Cooking classes in Chiang Mai aren’t just about food—they’re about immersing yourself in Thai culture, meeting amazing people, and yes, finally figuring out how to make that perfect pad thai. 

Trust me, once you’ve mastered khao soi in a countryside kitchen surrounded by herbs and chirping birds, regular dining just doesn’t cut it anymore. I still remember a teacher laughing at someone’s overambitious spice levels (not naming names… but it was me). 

That’s the kind of fun you’re in for! If you’re a kitchen pro or can barely toast bread, these classes make it easy to learn, laugh, and eat until you can’t move. Let’s get started so you can start bringing authentic Thai flavours to life!

1. Zabb E Lee Thai Cooking School

Address: Mingmuang Market 7 Mun Mueang Rd, Si Phum

Phone: +66932679572

Business Hours: Daily 7 AM to 10 PM

Fee: 1,200 THB per person

Website

Zabb E Lee is hands down one of our favourite experiences in Chiang Mai! From the moment they picked us up at our hotel, everything felt smooth and well-organised. The day began with a visit to a local market, where we learned about fresh Thai ingredients—a great way to start. 

Past clients raved about the picturesque countryside setting, and we couldn’t agree more—it’s serene and charming, with beautiful huts and ponds. 

Our instructor, Amy, was the real star. Her bubbly personality and clear instructions kept the energy high throughout. We loved cooking multiple dishes (and taking home leftovers), but we noted that some clients had booking issues where their spots weren’t confirmed. 

A tip from us: double-check your reservation for peace of mind. Still, for the value and experience, Zabb E Lee is worth every baht.

Engaging and fun cooking class

“Amazing Thai cooking class with Focus! She was really engaging, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, made the class lots of fun. Very easy to follow her instructions. 

We made 4 different meals and a dessert, and one of the curries we took home for takeaway. Well worth it”

Katherine Schultz, Google Review

Great energy and inclusivity for vegetarians

“This was an awesome experience!! Amy was an amazing instructor and brought such great energy to the group! The food was awesome and it was such a fun experience. 

Even being a vegetarian, I was still able to make all the dishes and fully be included. We made so much food and were able to take away food too if we wanted. 

Definitely recommend if you’re in Chiang Mai!”

Alice Gadon, Google Review

2. Thai Farm Cooking School

Address: 38 Mun Mueang Rd, Tambon Si Phum

Phone: +66812885989

Fee: 

• Full Day Cooking Class – 1,500 THB per person
• Half Day Cooking Class – 1,200 THB per person

Website

Thai Farm Cooking School is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into Thai cuisine with a hands-on approach. 

The experience starts at a trip to a vibrant local market, where participants get to learn about essential Thai ingredients—it’s something we love because it really sets the tone for the day. 

Then it’s off to their lush farm, filled with fresh herbs and vegetables, which adds an authentic touch to the whole experience. 

We like how family-friendly the atmosphere is, with instructors going out of their way to involve kids—rolling spring rolls and stirring sauces adds so much fun for little ones. 

However, we noted that some ingredients come pre-prepped, which might not appeal to those who prefer doing everything from scratch.  Still, with clear instructions, mouthwatering dishes, and a recipe book to take home, this experience still ticks all the boxes.

A fantastic day with excellent instruction

“A great day out, starting with the tour of a local produce market to pick up ingredients, lovely market garden in the countryside and very clean, well equipped kitchen. 

Our cooking instructor and guide Raatta was excellent, clear instructions and a great sense of humour. All of the meals we prepared were delicious! I can see why Thai Farm Cooking School has such a good reputation.” 

Bryan D, Google Review

Easy booking and a flavorful experience

“We walked in and booked a place for the afternoon. It was super easy. Communication was in excellent English, so there were no problems with understanding and arranging everything. 

We cooked curry (for me, it was spicy), a soup (manageable spicy), spring rolls (absolutely fine), and a dessert (delicious). Overall, it was a pleasant experience, and we learned a lot about spices and alternatives that we can find at home.”

Yana Kronevald, Google Review

3. Mama Noi Thai Cookery School

Address: 45, 41 Tonkham, Soi 2

Phone: +66836416464

Business Hours: Daily 9 AM to 8 PM

Fee: 4 hours – 1,000 THB per person

Website

Mama Noi impressed us with its clean, well-organised facilities and the relaxing vibe of its garden setting. The instructors, like Pam, were upbeat and approachable, making the whole experience feel warm and inviting. 

One thing we particularly liked was the option to cook in an air-conditioned classroom—great for escaping Chiang Mai’s heat—while still getting to prep dishes outdoors. The recipes we cooked felt authentic, and we enjoyed using fresh, local ingredients. 

However, some people commented that they felt that the market visit was rushed and not particularly informative. Even so, the delicious dishes we made and the thoughtful extras, like a recipe book and certificate, made the experience worthwhile.

Beautiful farm with delicious dishes and cute pups

“The farm is huge and beautiful, lots of gardens and the team walks you through everything they grow. Fern was an incredible cook and teacher, loved working with her! 

The dishes were the absolute most delicious versions we tried in Chiang Mai, especially the prawn spicy soup, coconut soup, and khao soi. 

Highly recommend taking a cooking class at Mama Noi! Bonus: they have 4 super cute dogs on the property”

Alexandra Sklyarenko, Google Review

Amazing food and adorable dogs

“This was one of our favourite things we did in Chiang Mai. I highly recommend getting the air conditioned room if it’s hot out. You’re more likely to see the really cute pups who are trying to dodge the heat.

I made Tom yum soup and khao soi, and they were the best tasting versions of the dishes out of the 10 different restaurants we’ve tried in Chiang Mai. You’ll leave stuffed, so don’t eat a big breakfast before”

Raymond Han, Google Review

4. Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School

Address: Rachadamneon Rd. Soi 5 Sri Phum Muang

Phone: +66846400988

Business Hours: Daily 9 AM to 8:30 PM

Fee: 

• Full course at farm ( morning only) – 1,200 THB per person
• Full Course Morning in Old Town – 1,000 THB per person
• Full Course Evening in Old Town – 1,000 THB per person

Website

Asia Scenic blends cooking with a cultural deep-dive, making it a memorable experience for anyone interested in Thai cuisine. 

One of the highlights is the herb garden tour, which gives a deeper understanding of the fresh ingredients that define authentic Thai flavours—it’s a big plus in our books. 

The cooking class also offers flexible menu options, letting participants tailor the dishes to their tastes, which we think is a fantastic touch. We love how instructors like Olive and Kate bring humour and energy to the class, making the process both engaging and educational. 

However, we noticed that the market stop feels a bit more touristy than authentic, and the larger class sizes can make personalised attention challenging at times. 

Despite these small drawbacks, the class is well-organised, and the food prepared (and enjoyed!) is nothing short of phenomenal. The included recipe book is another thoughtful addition, making it easier to recreate the delicious dishes at home.

A highlight of any trip to Thailand

“This was such an enjoyable way to spend the morning and early afternoon.  Learning about local ingredients in the garden, the tour of the market and then making our choice of several courses.  

Our instructor, Thai, was amazing.  His English was flawless and his teaching spot on.  He was managing so many of us and did it beautifully.  

This will absolutely be a highlight of my trip to Thailand.  I would absolutely come back and do it again to make different things.”

Mark Ferdinand Paras, Google Review

Beautiful location and a fantastic host

“The cooking course was amazing. The location was beautiful and so calm. But most importantly our host named “Thai” was such a great guy! 

He explained everything about the ingredients to us. His English was good. His energy made us just very happy. really recommend (we cooked at the farm).”

Rosella Steenbergen, Google Review

5. Passionfood Thai Cooking School Chiang Mai

Address: 7 Singharat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Sriphoom

Phone: +66630291184

Business Hours: Daily 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Fee: 

• Morning Course – 900 THB per person
• Evening Course – 900 THB per person

Website

Passionfood Thai Cooking School offers a lively and memorable cooking experience that’s perfect for anyone wanting to dive into Thai cuisine. We noted that the instructor, Game, is often praised for her humour and engaging teaching style, which adds an extra layer of fun to the day. 

The seamless organisation, from the market visit to setting up cooking stations, is a major plus in our books, especially for those who like everything to run smoothly.

We love how they pay attention to dietary needs and preferences, allowing participants to adjust spice levels and customise their dishes—creativity is clearly encouraged here. 

However, we noticed some feedback about booking issues and strict cancellation policies. With this, double-checking your reservation is a good idea. 

Still, with their delicious food, fun atmosphere, and supportive team, we think Passionfood is a solid choice for anyone eager to master the art of Thai cooking.

Fun class with a great teacher

“Our cooking teacher Game is so beautiful and she laughed at all my jokes so I think I have a chance. Aside from that she made the class fun and interesting. 

My food came out great thanks to her skill. Definitely recommend taking this class. Also you can have all the condensed milk you want.”

David Cordero, Google Review

Big energy and a personal touch

“My review comes quite late but I have really been wanting to write one up as we had such a good time! Much love to Yoshi who gave us big energy and humour despite the class being so small (just myself and my friend!). 

He took an epic amount of photos and he really made the whole experience very fun and easy. The lovely and kind ladies who accompanied us to the market were very interesting and knowledgeable, and we really appreciated how welcome everyone made us feel. 

Highly recommend Passionfood cooking school!”

Shireen Nathaniel, Google Review