Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans
Recommended by 99% of travelers
New Orleans, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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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. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
- 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
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated - contact local operator to confirm
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
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 411 reviews
Review summary
Last 12 months
78 reviews
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Travelers consistently praise the hands-on cooking classes for their interactive, educational approach and engaging storytelling about New Orleans food culture. Guides and chefs are noted for clear, patient instruction and professionalism, enhancing the learning experience. Food offerings, including dishes like gumbo and shrimp étouffée, receive frequent commendation for their delicious flavors and generous portions. Overall, the experience is valued for combining skill development with enjoyable meal preparation and tasting.
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Yeah, we were really lucky to do the chef cooking class myself and my daughter love taking cooking classes when we travel and we enjoyed it very much. The chef was so rich with history and authenticity. The couple who my daughter and I got to cook with were absolutely adorable. Definitely worth it.
This was the best hands on cooking class I have ever taken. Chef Ray was very patient and gave us a lot of great tips to make great food. loved the wine. the food was spectacular and can't wait to return!!!
Response from Host, Nov 2026
Thank you so much, Beatrice! Your kind words truly mean a lot to us. We're delighted that you had such a wonderful experience with Chef Ray and enjoyed the food, wine, and cooking tips. We'll be sure to share your compliments with him. We can't wait to welcome you back for another delicious New Orleans cooking adventure!
The food was great. Barry was patient, knowledgeable and friendly. It was just my husband and I and we loved the whole experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2026
Thank you, Lauren! We're so glad you and your husband enjoyed the class. Barry will be thrilled to hear your kind words. We hope to cook with you again on your next visit to New Orleans!
Most delicious meal I've this trip to NOLA. Chef Barry did fantastic. Lot of great cooking tips and better understand the whole process around Roux.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
We are thrilled that Chef Barry made your visit to the Mardi Gras School of cooking special. We hope you come and visit us on your next trip to New Orleans.
Outstanding! Barry was knowledgeable, skilled and engaging. Making gumbo, etouffee, and bananas foster was great fun. And the classroom was beautiful! I highly recommend.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're thrilled you enjoyed making gumbo, étouffée, and Bananas Foster with Chef Barry. It's great to hear that you found him knowledgeable and engaging, and that you enjoyed our beautiful kitchen. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to cook with you again soon!
Great hands on experience and wonderful way to hear and learn about the culture not just the food. Raymond was great!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for joining us! We're happy you enjoyed both the cooking and the stories behind our culture. We'll be sure to share your compliments with Raymond!
Raymond was an absolute blast to work with! We learned a lot, while enjoying good conversation and good food!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you so much for joining us! We’re thrilled to hear Raymond made your class such a blast — his energy and great conversation always make the experience memorable. We’re glad you learned a lot and enjoyed the food as well. We appreciate you cooking with us and hope to welcome you back again soon.
It was an amazing time and a great experience. The staff was incredible. It was a lot fun! Come hungry, you'll eat every bite!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you so much for joining us! We’re thrilled to hear you had an amazing time and that our team helped make the experience fun and memorable. And you’re absolutely right — coming hungry is the best way to enjoy every bite. We appreciate you cooking with us and hope to welcome you back soon.
Chef Sassy was not only a great instructor, but also, a very good storyteller of New Orleans food history. My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in the kitchen. We were in a small group setting which made things easier for instruction and assistance. We had some food allergies in our group and the staff was well prepared for their arrival and was very cautious about any cross contamination.
We also appreciated the variety of beverages available to drink while we enjoyed our class. The beverages ranged from bottled water, soft drinks, variety of beer and wine. The Oak Leaf cabernet sauvignon was delightful. Overall, it was a great learning experience and would recommend the Roux class to anyone interested.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for joining us! We’re so glad Chef Sassy made your class fun and informative — her New Orleans food history is always a highlight. We’re happy the small-group setting worked well and appreciate your kind words about our team’s care with food allergies. It’s great to hear you enjoyed the beverage selection, too. We’re thrilled you had a wonderful learning experience and truly appreciate your recommendation of the Roux class. We hope to cook with you again soon.
We brought our q5 ueat old son and we had a great time. We made our own food under the eye of a chef and it was the best food we ate in New Orleans.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for joining us! We’re so glad you and your son had a great time and loved the food — hearing it was the best you ate in New Orleans means a lot. We appreciate you cooking with us and hope to see you again soon.
This is a fabulous class. While we are foodservice professionals, we were impressed with all the techniques we were taught. We didnt want to leave. We wanted to take all the classes but we couldn't make the time. Next time, for sure!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
**Thank you so much, Kimberly— this means a lot.** Hearing that even seasoned foodservice pros were impressed by the techniques makes our whole team smile. We love that you didn’t want to leave and were ready to dive into every class on the schedule. Next time, we’ll be here waiting to teach you even more.
My son and I enjoyed every second of the cooking adventure! The hands on experience was great. The chef Mark was funny, knowledge and just simply amazing! I would book this cooking experience again!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
**Thank you so much for sharing this.** It’s wonderful to hear that you and your son enjoyed every second of the experience — that hands‑on cooking magic is exactly what we hope guests feel. Chef Mark will be thrilled to know his humor, knowledge, and energy made the class amazing for you both. We’d love to have you back in the kitchen anytime for another great adventure together.
The best way to take New Orleans home with you is to learn how to cook the food! Chef Barry was fantastic. Will do this again and again till I know all the recipes. Worth every penny!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for this fantastic feedback! We love your spirit — taking New Orleans home one recipe at a time is exactly what Chef Barry hopes for. He’ll be thrilled to know you enjoyed the class and found it worth every penny. Can’t wait to have you back again and again as you master the whole lineup of dishes.
Very great family, friend or spouse activity! Conner was our chef and he was excellent! So detailed and we are experienced cooks and had some great takeaways from this experience. Such an interactive class of sharing with other guests and best of all; this is the best meal we’ve had in New Orleans since we’ve been here. We truly, truly enjoyed this experience. Thank you!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks, Tamara! Can't wait to share your feedback with chef Connor!
Had a great time, lots of new ways to make food taste delicious. Generous helpings of deliciousness.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks for cooking with us!
From the moment you walk in to the final spoon of Banana’s Foster this is an awesome experience. You feel like you are in your best friends kitchen, grab a drink, lean against the counter and talk like you have know on another for ever. After some good safety advice, we are using knives after all and fire too. The directions were easy to absorb for any cooking level, when to stir when not to stir, how to chop, how to mix, how to roux…it’s all there. The slow pace really makes you think easy to taste the creation, just like at home! The Gumbo, Ètoufèè, were just delicious, it’s all in the preparation, execution, and plating. We learned the Banana’s Foster at a distance, too much flambé for amateurs to the Craft. We have even tried the Gumbo Recipe just a few days later at home, brings back the memories.
It was amazing... such good food....Connor was great.... we learned so much... definitely recommend for an amazing experience
What a find! We went to New Orleans for the Jazz fest & had a free day & figured why just go to a restaurant and eat when we could learn how to make these great dishes & eat them! What a great experience! I highly recommend this!
We were in a small class with Chef Sassy and she was awesome! Super friendly and great at instructing but let us do it ourselves. Awesome class definitely worth the price!
We got a lot out of this experience, and have already put our skills to work. I did this with my daughter and it was the perfect mother-daughter activity and made us feel like we could take the culture home. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, May 2026
So glad you and your daughter had a great time! Thanks for cooking with us!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 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 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!
Member Pricing
From
$155.65
per personWas $163.85(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans
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