Market Tour and Taiwanese Cooking Class in Taipei

Enjoy the vibrant culinary culture of Taiwan during this captivating market tour and cooking class in Taipei. Led by a seasoned, English-speaking instructor, you’ll embark on an exploration of the lively Dongmen Market, sourcing the freshest ingredients for your hands-on culinary journey. Prepare authentic Taiwanese dishes, such as braised pork with rice and crispy fried chicken, as you learn the secrets behind these beloved regional specialties. Savor the fruits of your labor during a communal lunch, complemented by refreshing bubble tea, and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich flavors and traditions that make Taiwanese cuisine so enticing. But the experience doesn’t end there – let’s delve further into the details that make this class a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Good To Know

1. Offers a half-day cooking class focusing on traditional Taiwanese food preparation methods, including a visit to the Dongmen Market.
2. Participants prepare three authentic Taiwanese dishes, such as braised pork with rice, fried chicken, and prawn omelet, under the guidance of a professional English-speaking instructor.
3. Includes a market exploration experience where participants source local ingredients and observe vendors preparing traditional Taiwanese ingredients.
4. The class provides all necessary materials and ingredients, and the prepared dishes are served for a delightful lunch at the end of the session.
5. Suitable for a minimum of two guests and a maximum of eight travelers, with dietary requirements accommodated upon booking.

Overview of the Experience

The Taiwanese Cooking Class in Taipei offers an immersive experience, combining a visit to the lively Dongmen Market with a hands-on cooking session led by an expert chef.

In this small-group class, you will have the opportunity to source fresh local ingredients and then prepare three authentic Taiwanese dishes in a professional kitchen.

The menu may include classic dishes like braised pork with rice, Taiwanese-style fried chicken, and a prawn omelet with a special sauce.

The class culminates with a delicious lunch featuring the students’ creations, providing a true taste of Taiwanese cuisine.

Cooking Class Details

The half-day cooking class offers hands-on lessons where participants can practice traditional Taiwanese food preparation methods.

The exact menu varies by day, but it typically includes a main dish like braised pork with rice, a starter such as Taiwanese-style fried chicken cutlet, a main like prawn omelet with a special sauce, and a dessert of bubble tea.

The professional English-speaking instructor guides the small group through the creation of these dishes in a well-equipped kitchen.

All necessary materials and ingredients are provided, and the participants enjoy the fruits of their labor for lunch at the original departure point.

Inclusions and Logistics

The cooking class includes a professional English-speaking instructor, who guides the small group through the class.

All necessary materials and ingredients are provided, ensuring a seamless experience.

Lunch is included, allowing participants to savor the dishes they’ve prepared.

The meeting point is at the MRT Dongmen Station Exit 5, providing a convenient location for both pickup and drop-off.

Plus, the tour may be altered due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, allowing for flexibility.

• All materials and ingredients are provided
• Lunch is included in the experience
• Pickup and drop-off at the MRT Dongmen Station
• Tour may be adjusted due to weather or other factors

What to Expect

Upon arrival at the designated meeting point, guests will meet their host and small group at the MRT Dongmen Station Exit 5.

Next, the group will explore the Dongmen Market, where they’ll learn about the fresh, local ingredients that will be used in their cooking class.

After the market tour, they’ll return to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking session. Under the guidance of an expert chef, you will prepare three authentic Taiwanese dishes, which may include specialties like braised pork with rice, Taiwanese-style fried chicken, and prawn omelet with a special sauce.

Explore Dongmen Market

After meeting the host and group, you will head over to the nearby Dongmen Market. This vibrant local market offers a glimpse into the heart of Taiwanese cuisine.

Wandering through the stalls, guests will:

• Discover a vast array of fresh produce, from leafy greens to colorful tropical fruits
• Inspect the glistening displays of seafood, ranging from shrimp to whole fish
• Observe skilled vendors skillfully chopping meat and preparing traditional ingredients
• Smell the enticing aromas of spices, sauces, and freshly prepared street food

The exploration of Dongmen Market sets the stage for the hands-on cooking experience, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with the high-quality, locally sourced ingredients that will be used to create authentic Taiwanese dishes.

Preparing Taiwanese Dishes

Back in the professional kitchen, the chef begins by guiding the group through the preparation of the first dish on the menu – the Taiwanese-style fried chicken cutlet.

With a keen eye for detail, they demonstrate the proper techniques for coating the chicken in a light, crispy batter. The group follows along, carefully dredging and frying the chicken to golden perfection.

Next, the chef leads the class in assembling the prawn omelet, highlighting the importance of maintaining the right egg consistency and incorporating the special Taiwanese sauce.

Finally, they tackle the braised pork with rice, meticulously layering the flavors through slow-cooking and seasoning.

Throughout the hands-on session, the chef shares insights into traditional Taiwanese cooking methods, ensuring the participants leave with a newfound appreciation for the island’s culinary traditions.

Lunch at Departure Point

With their cooking session complete, the group gathers around the table at the original departure point to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

They’re presented with a delectable spread of the three Taiwanese dishes they’ve just prepared: the savory braised pork with rice, the crispy fried chicken cutlet, and the fluffy prawn omelet with its tantalizing sauce.

To cap off the meal, they sip on refreshing bubble tea, a quintessential Taiwanese beverage.

The group relishes the opportunity to savor their creations and share their cooking experiences.

The satisfying lunch not only nourishes their bodies but also leaves them with a deeper appreciation for the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Taiwanese cuisine.

Additional Information

The cooking class includes several additional details to be aware of. Customers will receive confirmation of their booking upon reserving their spot.

Any dietary requirements should be communicated at the time of booking. A minimum of two guests is required, with a maximum of eight travelers.

The class is non-refundable, and no-shows will be charged the full amount. The menu may change without notice, so flexibility is advised.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Finally, the experience may be altered due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Class for a Private Group?

Yes, the class can be booked for a private group. The cooking class allows for a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 travelers, providing a customized experience for smaller parties.

Is There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Menu Option Available?

Yes, the cooking class offers vegetarian and vegan menu options. Guests can inform the host of their dietary requirements when booking, and the chef will prepare a custom menu to accommodate their preferences.

Do I Need to Have Prior Cooking Experience?

No prior cooking experience is required for this class. The expert chef-instructor will guide participants through traditional Taiwanese cooking techniques, even for those who have never cooked before. The class is designed for all skill levels.

Can I Purchase Any Cooking Ingredients or Equipment at the Market?

Visitors can often purchase fresh ingredients and cooking equipment at the market during the cooking class. The market visit provides an opportunity to explore local produce and select items needed for the hands-on cooking session.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Market Tour and Cooking Session?

The cooking class includes a half-day session, with around 2 hours allocated for the market tour and the hands-on cooking session in a professional kitchen. Participants will have ample time to explore the market and prepare the Taiwanese dishes.

Sum Up

Visitors can enjoy the vibrant Taiwanese culinary culture through this market tour and cooking class. They’ll explore the lively Dongmen Market, source fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare authentic dishes like braised pork and crispy fried chicken under the guidance of a professional instructor. The hands-on experience culminates in a communal lunch featuring the participants’ creations, accompanied by refreshing bubble tea.