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Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans

Recommended by 99% of travellers
New Orleans, USA
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travellers loved this

5.0
·
· Griselda_R ·
Apr 2026
Chef Conner was amazing! He showed us how to properly handle our utensils, and the class was very hands-on from start to finish. The gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and bananas foster were all absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was lively, and the food was incredible. My only regret was forgetting to buy the season.
· Rick_C ·
Apr 2026
It was a great experience. Chef Conner taught us a tip to cut vegetables efficiently. We learned to make the dark roux we used to make gumbo. Then we made the etouffee followed by bananas foster. Best part was eating what we cooked. Chef Conner was a great instructor & I would recommend the experience to everyone visiting the Quarter.

Overview

New Orleans’ French Quarter is known for its amazing food, and this Cajun and Creole cooking class centered in the French Quarter provides you with the tips you need to be able to make three dishes in your own kitchen. This intimate, small-group experience means you get quality time with your group as you make gumbo, etouffee, and bananas foster all from scratch.
  • Learn to make gumbo, etouffee, and bananas foster from a New Orleans local
  • Sip on included wine (or soda pop) during your class
  • Sit down afterward to enjoy the meal you’ve just prepared
  • Perfect for families or groups of friends

Sample Menu

Starter

Chicken and andouille sausage gumbo

Main

Shrimp étouffée

Dessert

Bananas Foster

What's Included

  • Dinner
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Soda/Pop
  • Bottled water

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 519 Wilkinson St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

      Suite 101 on the ground level

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveller Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveller's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveller's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveller's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveller's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveller's review)

    Featured review

    Gia_L
    Absolutely Amazing Cooking Class. My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of taking a cooking class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking in New Orleans, and we were blown away! Chef Mark was incredible—his energy was infectious, and he made the entire experience so much fun from start to finish. We loved the small, intimate class setting, which made it feel personal and engaging. Chef Mark was not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also personable, funny, and a fantastic instructor. He walked us through each step with clear guidance and shared so many great tips that we’ll be using in our kitchen for years to come. We make it a tradition to take cooking classes whenever we travel, and this one was hands down one of the best we’ve ever taken. If you’re in New Orleans and looking for an authentic, interactive, and delicious experience—we highly recommend the Mardi Gras School of Cooking and especially Chef Mark! You won’t be disappointed!

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 376 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Great cooking experience

    Joseph_G, Apr 2026
    This a great hands on cooking experience. You eat what you cook and it is delicious. The chef is friendly and helpful and the whole experience wonderful.

    Response from Host, May 2026

    I can't wait to share this review with chef! Thanks for cooking with us! Hope to see y'all next time you are in town!

    Morning of cooking magic

    Marianna_W, Apr 2026
    Truly hands on cooking class. Informative chef: she included the history behind each dish. It was fun, fascinating, and I actually learned new skills, and I went with a professional chef who was looking to up their cooking game. Fun group of people showed up. Our chef was professional, let us take the lead with making each part of the dishes, unlike most other cooking classes where you just watch a chef make food. I def recommend it.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    We are so pleased that you enjoyed your experience! Thanks for cooking with us! Bon Appetit!

    Fun w Chef Erika

    R_B, Apr 2026
    My husband and I did the Roux cooking class with Chef Erika, who is absolutely amazing and adorable. It was our first time participating in such a class and we throughly enjoyed it. It was fun and we learned a lot. Highly recommend it!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thank you so much for the positive feedback!! Chef Erika is a master of her craft and I will share your feedback with her.

    But Cooking Class!

    Griselda_R, Apr 2026
    Chef Conner was amazing! He showed us how to properly handle our utensils, and the class was very hands-on from start to finish. The gumbo, shrimp étouffée, and bananas foster were all absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was lively, and the food was incredible. My only regret was forgetting to buy the season.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Connor thanks you for the amazing review! Our seasoning is available on or website! If I can assist you further, please feel free to reach out, thanks for cooking with us!

    Recommended

    carol_w, Apr 2026
    The hands on cooking is done in pairs and not as an individual. Would have preferred individual but I understand given you a cooking a meal.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thank you for the 5 star review and understanding our limitations!

    The best experience

    Rick_C, Apr 2026
    It was a great experience. Chef Conner taught us a tip to cut vegetables efficiently. We learned to make the dark roux we used to make gumbo. Then we made the etouffee followed by bananas foster. Best part was eating what we cooked. Chef Conner was a great instructor & I would recommend the experience to everyone visiting the Quarter.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Connor thanks you for the amazing review!

    Good Friday class

    Sebastian_C, Apr 2026
    We had a lot of fun with our group! The food was filling and tasted amazing. Our chef gave us a lot of good tips and a nice desert show with the banana foster display. Come to find out he was also on top chef at one point! Will definitely come back!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef thanks you for the kind words! Hope to see y'all again soon!

    Authentic cooking school!

    julie_g, Apr 2026
    Chef was fantastic and so were the recipes. Probably not a lot of tolerance for kids who arent serious about cooking as a heads up. Ours said it was a trip highlight and bananas foster is still made in our home!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    A "trip highlight" is high praise! Thank you for the kind words!

    Chef Mark was awesome and...

    Jason_H, Mar 2026
    Chef Mark was awesome and the food was amazing! It was a great experience and would highly recommend.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    So great to hear such positive feedback! We look forward to welcoming you back!

    Sassy was such a great...

    Jen_P, Mar 2026
    Sassy was such a great chef to work with. Very knowledgable and friendly. Even though hickups she was swift to fix things. Would come back 100% to her.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Sassy's ability to adjust under pressure is one of the most amazing things about her! I cant wait to share your feedback and MGSC looks forward to welcoming you back!

    10 out of 10!

    ilana_d, Mar 2026
    My husband and I did the Roux cooking class with Chef Raymond. When he told us it would be the best meal we ate while visiting New Orleans, I was skeptical. BUT IT WAS! Chef Raymond made it so easy to follow along, and we can’t wait to recreate the gumbo and etoufee recipes at home. If you have the chance, don’t miss out on this experience. Not only will you have fun and enjoy a great meal, but you’ll walk away with recipes that you can recreate over and over again.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Such a glowing review! Chef Raymond can not wait to welcome you back!

    NOLA staples from a Pro

    Anita_M, Mar 2026
    This class was so much fun. I booked it with my husband and friend and Chef Connor had the three of us laughing and learning the entire time. Even my hubby, who does most of our cooking, learned some new tricks. It was very relaxed and just a great way to spend the evening.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Connor is certainly a wealth of knowledge and I am looking forward to sharing this review with him!

    Definitely recommend!

    Kathleen_D, Mar 2026
    Excellent instruction and a fun atmosphere. Fun for individuals, couples and/or groups. Cook, laugh and enjoy!!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Laissez les bon temps rouler!

    Fun experience. Got to make and eat some good food.

    Jonathan_L, Mar 2026
    Chef Barry made it fun for us. Definitely worth the money. We would do it again. Will definitely be cooking these foods at home.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thank you for the kind words, looking forward to welcoming y'all back!

    Incredible class!!!

    Eric_S, Mar 2026
    Ray is amazing - our gumbo was unquestionably the best gumbo I have ever tasted and he is so warm and entertaining!! I would love to come back and do this again!!! Highly recommend!!!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Raymond would love to see y'all again so please be sure to request him when you re-book! Thanks for the continued support!

    Lear new cooking techniques

    Paul_K, Feb 2026
    Chef Erika is nice , borne teacher, great recipes. Learned new techniques. Thanks from Paul and Sylvia

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Erika said "Thanks, YALL!"

    What they advertise is...

    Patricia_T, Feb 2026
    What they advertise is what you get . A very lovely place , clean and professional too. Our cooking teacher was Connor and he was amazing.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thanks. y'all!!!

    Highly recommended tour if you visit New Orleans

    Christophora_W, Jan 2026
    We had a great class, chef Connor is one of the best coaches, very patient, professional, and knowledgeable. During the class, we learned a lot from him. He served our dinner and offered us a take home.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Connor says "thanks for the kind words" We can't wait to welcome you back!

    Oh what fun!

    Kathy_C, Dec 2025
    Chef Raymond was a great cook and a fun storyteller who shared his experiences learning to cook, and his life in New Orleans. This was our party of 8's favorite experience of the whole trip - the Roux class was engaging and the best food we had all weekend. The hands-on cooking with Chef Raymond's tips was so fun! Thanks for the amazing class! Highly recommend! PS the Mardi Gras School of cooking is also a modern and sleek kitchen.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thanks for the positive feedback! We love hearing about our clients experiences, can't wait to share with Chef!

    Great Experience

    Ralph_A, Oct 2025
    Very fun and interactive. Chef Mark explained every step and the food we prepared tasted great. 10/10 will do again.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Mark thanks you for taking the time post this review! We will see y'all next time you are in town!

    It’s was great to have...

    Bryanne_R, Oct 2025
    It’s was great to have only 4 people in the class. Chef Ray was hilarious and knowledgeable about cooking ways. I liked that I got to do a lot of interactive things on my own. The gumbo was delicious!! Wish I got the recipe

    Hospitality at its Finest

    Joi_T, Sept 2025
    Jason was amazing and very informative and we had a ball. The food was amazing and dessert was out of the world!!! Thank you for the hospitality

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thanks for cooking with MGSC!

    The BEST with hands on learning

    Rebecca_P, Aug 2025
    My husband and I had an amazing adventure with Jason our chef instructor. He was personable, explaining and teaching us Cajun Roux technique. It was the best meal we’ve had in the city and we prepared it. We have had incredible food in NOLA, but this is a highlight we get to take home to use, AND show off to family and friends! This is not a demonstration, this is actual hands on learning!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thanks for the great review! See y'all next time!

    Raymond was absolutely...

    Erica_W, Jul 2025
    Raymond was absolutely amazing. He broke everything down and we had a blast with him. We had so much fun and really felt taken care of.

    Experience with Chef Mark!

    Gia_L, Jul 2025
    Absolutely Amazing Cooking Class. My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of taking a cooking class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking in New Orleans, and we were blown away! Chef Mark was incredible—his energy was infectious, and he made the entire experience so much fun from start to finish. We loved the small, intimate class setting, which made it feel personal and engaging. Chef Mark was not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also personable, funny, and a fantastic instructor. He walked us through each step with clear guidance and shared so many great tips that we’ll be using in our kitchen for years to come. We make it a tradition to take cooking classes whenever we travel, and this one was hands down one of the best we’ve ever taken. If you’re in New Orleans and looking for an authentic, interactive, and delicious experience—we highly recommend the Mardi Gras School of Cooking and especially Chef Mark! You won’t be disappointed!

    Cooking Party in NOLA

    Jeff_J, Jun 2025
    Fantastic Mardi Gras Roux Class! Jason was an awesome chef and instructor — knowledgeable, engaging, and fun. My girlfriend and I had a great time and learned a lot, even as someone who already enjoys cooking. The roux we made turned out excellent, and the whole class had great energy. Highly recommend if you're into Cajun flavors or just want a unique, hands-on experience.

    Fun evening with my son

    Tina_R, May 2025
    This was such a fun experience!!! I highly recommend this cooking class!!! Very clean, our chef was super knowledgeable and made it fun!!!

    Learning the secrets of Louisiana cooking!

    Lynne_C, May 2025
    It was fun and informative. We loved it! I took 2 of my 17 year old granddaughters, one who is a real foodie. They both loved the class. They are excited to try their new skills when they get back home.

    PHENOMENAL is an Understatement

    Ronda_J, May 2025
    OMGGGGG, I CANT SAY ENOUGH about this class!!! Im Ronda and my husband is Frank!! We took this class on May 24th and was sooooooo OVERLY impressed, that we booked another class for the 25th!! We took the Cajun Roux class and it EXCEEDED all expectations!!! Raymond was our chef and he was knowledgeable, professiomal, clean, patient, funny and THE BEST CHEF ever!! We cooked sausage/chicken/tasso gumbo.... THEE BEST THUS FAR!!!! Then we made Shrimp Etouffee and it was MAGNIFICENT and flavorful..... thennnn we topped it off with BANANAS FOSTER....... OMGGGGG....Out of this world!!!! EVERYBODY was asking for seconds!! This was class was WORTH every dime!!!!!!!!! I canNOT WAITTTTT to come back to do it all over again!!!! WELL DONE Raymond and Mardi Gras School of Cooking!!! 👏👏👏👏

    Fantastic!

    Patty_D, Apr 2025
    Excellent staff and learning how to cook Southern Food was so much fun. It was nice to learn about techniques that can be used in every day cooking as well.

    From US$163.85

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 27 days in advance.

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