Cooking with Locals: Viator’s Best Culinary Classes Worldwide

Share This
 
×
Passengers×
Clear
 

Travel deeper by learning to cook the 

world’s favorite dishes—right from the source.

Food is the heart of every culture, and there’s no better way to understand a destination than through its cuisine

While eating local delicacies is one way to connect with a place, cooking them with locals adds an unforgettable, hands-on layer to your travel experience

Viator offers a wide range of culinary classes around the world, led by passionate hosts eager to share their traditions, stories, and secret ingredients. 

If you're hungry for more than just sightseeing, these immersive food experiences are the perfect recipe for cultural connection.

Here are some of Viator’s best culinary classes to book on your next trip:

1. Handmade Pasta in Rome, Italy

Skip the tourist traps and step into a Roman kitchen, where a local chef will guide you through the art of crafting fresh pasta from scratch. Learn how to make fettuccine, gnocchi, or ravioli using age-old family techniques. Top it off with a classic tiramisu—and a glass of wine, of course.

2. Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand’s flavors are legendary, and there’s no better place to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine than in Chiang Mai. Start with a trip to a local market to select fresh herbs and spices, then head to a traditional countryside kitchen. From spicy tom yum soup to sweet mango sticky rice, you'll cook it all under the guidance of a Thai chef.

3. Sushi-Making in Tokyo, Japan

In Tokyo, food is precision, respect, and art. Learn the delicate techniques behind sushi-making, from perfecting your rice to slicing fresh fish. Local instructors provide expert tips—and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this iconic Japanese cuisine.

4. Moroccan Cooking Class in Marrakech

In Marrakech, a culinary class is more than just cooking—it’s a sensory journey. Visit a vibrant souk to gather spices, then learn to make tagine and couscous in a riad’s open-air kitchen. You'll cook side by side with local hosts who bring centuries of tradition to life.

5. Parisian Pastry Workshop, France

Bonjour, sweet tooth! Learn the secrets behind France’s most elegant desserts in a Paris pastry class. Under the guidance of a professional pâtissier, whip up éclairs, macarons, or tarts while discovering the precision and creativity behind French baking.

6. Mexican Cooking in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca is the soul of Mexican cuisine. In these intimate classes, you’ll explore traditional cooking techniques, including grinding corn for tortillas, making mole from scratch, and blending the perfect salsa. You’ll also learn the cultural importance behind each dish.

Why Book Through Viator?

Viator offers verified reviews, local hosts, and flexible booking, ensuring you have a seamless and enriching experience. These classes are often held in homes or small studios, giving you a rare chance to connect with communities in a meaningful way.

Bring a taste of your travels home

Cooking with locals isn’t just about food—it’s about stories, laughter, and shared tradition. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, these Viator culinary classes will leave you with unforgettable memories—and maybe a few new favorite recipes. Book your flavorful journey now at Viator.com.

Turn Your Dream Vacations into Viral Content with vidIQ

Imagine sipping champagne in Santorini,  gliding through the canals of Venice,  or exploring the hidden beaches of Bali  then turning those dream vacations into content that gets thousands (or even millions) of views on YouTube.  Sounds too good to be true? Not anymore. With the right strategy, mindset, and tools like vidIQ, even creators traveling on a budget can make engaging, share-worthy, and viral travel videos that resonate with audiences around the world. Whether you're an aspiring vlogger or a travel enthusiast looking to grow your online presence, this guide will show you how to...

Travel Smart in Bali: Luxury Safety Tips for Exploring the Island of the Gods on a Budget

Bali is where emerald rice terraces kiss the clouds  and beaches glow gold under dreamy sunsets.  It’s a destination that promises both barefoot luxury and affordable indulgence,  making it a top choice for travelers who crave style without overspending.  Yet even paradise deserves a little preparation.  With the right safety tips, your Bali escape becomes blissful, secure, and stress free. Empowerment Starts Here with The RCS Girls Ultimate! 👩‍🎓 Dive into an inspiring read that celebrates strength, resilience, and the power of girls chasing their dreams. Perfect for young readers who want mo...

How to Travel for Free: Smart Hacks to Unlock Luxury Without Spending a Cent

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the world in style, business-class flights, boutique hotels, fine dining, and unforgettable adventures,  without draining your savings, you’re not alone.  At LuxuryTravelonaBudget.co, we believe luxury doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. In fact, with the right strategies,  it’s possible to travel for free—or at least close to it. In this guide, we’ll show you practical ways to cut costs, maximize rewards, and leverage tools that make travel more affordable than ever. And along the way, we’ll share five resources that can help you save, earn, and ...

Top 15 Common Travel Scams Around the World (and How to Avoid Them Like a Pro)

Traveling the world can be one of  life’s most enriching experiences—but it’s also an opportunity for scammers to  take advantage of unsuspecting tourists.  Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets of Bangkok, exploring the romantic alleys of Paris,  or relaxing on a tropical beach in Bali, travel scams can happen anywhere. To keep your adventures memorable for all the right reasons, here’s a guide to the top 15 common travel scams and the best travel safety tips to help you avoid them like a pro in 2025 and beyond. 1. The Overfriendly “Local Helper” It starts innocently eno...

How to Boost Your Airbnb Bookings While You’re on Vacation with Virtuance Photography

Imagine this: You’re sipping a chilled glass of rosé on a terrace in Provence,  watching the sun dip behind the lavender fields.  While you’re soaking up every moment of your dream getaway, your Airbnb back home is attracting more bookings than ever -all because you invested in professional photography before you left. This isn’t a travel fantasy—it’s a real strategy savvy hosts are using to keep their calendars full. The secret? Partnering with companies like Virtuance to capture show-stopping images that make your property irresistible to guests. If you’ve ever wondered how to get more...

5 Ways Luxury Travelers Can Help Reclaiming Hope Ranch’s Mission

Luxury travel is no longer defined by excess or extravagance —  it’s about experiences that matter. Today’s sophisticated explorers are blending indulgence with intention, choosing to support meaningful causes while exploring the world.  This movement, known as high-end philanthropy travel, is reshaping what it means to travel in style. One inspiring way to make your travels more impactful is by supporting Reclaiming Hope Ranch, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring hope and healing through equine-assisted therapy and community support programs. Whether you’re jetting off to an exotic resor...