Learn to Cook in Koh Samui

Oct 21st, 2011 Simon Coleman

The ability to cook is a skill to be admired and you can find classes organized all over the country. However if you want to try something a little more exotic to impress your friends then how about learning to make delicious Thai dishes? Book yourself on a flight to Thailand and have a holiday and learn to cook popular local dishes at the same time.

Thailand has a diverse range of cooking classes and schools all over the country, many of them located in the main cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai and the tropical isles of Koh Samui and Phuket. They are either set up by people who invite you into their own home for cooking lessons or are organized by restaurants and first class resorts.

Each has a unique way of teaching but the most popular two methods are the demonstration method where you sit and watch whilst taking notes, and then get to taste the food. And the hands on approach where you get to shop at the local markets, prepare and cook the food yourself and then eat it. This is a much more practical approach and the one most favoured by those who have attended cooking sessions previously.

You can choose to attend a cooking school for just a days introductory course, 2 or 3 days, or a week, even longer is available for those really interested in learning everything there is to know about Thai cuisine. They are very popular with residents who live in the country and tourists, particularly as you get to eat the finished delights too!

The best classes are generally limited to 5 or 6 students so the group can gather around and watch the chef preparing the meals and ask questions, and the chef themselves do not have too many people to keep an eye on and can check everyone is doing it correctly.

Students are given advice on cooking techniques and the equipment needed. Each day you will get to learn something new from the menu so you get tasty experiences with soups, salads, curries, stir fried dishes and desserts.

At the end of the course some schools will give you a little gift to remember your time with them such as recipe books, aprons, spices, or a certificate of achievement.

The Oriental Thai Cooking School is located in The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel in Bangkok and has to be one of the most highly acclaimed cookery schools in the country.

Programmes last for a week and finish in the early afternoon so you still get a chance to experience the city sights and do some shopping. Learn to cook favourites such as Phanaeng curry beef, pumpkin and coconut milk, crab cakes, sweet and spicy soups, and tamarind sauce and more.

The exotic island of Koh Samui is a beautiful place for a beach holiday, there are plenty of activities and entertainment on the island too so you will not have time to be bored. SITCA, Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts, is one of the top cooking schools in Thailand and chefs from all over the world attend classes in an attempt to expand their repertoire and experience new flavours.

Their programme is extremely practical and attended by a range of people from those who just want to be able to cook Thai food for themselves to student chefs and top professionals. Run by Thai chefs who use a variety of locally grown ingredients, spices and fresh fish you can get a tan, stay in first class holiday accommodation, and learn to cook some of the tastiest Thai dishes at the same time.

The choice of Samui hotels is pretty impressive actually and whether you are on a tight budget or willing to splash out there is a wide range of cheap beachside bungalows, luxury and boutique resorts, beach front hotels, spa resorts, or villas and apartments - you will not be disappointed.

If you are tempted by the flavours of jasmine rice and curry, coconut milk, tamarind, lemon grass and chillies and love Asian cuisine then immerse yourself in Thai culture and become au fait with the individual and unique aromas and ingredients of the dishes. Head to Samui this summer and realise your dreams.

About the Author:

Simon Coleman writes articles about Samui Guide, your guide for the beautiful island of Koh Samui. Samui is one of the premier beach destinations of the world and offers all types of accommodation. Read independent reviews and get good rates on Samui hotels at Samui Guide.

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