Taking a cooking class is a great way to learn more about local cuisine while travelling. Photo / Getty Images
Taking a cooking class is a great way to learn more about local cuisine while travelling. Photo / Getty Images
Fancy yourself a whiz in the kitchen, or want to learn how to cook locally inspired food?
According to Booking.com, more than half of travellers (54 per cent) want to experience more unique dining experiences when on holiday. One way to discover the hidden secrets of local food is by taking a cooking class when travelling. You'll gain an impressive repertoire of recipes to show off to friends and family when you get home and recreate your favourite unique dining experience.
So, grab your passport, pack your apron and get ready to head out on the ultimate gourmet getaway.
Kumamoto, Japan
"Sudden" dumplings in Kumamoto. Photo / Getty Images
Dumplings, miso soup and sushi are just a few of the mouthwatering local delicacies you can learn to make in Japan. At Cooking in Kumamoto, you'll meet the locals, learn about the unique history of the area, and more importantly, get hands on and make some locally inspired food such as 'sudden' dumplings and even some Japanese sweets.
Shinwaen ryokan in Kumamoto. Photo / Supplied
Where to stay: Experience the authentic Japan by staying in a traditional Japanese inn, known locally as a ryokan. Situated in the Kumamoto town centre, is the lavish Shinwaen. This property not only offers spa pools surrounded by stunning gardens but is also a foodie's dream come true, as you'll be treated to traditional Japanese meals made by the on-site chef using fresh ingredients grown on the inn's very own grounds.
Closer to home in Rotorua, you will find one of the best places to experience and learn about the local cuisine. Known as the Wild Food Cooking Class, you will begin your culinary adventure by taking a 4-wheel-drive through a stunning 800-year-old forest, learning of the land and history of food in New Zealand. After collecting locally grown, traditional herbs and spices, you'll cook a dish using the gathered ingredients, all while being guided by an in-house chef. Combining traditional foods and natural flavours with modern day cooking styles, the Wild Food Cooking Class is a true culinary adventure.
Where to stay: After indulging at your cooking class, stay immersed in the heart of an eco and wilderness park at Treetops Lodge & Estate. Stay in a luxurious villa with beautiful views and treat yourself with some therapeutic spa treatments or spend a relaxing day golfing on the exclusive Kinloch golf course just 45 minutes from the lodge.
Queensland, Australia
The Wild Lime Cooking School offers a class that highlights the beautiful fresh produce that is totally unique to Australian shores. Traditional foods meet local and wild ingredients grown on the property to spark the imagination of every kind of foodie. Take part in a two-hour class where you can learn to make a range of dishes from seafood to steak, all with a unique Aussie twist, using ingredients local to the Pacific Rim, and a generous glass of wine to match.
Where to stay: Situated in the stunning Scenic Rim region in Queensland, the Worendo Cottages are the ideal place to stay to soak up the raw, natural beauty of Eastern Australia. Get a taste of the true Australian wilderness and culture and stay in one of the comfortable, rustic cottages. There is plenty for the whole family to enjoy including fishing, horse riding, kayaking, and spa treatments. Even better, The Wild Lime Cooking school is located onsite.
Udub, Bali
Lobong Culinary Experience in Bali. Photo / lobongbalicooking.com
Uncover the secrets of the fresh and flavourful Balinese cuisine with the help of the outstanding
. Set inside a stunning traditional Balinese family compound, you'll begin your experience at a local market where the family host will purchase and explain what all the lovely herbs, spices and fresh produce used in the class are. You will be taught how to create a complete menu with a number of mouth-watering dishes including dessert.
Where to stay: conveniently located close by is the Sweet Ginger Villa. The ideal space to relax and soak up all the culture and tradition of Bali. The tranquil surroundings make it perfect to unwind in and get inspired for your next culinary masterpiece. Conveniently located near the world-famous Monkey Palace and Ubud town centre, this villa is the perfect gateway for your next cultural encounter.
Noumea, New Caledonia
Try your hand at French cooking in Noumea. Photo / Supplied
Known for its eclectic culture, New Caledonia is the ideal spot for travellers to experience the fusion of local and French culture. New Caledonia Voyagers offers a traditional French cooking class that uses local produce to create a modern style dish. The class includes an explanation of local produce and a lesson in how to prepare a traditional main course and dessert. At the end of the class, savour the delicious food you've created with a glass of wine and chat with the chef. As an added bonus, you'll receive a personalised copy of the recipe and diploma, confirming your talent in the kitchen.
Le Mériden Nouméa Resort and Spa. Photo / Supplied
Where to stay: Traditional meets contemporary island living, at the Le Mériden Nouméa Resort and Spa. With the beach on your doorstep and easy access to the city centre, there is no better place to start your culinary expedition. Taking inspiration from local and traditional roots, along with colonial French influences to create a one of a kind cuisine, this small island country is a food lover's dream.
Quito, Ecuador
Make freshly baked pastries at The Quito Culinary Tour and Cooking Class. Photo / Supplied
Steeped in tradition and flavour, Quito is home to Ecuador's food scene. Gain full access to the country's immense food culture with The Quito Culinary Tour and Cooking Class. A personal guide will take you on a walking tour of the city where you sample rich tamales as well as freshly made pastries, all while learning about the history of this ancient city. Meet the renowned chefs and bakers of the district and then try your hand at making your very own Ecuadorian meal.
Where to stay: Hotel Patio Andaluz is located in the heart of Quito, making it the ideal spot to explore the city and its rich history. Declared an official Ecuadorian national treasure, this hotel is just as vibrant as the city it dwells in. Find yourself immersed in the city's uniqueness the moment you walk through the doors of the Andaluz.
