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Beyond New Orleans

Hands-on Cajun Traditions Cooking Class

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
New Orleans, USA
Great choice
10+ bookings last month.
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· Lori_M ·
Jun 2026
Ray was fantastic! We were thinking 3 hours might be long after a day of site seeing but Ray made the time fly by with his stories, cooking knowledge and overall fun nature. Learned some cooking tips, meet some great people and enjoyed the hands on experience. Fantastic food with wonderful flavors and great venue. Highly recommend. See you in South Dakota on the Harley soon Ray!
· Jeff_S ·
Apr 2026
Excellent time, small group very friendly chef (Ramond) made it entertaining for all and food was awesome!

Overview

Take a deep dive into local culinary culture with a Cajun cooking class guided by a chef who’ll teach you how to make three delicious courses of barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding. Your engaging teacher will share recipes, professional techniques, and Louisiana’s culinary history. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Just make sure you bring your appetite.
  • Cook and eat three traditional Cajun courses with a chef to teach you
  • Learn all about Cajun food and its history
  • A great way to meet new people
  • Fun for locals and travelers alike

Sample Menu

Starter

Barbecue Shrimp

New Orleans style

Main

Chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya

Dessert

Chocolate Bread pudding

With a brandy mocha sauce

What's Included

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Dinner

    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
    • Near public transportation
    • 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

    Cancellation Policy

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

    Traveler Photos

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

    Featured review

    Sandra_W
    This was our favorite experience in NOLA. The food was great, we learned new skills and our teacher/chef was wonderful. We would do this again in a heartbeat!

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 149 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Ray was fantastic! We...

    Lori_M, Jun 2026
    Ray was fantastic! We were thinking 3 hours might be long after a day of site seeing but Ray made the time fly by with his stories, cooking knowledge and overall fun nature. Learned some cooking tips, meet some great people and enjoyed the hands on experience. Fantastic food with wonderful flavors and great venue. Highly recommend. See you in South Dakota on the Harley soon Ray!

    * Fun, Delicious, and Worth Every Minute

    Sue_D, Jun 2026
    This was a fantastic experience! We both love to cook and have made gumbo, jambalaya, etc. before, but we decided to do this for fun and pick up a few tips and tricks. Chef Sassy was great. She taught us cooking techniques as well as some local history and methods. We learned the difference between Cajun and Creole cooking, and the end results were simply delicious. We started by making chocolate chip bread pudding. I’m not usually a big bread pudding fan, but this version was decadent, especially with the chocolate brandy sauce. We also made Cajun jambalaya and BBQ shrimp—absolutely delicious. One of the best parts was that we got to enjoy the food we prepared while sipping wine and beer throughout the class. It was an intimate, hands-on experience with only one other couple, who were fun and conversational. We enjoyed their company as well as Chef Sassy’s. Highly recommend! Sassy even shared some of her favorite restaurant recommendations in the city, which was a great bonus. A wonderful way to learn about New Orleans cuisine while enjoying a memorable afternoon.

    Would recommend

    Ava_A, May 2026
    My husband and took the 6 PM class. We loved the experience and the food. We’re excited to keep making the recipes at home.

    Response from Host, May 2026

    Thanks for cooking with us! See y'all next time!

    New orleans

    Jeff_S, Apr 2026
    Excellent time, small group very friendly chef (Ramond) made it entertaining for all and food was awesome!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Raymond loves entertaining, that's for sure! Thanks for cooking with MGSC!

    This was our favorite...

    Sandra_W, Mar 2026
    This was our favorite experience in NOLA. The food was great, we learned new skills and our teacher/chef was wonderful. We would do this again in a heartbeat!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    We can not wait to welcome you back!

    Such a fun experience...

    Amber_J, Mar 2026
    Such a fun experience with a fun group. Sassy was extremely knowledgeable about cooking and even gave great recommendations of local restaurants.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Sassy's knowledge of the city is next to none and we are thrilled that your experience was as such!

    Chef Sassy was amazing!!...

    Shana_I, Mar 2026
    Chef Sassy was amazing!! I enjoyed the class and can’t wait to sign up for another one! I learned a lot and looking forward to learning more!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    We can't wait to welcome you back!

    A Flavorful Night in New Orleans

    LatoyaJ_T, Mar 2026
    Chef Mark was absolutely amazing. He was personable, funny, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient throughout the entire class. He took the time to make sure everyone understood each step of the cooking process, which made the experience both educational and enjoyable. What made the class even more special was how he shared so much New Orleans history and culture while we cooked. It truly felt like more than just a cooking class—it was a full NOLA experience. We prepared jambalaya, New Orleans–style BBQ shrimp, and chocolate bread pudding, and every single dish was absolutely delicious. The flavors were incredible and authentic. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who loves great food, great energy, and learning the stories behind the dishes. Chef Mark made the experience unforgettable.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    I can't wait to share your kind words with, chef! His passion and commitment to his craft is highly valued here at MGSC!

    Food class

    Edward_U, Mar 2026
    Cozy, informative and fun. Raymond knew what he was doing. Everyone was entertained and food was wonderful

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Raymond thanks you for the kind words!

    Cooking class with the experts !

    Allen_S, Feb 2026
    had an amazing experience at this cooking class in New Orleans! We learned how to make classic Louisiana BBQ shrimp and a rich, flavorful jambalaya from scratch, and it was hands down one of the highlights of my trip. The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable, not just about the recipes, but about the history and culture behind the dishes. They broke everything down step by step, explained why certain techniques matter, and shared helpful tips that made the process feel approachable and fun. Whether it was balancing the spices in the jambalaya or getting that perfect buttery, garlicky sauce for the BBQ shrimp, every detail was thoughtfully explained. The class was well organized, interactive, and engaging. We were not just watching, we were chopping, stirring, seasoning, and really learning. By the end, I felt confident I could recreate both dishes at home. If you are visiting New Orleans and want a true taste of the city while learning from someone who clearly loves what they do, I highly recommend this class. Delicious food, great instruction, and a fun, authentic experience all around!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    We hope to see y'all again, thanks for the amazing review!

    Amazing way to learn from NOLA natives

    Amy_A, Feb 2026
    Fun, delicious, and learned so many tricks and tips for cooking in general. A clean space and fantastic teacher, chef mark, who shared about his family and love for cooking.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Chef Mark is a true Cajun and we are fortunate to have him as an instructor! So glad you enjoyed your experience with MGSC!

    Chef Mark is great!

    Shelley_S, Dec 2025
    Mark is an excellent host and teacher! We had a great time with good conversations and good! We learned a lot as well. Thank you for the fun!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    We look forward to welcoming you back!

    Perfect outing-cooking, friends. Stories

    Wendy_H, Oct 2025
    A great time. Ray was so much Finn. The food was fantastic. The food preparation was a blast. Highly recommended. Would definitely take a class again.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    See y'all next time!

    Great Time

    Megan_H, Oct 2025
    Chef Jason was great and the food was phenomenal! Step by step instructions in a fun atmosphere. Definitely will be back and definitely recommend!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thanks! See y'all next time!

    Fun class with knowledgable and engaging teacher

    Anurup_J, Aug 2025
    My two friends and I took this Cajun cooking class. Our chef instructor patiently tutored us in the intricacies of crafting Cajun dishes, all while spinning amusing tales of his background and prior experience. I learned several cooking techniques that I apply to my normal home cooking practices. Highly recommended!

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Thanks for the great review!

    Engaging and valuable

    Kathy_G, Aug 2025
    Chef Raymond was excellent. He kept the class engaged and added interesting extras. Yhe steps were clear and moved at a pace that suited the class: not too fast, not too slow. The dishes were delicious and I feel confident I can repeat them at home. I attended a class at Mardi Gras School of Cooking, which was equally excellent. I intend to return for another class on my next trip.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Great to hear, thanks for the feedback!

    Fun experience

    Kim_H, Jul 2025
    Chef Mark made all the dishes so easy to make. There was a lot of delicious food! I learned some new cooking tips which I look forward to trying when I get home. The class was great fun and Tracey was so hospital and kind. Highly recommend!

    Our group of four had a...

    Barbara_A, Apr 2025
    Our group of four had a wonderful experience as Raymond guided us through the development of a delicious Cajun meal. I highly recommend the New Orleans Cooking School.

    Great experience, I highly recommend!

    Marie_M, Apr 2025
    We had a fantastic time! Mark our Chef was friendly, fun and we left great cooking tips! I would highly recommend the class!

    Amazing

    DANIELLE_G, Mar 2025
    Amazing time cooking, learning about Cajun cuisine and developing skills to allow us to continue cooking at home. While 3 hours sounds long, it went by in a blink. By far the vest meal we had in NOLA.

    This class was super fun...

    Sarah_T, Mar 2025
    This class was super fun and informative! We learned a ton and the food was delicious! We had some minor food restrictions, and the class was accommodating!

    Great way to spend time and have a great meal in the French Quarter

    Kathryn_M, Mar 2025
    Great cooking class with an awesome chef! Erika was amazing, taught us some of the history behind the food and helped us make an amazing meal!

    Cajun Cooking

    Michelle_Y, Mar 2025
    We have been to N.O. many times and wanted to do something different. This was GREAT. Erika was amazing. She not only gave us cooking tips but also gave us a lot of history (N.O., Cajun and Creole information). I would highly recommend this class.

    A must do when in New Orleans!

    Barbara_I, Jan 2025
    What a fun and entertaining way to spend a few hours! We learned a great deal about Cajun cooking and the food was amazing! Chef Raymond was very knowledgeable and kept us engaged throughout the experience! We will definitely take another class the next time we are in town!

    Awesome

    Edward_K, Nov 2024
    We had a great time and learned to cook some delicious food. It was very hands on, which is what we were hoping for. Raymond made the whole experience a lot of fun.

    Must do in New Orleans

    Tracy_H, Oct 2024
    We had a great time cooking with Raymond! He was knowledgeable, funny and told great stories! The food was not super complicated, but delicious! Highly recommend!!

    Best meal in New Orleans!

    Amelia_C, Oct 2024
    Best meal ever in New Orleans! Lovely dinner that we cooked & entertaining experience. Great location in the French Quarter. David our chef was amazing. Highly recommended!

    Excellent!

    Camille_B, Aug 2024
    This class was excellent and everything made was superb: bread pudding, jambalaya, & bbq shrimp. I can't wait to recreate this for my family. My only suggestion is for them to offer to go containers for left over meal, adding it to the overall cost if needed.

    Delicious food to make at home

    Latonya_R, Jun 2024
    Excellent class! Small group, great conversations and even better food. Easy to make at home too! Our instructor was great!

    A Very Tasty and Rewarding Adventure!

    Adel_K, Jun 2024
    Making the bread pudding loaf was memorable because I suggested putting the remaining chocolate chips on top of the bread pudding loaf before putting it in the oven, and our instructor did. He said he had never done that before, but would do it from now on! He liked this suggestion from this 77 year old lady(:)! The other things that I enjoyed about this class were how bright, clean and organized the facility was set up. The teacher and his assistant were very methodical with the instructions as well as encouraging and attentive. The Chef said we would get the recipes via the company we used to sign-up. The Kirbys used Viator. No recipes received yet. Our class was 5-22-24 10AM. Please send all the recipes. Thank you!

    From $163.85

    per person

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

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 29 days in advance.

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