Food in Northern Thailand is a big part of everyday life, and one of the most enjoyable ways to understand it is by taking a cooking class in Chiang Rai. These classes offer a relaxed and hands-on introduction to the region’s distinctive cuisine, giving travellers the chance to learn directly from local cooks and chefs.

Visiting Local Markets

Your cooking class in Chiang Rai will most likely begin with a trip to a nearby market, where participants explore stalls filled with herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables. With guidance from the instructor, it becomes easier to understand unfamiliar ingredients and how they are used in Thai cuisine. This market visit also provides insight into everyday food culture.

Garden Ingredients

Some ingredients are gathered straight from the garden rather than purchased. Fresh lemongrass, green papaya, and banana leaves are often picked on-site, giving participants a closer connection to the ingredients used in traditional cooking. This may not be the case at resorts like the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, however.

Traditional Prep

Before cooking begins, participants spend time preparing ingredients from scratch. This may include chopping vegetables, cleaning seafood, or even learning how to break down meat. One of the most memorable techniques is pounding herbs and spices in a mortar and pestle to create curry pastes.

Finally, the Dishes

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After preparation, the real fun begins as ingredients are combined in bubbling pots and sizzling pans to create classic Thai dishes. Participants learn to balance flavours such as sweetness, spice, and acidity while cooking favourites like curries, salads, and traditional desserts.