 10 minutes. Tram numbers 70, 109, 48 and 75 will also get you from the city into various parts of North Richmond/Abbotsford.

There’s limited street parking in North Richmond & Abbotsford, if you want to try your luck. Most street parking is timed, and some spaces are reserved for local permit holders. Your best bet is to look on side streets away from the busier areas such as Bridge Road, Victoria Street, Swan Street or Church Street – but always pay attention to the signage. Remember parking will be harder to find in peak times or where there are events on so leave lots of time to look for a spot.

If you’re looking for a park near Bridge Road, you can’t beat Coles Richmond Plaza Car Park. This car park is accessed from 261 Bridge Road and offers easy access to shopping on the main strip. It operates from 6.00am to midnight each day and you can pay for parking with cash or credit card. This is being upgraded till 2021.

Victoria Gardens is a shopping centre on the corner of Victoria and Burnley Streets or connecting with Bridge Road East End Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre car park gives you access to one of the major shopping hubs in Richmond – with supermarkets, cinemas, and food retailers close at hand. This is some of the cheapest parking in Richmond if you’re parking for just a few hours, but stay over 6 hours and parking gets expensive.

If you’re heading to Church Street for a short-stay, you could consider Church Street Car Park. This car park is open 24 hours a day but has a maximum parking time of 2 hours most of the time. The only times with no maximum parking time are before 6am and after 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

If you're heading to Victoria street you could consider the Hive shopping car park. This carpark is open to serve aldi and woolworth supermarkets and other shops. The first hour is free then you will pay $4 per hour after. The Victoria street parking is about $2 per hour.

If you need to visit Epworth Hospital on Bridge Road, there’s limited undercover parking available. Hospital parking is filling up quickly and never cheap, but it’s an easy option when you really need to be there. The car park entrance is on Bridge Road.

Located off Bridge Road and close to Epworth Hospital, Allowah Terrace Car Park is operated by Ace Parking and is both convenient and cheap. This car park is open 24/7 and has no height restrictions. It’s also just a short stroll away from the MCG, so it’s a great spot for game day parking or night time events at the stadium. Just get there early!

This one isn’t a car parking location, but an app to help you find one. PayStay is a convenient way to search for available on and off-street parking spaces, and to use cashless payments too.

When using the app, you’ll be able to check it for parking availability in an area. It will show parking availability as low, medium, or high, so you’ll know just where you need to go. Once you have a spot you can use the app to pay for parking and to set reminders to let you know when your parking session is about to expire. It’s super useful!

Stay in Richmond & Abbotsford?

AMORA HOTEL RIVERWALK MELBOURNE

649 Bridge Road, Richmond, Victoria 3121

Tel. 03 9246 1200

A picturesque setting overlooking the Yarra River sets the tone for this stylish boutique hotel. Built around a spacious central courtyard Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne takes full advantage of its charming park and river environs. The Hotel is ideally located within the popular Bridge Road shopping precinct and only 4 kms from the Melbourne CBD. The hotel has 111 spacious accommodation rooms and 7 conference rooms. The restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and dinner. The bar offers a light snack menu and selection of drinks.

READ MORE

Amora Hotel

QUEST ABBOTSFORD

611 Victoria St, Abbotsford Victoria 3067

Tel. 03 9426 1800

Quest Abbotsford serviced apartment style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Melbourne accommodation experience perfect for short or long stays. Quest Abbotsford is located within walking distance of the Little Saigon Restaurant Precinct, minutes from Abbotsford Convent Arts Precinct, Collingwood Children's Farm and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Abbotsford has a mix of industrial architecture and green spaces, and is popular with both families and creative types. Converted factories, hip cafes and cool bars line Johnston Street, while Abbotsford Convent hosts artsy workshops and is home to markets, cafes and artists’ studios. Families feed the animals at Collingwood Children’s Farm, and rent boats from the Edwardian boathouse in nearby Fairfield.

READ MORE

Book and pay?

You can book online for most public classes. Once a booking has been made, we will forward a confirmation of the booking along. Scheduled classes bookings and gift vouchers are not confirmed until a full payment has been received.
You can phone or email us to confirm availability before booking a private and corporate event. Once a booking has been made, we will forward a confirmation of the booking along. A deposit 25% of total bill or 4 seat payment is required for us to hold the date. The balance will be due one week before the event upon final guest number and their dietary requirement.
All pricing is in Australian dollars and quoted on a per person basis. Payment may be made by direct deposit, or credit card with small fees. These fees are subject to change. We use Rezdy with charging fees (1.90%) for online booking. Plus the bank will charge for debit card (0.75%) and credit card (1.75%) unless you use bank transfer (0%) or cash (0%). We share with the customers of these charges.
Pricing includes all food, the use of aprons and equipment and expert cooking instructors. We offer complimentary wine with dinner. No price reduction is available for guests who choose not to help themselves of a glass of wine.

Private & Corporate Events?

Cooking is naturally the perfect way to entertain your guests while having a great time exploring unforgettable regional foods. We have experience in hosting numerous types of events such as Christmas party, team building, corporate hospitality and client events.

THE FORMATS

Our Master Classes with 12 menus to choose from are a great way for your team to try different foods around the globe. Smaller groups up to 20 people.
Our Social Cooking Party Menus are designed with streamline cooking less or no prep so guests can go have great food and fun cooking time. This way we can cater to many dietary requirement and levels of cooking. We can cater from 20-150 people.
Competitive Cooking Challenges are perfect for corporate team building, hens' and buck parties, family fun cooking days, our competitive cooking events are designed to inspire creativity and a little friendly competition. Our challenges are based on the popular TV series is a timed culinary challenge to see who can stand the heat of the kitchen. Your group will be divided into teams and each team will work under the guidance of a professional chef to create a meal that will be judged. An Otao kitchen judge will sample the finished products and determine the winning team based on taste, presentation and creative use of the ingredients.

- Food Truck Cooking
- Amazing Race
- MasterChef
- Team Olympics
- Corporate Kindness
- Private and corporate classes
- Sample Menu

HIGHLIGHTS

A fully interactive cooking session, everyone cooks together.
Best value for different menu activity, entertainment, food and wine package in town!
Can include friendly competitive pressure on the teams
Chef led so there are no cooking disasters

ON THE DAY

After welcoming drink, you will see chef demonstration then do the prep for all the dishes. Expect to do by yourself or in pairs within your own group for the private classes and team building.
You will make entree, main and side dishes in most of our master class menus.
You will have plenty of foods and a complimentary 2 glasses of wine or 2 beer or soft drinks - except the shorter class then one drink might be offered. You can BYO or easier if you order from our drink list.
Our classes are relaxed & friendly lasting 2.5 hours with most schedule classes except private booking longer classes.
We provide everything for your class food and wine to the apron.
We ask you to wear close-toed flat shoes for safety. You are coming for cooking, learning and eating and having fun. We will do the cleanup!

OUR CLASSES

Our classes are for all levels. You will learn, prepare and cook each dish from scratch rather than, say, just by watching the chef cooking. That way, you’ll gain a much deeper knowledge of how a menu with 3-4 course comes together in our masterclasses except classes like dumpling where you might learn our dumpling menu.
Each lesson will be packed with tips, tricks and techniques honed in busy restaurant kitchens by our chefs so you can be adapted in your home. Our classes are designed to make home cooking for family and friends easy and stress-free.

MENU AND RECIPES

You will be cooking the most current menu of our classes. Please visit our cooking classes and click on the cuisine or class.
For a private and corporate menu, there will be some change to cater to the whole group for their dietary requirements.
We may change the dishes if there is no ingredient available - very rare. We'll send you a recipe link after the class so you don't need to take note and you can download anytime. Or you can copy from our recipes.
If you have any dietary, please let us know as soon as we can so the chef can plan for his or her class by email hello@otaokitchen.com.au.

HOW TO GET TO US?

We will send you "how to get to us" closer to the date. Generally, it is best to take public transport to Richmond.
We don't provide parking but there are paid and some free parking in Richmond.
Please arrive early so you have plenty of times to find parking. If you run late, please let us know by texting 0408 217 899.

BOOKING AND PAYMENT

For private and corporate class, please contact us by email or telephone to book a date. We require a deposit of 25% total amount or 4 seats to confirm the date.
Within 1-2 week before the event, we will finalise full payment, number of guests and their dietary requirements.
We included a booking fee $1.95% plus Australian GST of 10% in the price. There will be 1.95% credit card fee (Stripe). If you select invoice/ bank transfer then you don’t pay the credit card fee when you make an order and pay by bank transfer to our account Otao kitchen BSB 193879 ACC 432538672.

CANCELLATION AND CHANGE OF DATE

We will send reminders so you can plan ahead. People like you often booked our classes more than 2 weeks away. Our classes are small, meaning we need to count everyone in - we can't send staff home or cancel the class in the final moment. Please let us know by email hello@otaokitchen.com.au as soon as you know your plan.
We understand things may come up and you can't join the class. You can give it to your friends and family at no charge. We ask you to pay 35% of a standard price ticket to cover expenses for booking cancel within 2 weeks. No show guests will not be rescheduled.
We may have to cancel a class due to operational issues or the class has less than 5 bookings. We will offer you an alternative (date/time/class) to book or fully refund you. To rebook your class please visit our calendar and let us know a couple of options and email us with date/time/your order reference.

Cooking with kids?

Otao kitchen does not have child-minding facilities. Children who attend the premises must be participating in a class. We encourage you to book a private cooking class for your family from 6 people so the children can enjoy your company while cooking.

For public scheduled cooking classes, the participants must be 16 years of age or older. Participants 16-18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will be responsible for their safety and conduct at all times. Except the dumpling classes on Saturday and Sunday, children can be from 10 years old.

For children cooking classes, kids can be from 8 years old and will need to be taller than the standard kitchen benches 900mm unless we state otherwise. Parents are welcomed to join in with the same fees.

Master classes?

Most our "master" classes are hands on classes. Each guest works in a group of 2 to 5 people to make the meal from the start to finish. You will enjoy all the dishes we prepare. To find the next available classes please click on the calendar from the Menu bar in our website.

Dumpling making
Street food of Asia
Pizza making
Mexican cooking
Spanish cooking
Italian cooking
Vegan Cooking
Indian Cooking
Indonesian Cooking
Korean Cooking
Thai Cooking
Vietnamese Cooking
Japanese Cooking
Chinese Cooking
Greek Cooking
Australia Native

Any suggestions please let us know your favourite dishes you want to learn?

Melbourne Market Tour?

Our food tours are small group visiting different venues or market on any given day. We don’t cancel the tour unless major things happen. Please bring appropriate shoes, clothing and an umbrella or a jacket in case it rains. Foods are limit to tastings with option to buy a meal unless we state meals included.

We offer few tours

Queen Victoria Market
Victoria Street Walking Tour

Kids and Teens?

Teens from 16 years old can join in with parent in our master classes. Kids and teens from 10-16 years old can join these clases below with our most popular menus.

ASIAN COOKING WITH PARENTS AND KIDS
There are 4 classes but you can choose one for you, your kids or their guardians to learn cook together.

KIDS AND TEENS COOKING COURSE ONLINE
These are 4 online classes that is similar to Asian cooking with parents and kids.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY COOKING WORKSHOP
These popular 4 day cooking camp in a week during the school holiday for your kids to explore different recipes and cultures. Each day they learn to cook 2-3 course menu. You can drop the kids off and pick them up 3 hour later.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS WITH ASIAN FOODS
If your school is looking an excursion or special food and culture event, we can help to teach them cooking! Ask for a market tour!

Gift Voucher?

GIFT FOR MOST OCCASIONS
If you are looking for gift vouchers then you come to the right place, we have vouchers for all occasions - for work, birthday, wedding anniversary, special thank you or any occasion you can think of to buy gifts.

DIFFERENT PRICING & FREE EXCHANGE
Our classes are well prices from $109pp, $165pp or $185pp. You can buy the gift as $100, $200, $300. The receivers can change to other classes.

THREE YEAR EXPIRY
Your voucher(s) will have Three Year Expiry Date and are guaranteed for One Year Post Purchase for the same experience.

BY ONLINE WITH INSTANT GIFT CARD
Visit "Cooking Classes" for a specific classes or you can select "Gift vouchers" for gift value in the menu bar. You will get the confirmation the gift card with a code. The receiver can redeem anytime.

MORE QUESTIONS
Chef Ha 0408n 217 899 or email hello@otaokitchen.com.au

HOW TO BUY GIFT VOUCHER

Gift vouchers are available for purchase on our website www.otaokitchen.com.au
If you buy our cooking classes, tour and event voucher(s) after April 30th 2018, your voucher(s) will have Three Year Expiry Date.
Your voucher(s) are guaranteed for One Year Post Purchase for the same experience.
If beyond one year the experience price has increased, the difference will need to be paid directly to us upon booking.
If beyond one year this experience is no longer available, the value of the experience can be used as Otao Kitchen Gift Credit.
If you have any queries regarding your voucher balance or expiry date please contact us.
When purchasing a gift e-voucher, you will receive confirmation of placing the order via email. The gift voucher and a e-receipt will be delivered to the receiver via email within minutes of placing the order. If you do not receive the confirmation email or gift voucher within this time, please check your spam folder or contact us.
Please ensure you keep your receipt as proof of purchase in case of any queries.

Catering services?

We’re not your typical Melbourne catering company and you can expect fabulous food, extraordinary service. We love to cook and serve people.

Our catering services are inspired with an impeccable attention to detail, allowing you to enjoy stress-free experience with your guests. Whether you’re planning a cocktail party, wedding, corporate event or home party event, we’re here to make it memorable.

Our catering menus change with the seasons and can easily be expanded or simplified to accommodate your event.

There’s much more, this is just something of what we can create for you. So let's get the ball rolling by filling out the form below to get ideas for your party we'll get in touch to get this party started.

Ask for the menu or call Chef Ha for more question 0408 217 899

Recipes?

We want the fun to continue at home once you leave our kitchen. Most of our events include online recipes for you to repeat at home. If your event does not and you’d like them, just ask!

How much food & beverage serving within cooking classes?

COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGE

Our liquor license is from 10am-10pm. For every customers, Otao kitchen offer complimentary 2 drinks from our beverage list with red wine, white wine, beers, sparkling wines, soft drinks and our homemade refresher in your package. For safety reason with fire and knife, no wine will be served in the first hour.

PRIVATE & CORPORATE EXTRA

You can order extra package from $20 to $50 per person after the complimentary beverage above. If you like to do BYO, we will charge $8pp for the group.

FOOD IN COOKING CLASSES

There would be plenty of foods so you won't go hungry. You will be eating with your fellow guests. You can bring home if there are more foods. We work with you event planner to have the class fit with meal time so no one stay hungry before the class. Please stick to recommended time 10 am, 2 pm and 6.30 pm starts.

SELF CATERING

Our clients can bring food for parties if you already booked an event with us. We may have to charge if we’ll take care of the set-up and maintenance. We have catering services if you require one.

Solo guests?

All of our events are hands-on! Our guests work solo or in teams of 2, 4 or more to create their culinary masterpiece. If you’re coming solo or with a plus one, get ready to meet some great new friends. If you’ve registered together with friends, we suggest arriving a few minutes early (no more than 10 minutes) if you’d like to be at the same table.

There is no better way to cook, eat and share with your loved ones. We might have few seats left to offer your friends and family with last-minute special deal 10% cooking experience. Use the code cookwithfriends on our scheduled cooking classes and the new guests should be together with the already booked person(s).

Beginner or Advanced?

We offer cooking classes for all levels. Our classes are suitable for beginners and experienced cooks. During our classes, we’ll help you discover your inner budding chef. Our instructors will guide you step-by-step through the featured menu and will ensure you stay on track to completing your very own culinary masterpiece.

Need to bring anything?

Otao kitchen provides you with everything you need to conduct the class: apron, online recipes, cooking utensils and equipment. Simply bring yourself, a smile and a willingness to learn and have a great time! Limited storage is available for personal effects such as bags, coats, etc.

What should I wear?

You should dress comfortably, but ensure that clothing is not over-sized as to get in the way or become a potential safety hazard during class or in use of the kitchen equipment (e.g. baggy sleeves).

We recommend that long hair is tied back and that jewellery is kept to a minimum. Shoes should be non-slip and MUST be closed-in for safety reasons.

Ladies, we recommend you wear flat-soles. Otao kitchen has the right to refuse entry to participants if they are not wearing appropriate footwear or clothing and no refund or change of class.

What time i should come?

We recommend you arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled class start time. Doors will be locked promptly at commencement of the class to ensure no interruptions and an enjoyable experience for everyone. Please plan your travel to Otao kitchen well so that you are not late.

Can I bring a camera to the class?

You are welcome to bring a camera however video is not permitted. We request that you use discretion and consider other participants privacy if taking photographs.

We reserve the right to revoke this permission at any time during a class, without notice and at it’s sole discretion.

We welcome you tagging #otaokitchen @homecookinglive posting to social media.

Book, Change or Cancel?

Book an experience?

Book an experience with this this steps: (1) click on cooking classes (2) select number of participant (3) select the date/time (4) click book now or buy a gift card voucher (5) fill in your detail and payment or promo/voucher code Book an experience?

You can book our class here by (1) click on cooking classes (2) select number of participant (3) select the date/time (4) click book now or buy a gift card voucher (5) fill in your detail and payment or promo/voucher code (6) receive confirmation and gift voucher.
We included a booking fee $1.95% plus Australian GST of 10% in the price.
There will be 1.95% credit card fee (Stripe).
If you select invoice/ bank transfer, then you pay no fee when you make an order.
Our bank transfer details: Otao kitchen BSB 193879 ACC 432538672.

Change the date?

We understand things may come up, and you can't join the class or experience. You can give it to your friends and family at no charge. Our classes are small, meaning we need to count everyone in - we can't send our chef home. You can reschedule your class up to one week before the event date.

If you need to cancel the experience?

We understand things may come up, and you can't join the class or experience. We have no refund policy however you can cancel the class and rebook later. However, you will need to cancel the class/course seven days before the experience.

If we need to cancel the class?

In some situations, we may have to cancel a class due to operational issues or the class/course has less than five bookings. Otao kitchen will offer you to make an alternate booking (date/time/class) or fully refund you.

How to rebook a class?

We love our customer to join for their cooking experience. To rebook your class, please visit https://otaokitchen.com.au/about/calendar.html and let us know a couple of options with date/time/order reference.
The first choice of date-time…………………….. Second choice of date and time…………………….. Name……………………. Voucher number…………………….Or order number……………………..

First Aids

Otao kitchen staff will take all precautions necessary in showing you safe and correct cooking techniques throughout the class. In the unlikely event you sustain an injury, our chefs and staff are first aid qualified and trained to respond to an emergency. Due diligence is of course required on your behalf whilst undertaking the class and in use of the cooking utensils and equipment.

Special requests?

ALL REQUESTS

Where a special request is an important factor in your choice of class, you must advise us when your booking is made. We will pass your request onto our staff or other supplier (tours) but cannot guarantee that it will be accommodated. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability.

If you are unable to ascend or descend stairs or are unable to walk long distances within the school you can you wheelchair around the facility. No assistance is provided within the washroom; if you need assistance in the washroom, you may need to be accompanied by your own attendant

In addition to an individual safety briefing provided by a crew member prior to flight departure, flight attendants on all aircraft will also offer Braille and large print safety cards for passengers who are blind or have a visual impairment.

DIETARY REQUEST

Generally we can cater to most food requirements. When making your booking please provide details of any food allergies or dietary requirements you have. While Otao Kitchen takes every precaution to cater for dietary requirements and/or food allergies, it is not feasible to test every ingredient and utensil used by different people in preparing food to the level of being able to guarantee there will be no traces of an allergen substance present. We therefore recommend that you have suitable medication with you in the event of a reaction as OTAO Kitchen will not be held responsible or liable for any consequence as a result of your exposure to any food type or allergen.

Please send us an email for dietary request. We will make a note in your booking now so the chef will know your dietary request on the day.

HOW TO SELECT YOUR MENU

LO - Fresh foods are local. Our menus may have dry ingredients imported. Chose eating local by going to our Going Native Class with 100% Australian made.
GF - Gluten free - We have selected few menus: Chinese, Dumpling*, Indian*, Indonesian, Japanese, Kid classes, Korean*, Mexican, Spanish, Thai, Vegan, Vietnamese.
DF - Our Asian menus have no dairy. Please select these menus: Chinese, Dumpling, Indian*, Indonesian, Japanese, Kid classes, Korean, Mexican,Spanish*, Thai, Vegan, Vietnamese.
VE + VG- most menu are vegetarian and vegan friendly. We will replace with
mushroom or tofu in place of meats and seafood. Select Dumpling, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Kid, Mexican, Pizza, Thai, Vegan or Vietnamese.
PE - Pescatarian cater to fish eating diet. Select Indian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kid, Mexican, Pizza, Spanish, Thai, Vegan or Vietnamese.
HL - Halal diet should be booked us in advance. Select all menus.
FM - FodMap should be booked us in advance for guests have no garlic, onion….Select all menus.
NN - No Nuts should be booked us in advance. Select all menus.
NS - No selfish should be booked us in advance. Select all menus.

Otao Kitchen works with customer with specific needs, by providing a cooking experience that is comfortable and hassle free, whilst ensuring the safety of guests and staff. We want to ensure that all our guests receive the best possible service to meet their needs. If you have special requirements, you can add your details to the booking. This is a list of customers who may need additional support. You have a severe allergy to peanuts or nuts and would like to request a nut free class in order to help avoid the risk of exposure.

Group Size

Generally, we host public cooking classes 8-20 people.

For corporate and private cooking classes, it can range from 10 to 150 people before depending on the venue.

Refund

We have no cancellation policy meaning your booking is final. We endeavours to provide you with all the services confirmed to you at the time of your booking: venue, chef(s), host(s), food and beverage allowance, 3rd party commission and marketing costs and others.

On occasions changes do have to be made, and we reserve the right to cancel or amend classes and events accordingly. Otao kitchen submits refunds to your customer’s bank or credit card. Depending on the bank's processing time, it can take anywhere from 5-10 business days to show up on your bank account.

In some cases, the refund might be processed as a reversal, meaning the original payment will disappear from the account statement entirely and the balance will reflect as though the charge never occurred.

If a refund is submitted not long after the original charge occurred, the refund may be processed as a reversal. This means that the original charge will drop off the bank statement altogether, as if it never occurred, and the bank account balance will adjust to credit that money back without a specific line item on the statement.

If you do not see the refund after ten business days and you are still seeing the original charge on their bank statement, you should reach out to their bank for more information and let us know.

Health and Mobility Requirements?

We normally would work on case by case basis. We would expect our customers can cook and mobilise around the kitchen. If you are booking for NDIS clients please let us know and a questionnaire may be required to be completed, which you will be advised.

Partnership?

For more than 6 years, Otao kitchen has partnered with industry, suppliers and clients to build on our cooking classes and food event offering.

We are passionate about the food experiences and recognise the importance of building and maintaining strong partnerships that create mutually beneficial outcomes.

A tailored partnership with Otao kitchen can enable your organisation to engage with new audiences and realise valuable opportunities.

Partnerships can be designed at a range of levels, from major, long-term sponsorships to short-term associations which help achieve a specific goal.

How about partner with us to cook for a charity, video project, recipe cook book or branding?

Contact Otao kitchen to discuss your objectives and ways we can work together.

Phone 0408 217 899 or email hello@otaokitchen.com.au

Comment, feedback, review?

If you want to read our review please visit our TripAdvisor page here https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g635736-d6980193-Reviews-Otao_Kitchen-Richmond_Yarra_Greater_Melbourne_Victoria.html
For feedback please click here https://otaokitchen.com.au/survey/
If you have any comments and suggestions please email chef Ha Nguyen - Otao kitchen's Director hello@otaokitchen.com.au

Fundraising Event?

All you have to do is get your friends, family or work mates together and come ready for a great time at our private cooking party or scheduled classes if you ! The more you cook, the more you raise with 20% of the full price tickets directly to your organisation. Minimum number would be 10 or minimum spend would be $1,200 - whatever is greater.
Please contact us for the date and marketing flyers before you promote the event as we are not responsible for the date and time.
Email us hello@otaokitchen.com.au with time/date and your event/ fundraising ideas

Donations and Philanthropy?

Otao kitchen is committed to giving back to our communities. Our philanthropy program supports schools, associations and non profit organisations and invests in the quality of life in Melbourne where we do business. We are dedicated to the same causes our customers and employees support. Our philanthropy supports organisations in their efforts to:

Provide food and assistance to individuals and families
Educate the public about healthy eating habits, nutrition and overall traditions
Advocate for sustainable agriculture and the preservation of culinary traditions
Educate and promote positive youth advancement
Protect and defend human rights
Empower and support women in the food
Encourage art application

The kitchen is committed to philanthropy, but as a small business, we are simply not able to support every worthy cause. All donation requests should be submitted via our online form below in order to be considered by our Marketing Manager. We no longer accept donation requests submitted via mail, email or other forms on our website. Please use the form below. Please note that due to the high volume of donations we receive each day, we must have certain guidelines in place in order to review your request:

All requests must be received at least 30 days prior to the date of the donation deadline.
All requests must be made on behalf of a charitable organisation rather than individuals or for-profit businesses.
All requests will be reviewed the month prior to the fundraising date and not before. Causes that are granted donations will be notified by our Marketing Manager via email. Please note that if you do not receive a notification that your donation has been approved, we were unfortunately unable to donate to your cause at this time.

We ask that you refrain from sending follow up emails inquiring about the status of your request or submitting multiple requests.
Contact hello@otaokitchen.com.au if you have question.

Partnership

For more than 6 years, Otao kitchen has partnered with industry, suppliers and clients to build on our cooking classes and food event offering.

We are passionate about the food experiences and recognise the importance of building and maintaining strong partnerships that create mutually beneficial outcomes.

A tailored partnership with Otao kitchen can enable your organisation to engage with new audiences and realise valuable opportunities.

Partnerships can be designed at a range of levels, from major, long-term sponsorships to short-term associations which help achieve a specific goal.

You can also sponsor our charity cook off.

Contact Otao kitchen to discuss your objectives and ways we can work together.

Phone 0408 217 899 or email hello@otaokitchen.com.au

Work for us?

Frequently asked question for NDIS participants?

Master classes

These classes can work with someone can handle day-to-day social setting and can follow up the instructions with minimal supports.

Learn more

NDIS specific class?

If you love all things food, you can learn about safety in the kitchen, food preparation techniques, experience different food cultures and cuisines and prepare quick and easy meals with support from Otao Kitchen. You can also experience cuisines from around the world and find out where to buy ingredients in Melbourne. Learning to prepare simple meals can improve independence and nutrition. Acquiring cooking skills may have an increased ability for employment and may save money. These classes are design with you can bring your support worker.

Learn more

Recipes

We want the fun to continue at home once you leave our kitchen. Most of our events include online recipes for you to repeat at home. If your event does not and you’d like them, just ask!

Learn more

Special requests?

Where a special request is an important factor in your choice of class, you must advise us when your booking is made. We will pass your request onto our staff or other supplier but cannot guarantee that it will be accommodated. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability.

Need to bring anything?

Book your experience?

Book an experience with this this steps: (1) click on cooking classes (2) select number of participant (3) select the date/time (4) click book now or buy a gift card voucher (5) fill in your detail and payment or promo/voucher code.

You can book the class and use the "pay by invoice" function when checking out. Please email hello@otaokitchen.com.au your NDIS number, names, your contact details. Please email us the email and contact number of the person who will pay for the invoice. We will send an invoice to your service planner and will follow up with the payment. Let us know if you have any dietary requirement. We look forward to meeting you on the day.

How to pay?

We included a booking fee for all the bookings. There is a credit card fees for customers who wish to use this facility. Alternatively you can pay by EFT with our bank transfer details: Otao kitchen BSB 193879 ACC 432538672.

NDIS plan managers will take sometime to process your invoice so please book as soon as you can. You can book for any class online. Once a booking has been made, we will forward a confirmation of the booking. Scheduled classes bookings and gift vouchers are not confirmed until a full payment has been received.

All pricing is in Australian dollars and quoted on a per person basis. Payment may be made by direct deposit, or credit card with small fees.

What’s include?

Pricing includes all food, the use of aprons and equipment and expert cooking instructors. We offer complimentary wine with dinner. No price reduction is available for guests who choose not to help themselves of a glass of wine. The price does not include your support worker. They will need to use the support worker ticket.

Change of dates?

We understand things may come up, and you can't join the class or experience. You can give it to your friends and family at no charge. Our classes are small, meaning we need to count everyone in - we can't send our chef home. You can reschedule your class up to one week before the event date.

If you need to cancel the experience?

We understand things may come up, and you can't join the class or experience. We have no refund policy however you can cancel the class and rebook later. However, you will need to cancel the class/course seven days before the experience.

No cancellation policy?

We have no cancellation policy meaning your booking is final. We endeavour to provide you with all the services confirmed to you at the time of your booking: venue, chef(s), host(s), food and beverage allowance, 3rd party commission and marketing costs and others.

On occasions changes do have to be made, and we reserve the right to cancel or amend classes and events accordingly. Otao kitchen submits refunds to your customer’s bank or credit card. Depending on the bank's processing time, it can take anywhere from 5-10 business days to show up on your bank account.

In some cases, the refund might be processed as a reversal, meaning the original payment will disappear from the account statement entirely and the balance will reflect as though the charge never occurred.

If a refund is submitted not long after the original charge occurred, the refund may be processed as a reversal. This means that the original charge will drop off the bank statement altogether, as if it never occurred, and the bank account balance will adjust to credit that money back without a specific line item on the statement.

If you do not see the refund after ten business days and you are still seeing the original charge on their bank statement, you should reach out to their bank for more information and let us know.

We cancel the class?

In some situations, we may have to cancel a class due to operational issues or the class/course has less than five bookings. Otao kitchen will offer you to make an alternate booking (date/time/class) or fully refund you.

How to rebook a class?

We love our customer to join for their cooking experience. To rebook your class, please visit https://otaokitchen.com.au/about/calendar.html and let us know a couple of options with date/time/order reference.

The first choice of date-time…………………….. Second choice of date and time…………………….. Name……………………. Voucher number…………………….Or order number……………………..

How to get to us?

Otao Kitchen is located at 360 Victoria Street, Richmond, 3121 Victoria, Australia

Public Transport. We encourage you to travel on public transport. Please check with Public Transport Victoria (www.ptv.vic.gov.au or 1800 800 007) for train and tram timetables. Otao kitchen is accessible via train to North Richmond Station and/or tram; route 109 (Box Hill to Port Melbourne) and route 12 (St Kilda to Victoria Gardens) go along Victoria Street – you should disembark at stop 22. Route 78 (Prahran to Richmond) stops at the corner of Church and Victoria Streets and is only one block from Otao kitchen.

Car Parking. There is plenty of street parking available during the day on Victoria and surrounding streets, but most have a 1-2 hour parking limit. Sunday is free from 12pm. Please check the sign. Parking can also be limited depending on the day and time, so plan carefully. Alternatively, you can park your vehicle in Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre where 2 hours and more parking is available at reasonable rates. Otao Kitchen is just a short 5 minute walk from the Shopping Centre.

Bicycle. Bicycles can be stored and locked securely at the front of Otao kitchen’s property. If you need to park the bike in the back, please enter via the Victoria Street main entrance and arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your class so the bicycle can be stored without interruption to the class.

Working with NDIS planners or agencies

We have been working with different organisations with cooking and catering. Speak to our Cooking Specialist 0405720470 for more.

What is the NDIS support categories?

Our NDIS cooking class service will help participants to:\

Category 4 - Assistance with Social & Community Participation - Covers the support you need to participate, but generally does not cover the cost of the actual activity (the actual activity may be funded in the category 'Increased Social & Community Participation (Category 9)

Category 9 - Increased Social and Community Participation - Helps you participate in community activities that build your skills and independence.Funds all kinds of activities, such as study, life skills training or sports coaching. Can also fund the cost of a mentor to help you build your independence. Does not fund someone to support you participating in an activity. This is funded in the category 'Assistance with Social & Community Participation' (Category 4).

Category 15 - Improved Daily Living - Helps you develop the basic cooking skills you need to get more from your day-to-day life.

For more information please visit the NDIS website

Guest Chef