A Taste of Thailand

When you travel to Thailand, tasting the local fare is just as important as visiting the ancient temples and white sand beaches. From grimy street stalls to fine-dining restaurants, Thai food boasts a fiery complexity that sticks with you long after the last bite.

As travelers become increasingly captivated by the flavors of this distinct cuisine, Thai cooking classes are becoming must-do activities on itineraries from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui. We took a look at three cooking courses in different regions of Thailand that allow vacationers to immerse themselves in the local culture and learn a few new recipes along the way.

BeBe Wok ’n’ Roll Thai Cooking Course Tucked away in northern Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Province, the BeBe Wok ‘n’ Roll Thai Cooking Course promises more than just a demo on how to cook the perfect pad Thai. Thom, the lead instructor and owner, takes students to a nearby market where the day’s ingredients are purchased fresh from local vendors.

Back in the kitchen, Thom teaches travelers how to re-create their favorite Thai dishes including curries, soups and stir-fries. At the end of class, you’ll leave with a recipe book and a new set of skills.

Silom Thai Cooking School When you book a class at Silom Thai Cooking School in Bangkok, make sure you show up hungry. In each course, travelers are taught to cook a complete menu of popular Thai dishes including pad Thai and mango with sticky rice.

Silom Thai Cooking School offers a relaxed atmosphere where students are instructed on using traditional utensils and techniques to craft their dishes from scratch.

Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts Koh Samui boasts one of Thailand’s most renowned cooking schools — the Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts. This quick course is perfect for those with packed itineraries, covering just enough of the basics to help you cook three fantastic dishes.

–KATE KASBEE

Tribune Content Solutions Writer