Nothing beats a homemade meal. But let’s face it, if you’re the one doing the cooking and you’ve exhausted your usual recipes, things can get a bit dull.
That’s where our curated list of Vancouver’s top cooking classes comes in – they’re an excellent way to refine your skills, add some flavor to your menu, and have a great time in the process. And if you’re a new food enthusiast looking to learn, this list is perfect for you too!
The Dirty Apron
Website: http://www.dirtyapron.com/
Address: 540 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-879-8588
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: Demonstration classes: $95 per person, Four-hour hands-on classes: $170
The Dirty Apron, run by the duo Chef David and Sara Robertson, is a top-notch cooking school in Vancouver, with 10,000 students signing up every year. The place is flexible, taking everyone from beginners to seasoned chefs.
Here, you can choose from many cooking classes that focus on French cooking, exotic Asian cuisine, and Italian food. They’re also a standout for seafood dishes and making the best classic barbecue.
And if you’re into baking, they also have pastry and dessert classes you can try. Most of their classes are hands-on, where you’ll either have your own station or work together as a team – both with plenty of guidance from the chef.
Signing up is pretty easy – just go to their website and book a spot on their online calendar. Classes fill up quickly so we highly recommend securing a schedule as soon as you see the class you want.
Another thing worth noting is their summer cooking camps that allow children and teenagers to acquire vital kitchen skills, refine their taste buds, and nurture a lifelong love for food. Consider these for the young ones!
Pasta Boy Peter
– Media by jeanellsworth
Website: https://www.pastaboypeter.com/
Address: 601 W Broadway #400, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-675-6982
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Public class: $80 – $120 per person, Private class: $150 – $200 per person
One of Vancouver’s most sought-after cooking classes is Pasta Boy Peter, led by the energetic and talented Chef Peter. As the name suggests, this class is all about mastering the art of pasta the authentic, Italian way.
In this fun workshop, you’ll learn everything from the basics of making pasta to some cool tricks, like whipping up yummy Roman pizzas and crafting fancy pasta shapes like orecchiette and cavatelli.
Along the way, Peter has you covered with homemade ravioli, tasty sauces, fresh mozzarella, and even sourdough bread.
Ready to sign up? Easy peasy. Just go to their website and hit “register” on the cooking class calendar to snag a spot in his public class.
But if you’re looking for something more personal, no worries! Peter also does hands-on cooking classes at your home or workplace, perfect for groups of up to 10. For this option, just give him a call to book your session.
The Skript (True Nosh previously)
Website: http://www.truenosh.com/
Address: 1450 W. 7th Ave Ground Floor, Vancouver, BC V6H 1C1, Canada
Contact details: +1 778-869-9920
Cost: Group of six to eight people: $68
For those wanting a unique and health-focused cooking experience in Vancouver, look no further than The Skript.
This cool marketplace and café is all about gluten-free and zero-sugar goodies, and of course, you can learn to cook them yourself by signing up for their classes.
Speaking of which, you can easily book public classes through their website’s calendar. But if you’re up for something more exclusive, like a private class or event, that’s possible too – just book by giving them a call!
Now, onto the fun part – the classes! Everything here is taught by the awesome registered dietitian and owner, Renee Chan. Take your pick from crafting dim sum dumplings, mastering Indian spices, or cooking up tasty Thai curries from scratch.
Plus, in each class, you’ll not only learn to cook but also get some savvy nutritional tips to help you make healthier choices. But here’s the cherry on top: the rates are pretty darn reasonable, at just $68 for a group of six to eight people.
Posh Pantry
Website: http://www.poshpantry.ca/
Address: 4548 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC V5C 2K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-428-3700
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: Demo-style cooking class: $69 per person, Weekend cooking class: $195 per person
You’ve probably heard of Posh Pantry, the gourmet grocery store in Burnaby, but did you know they also host cooking classes? And with their popular classes filling up fast, you’ll want to score your spot as soon as possible!
To do that, just check out their cooking class schedule on their website and click on the available ones to book, then follow the instructions.
Most of their classes are demo-style, where you get to watch chefs whip up mouthwatering dishes right in front of you. Compared to a traditional formal cooking lesson, this one feels more like a casual dinner party.
Once the meal’s ready, dig in! You even get to take home any leftovers.
On weekends, the store becomes an Italian cooking haven, offering hands-on pasta workshops at $69 per person. The demonstration-style classes mentioned earlier are priced at $195 per head.
It’s also worth mentioning that Posh Pantry also offers classes for children, so the little ones in your family can discover their inner culinary talents.
The Gourmet Warehouse
Website: https://gourmetwarehouse.ca/cooking-classes-1/
Address: 1340 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-253-3022
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: Starts at $65 per person
This isn’t just the go-to place in Vancouver to grab a Le Creuset; it’s also the most affordable option for picking up some new culinary skills. Starting at $65 per person, the cooking classes at The Gourmet Warehouse are a fantastic choice for anyone eager to try something fresh.
You can enroll in classes to explore the delicate art of pastry making, master the craft of homemade sausage, uncover the secrets behind the perfect pasta, or even dive into the world of butchery – yes, butchery!
In each class, chefs and instructors will either let you experiment in your own kitchen with their guidance or demonstrate techniques for you to observe. The latter allows you to take notes and try a sample (depending on what you signed up for).
Don’t worry, they welcome amateur cooks, experts, or anyone simply looking to learn new techniques in both class formats.
Want to join a cooking class? Just click on your preferred variety of classes on their official website and sign up.
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Website: https://www.picachef.com/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic
Address: 1505 W 2nd Ave #101, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-734-4488
Operating hours: Monday – Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: Average of $130 per person
This spot is a real-deal cooking school, so you know you’re in good hands. Courses tend to be on the longer side since it’s a formal school, but you don’t have to commit to that if you just want something to do on the side.
Lucky for you, alongside their pro programs, they offer recreational cooking classes too which are perfect for polishing up your cooking skills at home.
These classes switch up based on different occasions or seasons. For example, in February, they have Valentine’s chocolate making and pasta making for those cozy date nights.
Through these recreational cooking classes, you can take a trip around the world, from exploring the tasty Japanese Izakaya scene to diving into mouth-watering Mediterranean dishes. They’re all taught in a hands-on format and cost an average of $130.
Quince
Website: http://www.quince.ca/index.html
Address: 1780 3rd Ave. W., Vancouver, BC
Contact details: +1 604-731-4645
Cost: Basic cooking class: $60, Cooking specials: $132
Better than watching a cooking show on TV, Quince Studio brings the action right to you with its fully interactive classes. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to level up your skills, or eager to explore new dishes, Quince has something for everyone.
In their basic hands-on cooking class, held in their modern cooking studio, you can learn how to whip up amazing meals for just $60. Here, you’ll get to try your hand at everything from saucier techniques to perfecting pastry work, all while getting fully involved in the process.
For those seeking a bit more excitement, their specialty cooking classes offer a deep dive into classic French cuisine and tasty Spanish tapas, priced at $132.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, these classes also teach you how to give classic dishes a seasonal twist, from hearty winter menus to refreshing summer delights.
Plus, they spice things up with cocktail workshops and Hawaiian cuisine sessions. While these classes might cost a bit more, you’ll get top-quality ingredients, inventive menus, and expert guidance.
But if you’re just starting out, it’s totally cool to begin with the basic classes!
Quay Experiences
Website: http://www.quayexperiences.ca/
Address: 2665 Renfrew St, Vancouver, BC V5M 0A7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-773-7829
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $89 – $129 per person (depending on ingredients)
At Quay Experiences, they offer public group cooking classes for all skill levels. To join, just click on the calendar date of the class you’re interested in on their website and follow the “Eventbrite” link to book.
On the Eventbrite page, search for the class and click to get a detailed description of the menu and price ($89 to $129 per person). From there, you can grab your tickets.
They also do private group sessions for more than four people, but it’s best to give them a call to chat about it.
In their cooking classes, you can expect chef-led instruction in either a hands-on or demonstration style. They mix it up with seasonal themes, but you can always count on global cuisines like Italian, Thai, Indian, and Mexican
They also offer dessert-making classes with cakes, pies, and cookies.
Little Kitchen Academy
Website: http://littlekitchenacademy.com/
Address: 3744 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 2G4, Canada
Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Cost: Multipasses: $99 per class, Seasonal program: $114 per class, Single classes: $139 per class
Looking for kids’ cooking classes in Vancouver? Little Kitchen Academy is the way to go! They offer 3-hour cooking sessions for children aged 2 to 18, all aimed at helping them learn practical life skills and food literacy.
Parents, you can expect top-notch quality from LKA. Their classes are unique because they’re Montessori-inspired, meaning they focus on fostering independence.
Depending on your child’s age, they’ll learn everything from basic kitchen safety to exploring different ingredients and cooking techniques. They’ll also get to unleash their creativity in the kitchen and pick up essential skills like meal planning, budgeting, and healthy eating.
If your kids are craving more adventure, LKA offers a variety of seasonal and themed cooking camps where they can learn new skills, have fun, and make new friends.
Just keep in mind that LKA’s classes may be a bit pricier, but if you see potential in your kids, it’s definitely worth the investment!
Uno Gelato
Website: http://www.unogelato.com/
Address: 2579 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 3T3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-733-5884
Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $79.99 per person, plus applicable taxes
Ready to have a blast while learning something sweet? Uno’s Kitsilano lab has the scoop with their Gelato 101 classes! Here, you can dive into making homemade gelato and discover the secrets behind crafting your own delicious batch.
But wait, there’s more! Alongside making gelato, you also get to learn the science and history behind this creamy treat, sample a variety of flavors, and, best of all, take home your own pint to enjoy later.
Their entertaining classes are actually seasonally themed too, so you can always look forward to something new every time.
This year, participants indulged in making Rum Raisin Gelato and Pistachio Sorbet in January. February is all about Ricotta & Amarena Cherry Gelato and Blood Orange Sorbet.
This coming March, sign up to learn how to make Pecan & Maple Gelato and Mango Tango Sorbet.
Don’t worry if you’re not a “cone-noisseur” – their classes are also designed for beginners. To sign up for the class, head over to their website – just make sure to go fast because their classes always sell out quickly!