16 of the Top-Rated Cooking Classes Around the World Per Viator Travelers

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the bestselling book Eat, Pray, Love, was onto something when she decided to dedicate her Italy travels to cuisine: The country is home to some of the best cooking classes worldwide. Learn how to make fresh fettuccine, ravioli, and tiramisu during a pasta and tiramisu cooking class in Rome.

What one reviewer said: “Great staff and lots of fun! Our chef was awesome and the food was so easy and good. As a solo traveler, I felt included in everything.” Abigail_L, Sep 2026

While wandering through Spanish cities, you might be tempted by those huge vats of freshly cooked paella, with curled pink prawns and steamed mussels nestled on top. Discover what all the fuss is about and learn to make this classic Spanish dish for yourself during a paella-making class in Barcelona. You’ll be rewarded for your hard work with refreshing sangria, too.

What one reviewer said: “Best experience of the trip so far. Lots of laughs with a really fun group. The instructor was great and the food was fabulous.” Constance_Z, Sep 2026

Trying to walk past a French bakery without being lured inside is a tough task, but there’s no need to stand at the window drooling with this family-friendly behind-the-scenes bakery experience in Paris. Bake your own baguettes, croissants, and pains au chocolat, enjoy breakfast at the bakery, and take away your creations for a Parisian picnic later. This must be one of the sweetest cooking experiences around the world.

What one reviewer said: “An absolutely amazing experience . We had the best time learning about the art of making bread and pastry but get our hands floured and working with the dough made it all the better ! And you get to take delicious bread home.” Lauren_K, Sep 2026

China has wontons, Italy has tortellini, and Poland has pierogies. They might look similar to other varieties from around the world, but these Polish dumplings reflect the flavors of Central Europe, and fillings can include potato, cabbage, meat, or even berries. Learn how to cook traditional Polish pierogies during a market shopping and cooking class in Krakow.

What one reviewer said: “What a fantastic experience! Olga was a great teacher, very informative about not only the cooking, but [Krakow] in general. Super friendly and a great host! Our group of 6 enjoyed it immensely!” Dave_H, Sep 2026

Probably the only thing better than learning to cook six delicious Greek dishes—including tzatziki, filo pie, and moussaka—is learning to cook them and then sitting down to eat your creations with views of Athens’ 2,500-year-old Acropolis. This traditional Greek cooking class can be tailored to suit your interests, so if there’s something you’d like to try making, you can ask. Dinner is accompanied by Greek wine and traditional spirits, too.

What one reviewer said: “Great experience with the cooking class from CookinAthens. The space was well laid out for classes. [...] And then we ate what we cooked with a nice glass (or two) of Greek wine!" Scott_E, Aug 2026

Moroccan cuisine uses a unique blend of herbs and spices, and it can be tricky to get right without instruction. This Moroccan cooking class in Marrakech, led by experienced local women in their homes, starts with a stroll through the souk and a glass of mint tea before you learn to make an appetizer, an entree using a tagine pot, and a dessert.

What one reviewer said: “Great experience, from shopping for the ingredients, to cooking the foods. Everything was explained to us, and we each got a chance to be involved in chopping and adding the ingredients.” Josephine_U, Jul 2026

Take a break from the Baja California Sur beaches and learn more about authentic Mexican cuisine during a cooking class in Cabo San Lucas. Shop for your ingredients at a local market, then get personalized instruction from your chef-instructor. Menus change each day of the week, but you’ll get to make your own fresh tortillas as well as options that include tamales, tacos, or enchiladas.

What one reviewer said: “Great experience. The food was amazing and making it made it that much more fun. Essi is an amazing chef. And the group we were [with] was great to be around. We made some great friends.” Kurt_W, Aug 2026

Costa Rica is renowned for its biodiversity and lush natural landscapes, including its farms and plantations. Cook with farm-fresh organic ingredients that you pick yourself during this farm-to-table cooking class in La Fortuna, gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. The ingredients and recipes change according to the season, and you’ll get to cook using an outdoor wood-fired stove, for extra rustic charm.

What one reviewer said: “This was a fun and delicious night. We learned a lot about the organic farming before everyone was involved in some aspect of preparing a dinner. The dinner adapted to gf, df, and vegetarian diets." Christy_M, Jun 2026

This cooking demo in New Orleans is a must-try “cooking” class in Louisiana if you’re not really into cooking, or if your travel group is mixed. Your chef-instructor prepares classic Creole dishes, such as gumbo and jambalaya, while you observe from a comfortable table, and do some hands-on sampling afterward. You’ll get to see how your food is prepared—without the effort of making it yourself.

What one reviewer said: “I live in the French Quarter and anytime company comes we do this experience! I’ve had 4 different chefs and they each bring a different feel, take and outlook on the cooking and history here and their technique. It’s a fun, yummy, educational and great experience! You cannot go wrong with this! Great price too!!" Dawn_G, Sep 2026

Like drinking tea or flower arranging, Japan has turned everyday food preparation into an art form. Learn all the tips and tricks you need to create perfectly formed sushi during a sushi-making class in Tokyo. With fish, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and allergy-safe options available, everyone can participate. You’ll never look at conveyor-belt sushi the same way again after this top culinary class for travelers.

What one reviewer said: “We had so much fun with this activity. We went with my parents (in their late 70s) and 2 kids ages 10 and 8. Everyone loved it." Sunny_W, Aug 2026

Indian food is popular around the world, but what many people know as Indian cuisine is actually just a small portion of what’s available in the country. Gain a greater understanding of Indian culinary traditions during a cooking class with a family in Delhi. You’ll also get to experience how ordinary Indians live and enjoy your aloo puri (potato curry with bread), masala chai, and dessert with your hosts.

What one reviewer said: “Originally saw this as just a cooking class. Realized soon that this was more than [that]. Nidhi and Roopak made my partner and I feel welcome into their home. They explained the Indian culture, answered questions, and taught us so much beyond just the dinner. Very great experience." Darin_C, Sep 2023

The central Vietnamese city of Hoi An is known as a foodie hot spot, so it’s an ideal place to take a deep dive into Vietnamese cuisine. This small-group class starts with a market tour, a bamboo boat ride, and fishing for crabs before moving on to the kitchen. Learn to prepare easy Vietnamese classics, such as rice-paper spring rolls and crispy pancakes with mushrooms.

What one reviewer said: “Everything was perfect. Tam and An were great. The scooter ride to the markets then to the village where the boat ride and cooking class was held was so much fun. The food we cooked was sensational. Would recommend this tour 100%. [...]" Kim_H, Sep 2025

Thailand is famous for its fragrant, spicy curries, but there are great differences between northern and southern cuisine: What you eat in Phuket isn’t what you’ll find in Chiang Mai. Learn more about northern Thai food during a cooking class on an organic farm in Chiang Mai, where you can perfect your curry paste, spring rolls, and more.

What one reviewer said: “This was a fabulous day from beginning to end. The instructor was fabulous. The organic farm was interesting and the food was beyond amazing." Larry_H, May 2026

The best food tours and cooking classes introduce you to something new. Even in a nation as food-oriented as Malaysia, the exceptional foodie hot spot of Penang stands out, partly due to its distinctive ethnic mix: The local Peranakan people combine Hokkien Chinese and Malay elements into a tasty mix. Discover what makes this cuisine different during a cooking class and market tour in George Town, Penang’s culture-rich capital.

What one reviewer said: “We had the most wonderful experience taking this class. Our hosts really spent the time to teach us about Malaysian culture and cuisine. The class was fun, informative and taught us new techniques for cooking. The food was incredible. Absolutely a must do." Crystal_R, Feb 2026

Many travelers know that culturally Hindu Bali is distinct from the rest of Indonesia, but don’t realize this translates to the food, too. Reflecting many cultural and geographic influences, Balinese food is delicious. But, depending on where in the world you live, it can be difficult to find at home. Learn the secrets of Balinese cuisine while vacationing in Ubud so you can recreate it yourself later.

What one reviewer said: “Putu and her team rock! Great hospitality! Delicious and informative cooking class. [...] Such great flavors, all ending with a fabulous meal and recipe book to take home!" Paul_G, Nov 2025

After a hearty helping of Nepal’s national dish, dal bhat (lentil curry and rice), you’ll soon learn why the Himalayan nation’s catchphrase is “dal bhat power, 24 hour.” Fuel your own adventures during a Nepali cooking class in Kathmandu’s lively tourist district, Thamel. You’ll learn there’s much more to dal bat than just lentils and rice, too, with sides of meat, potato, and vegetable curries, pickles, and salads.

What one reviewer said: “This was a brilliant and fun cookery class in which the girls taught us many Nepalese recipes. We [learned] about spices but had fun doing it. We would thoroughly recommend this course." Judy_C, Jan 2026