Want to try your hand at cooking? Whether you aspire to be a chef or simply want to impress your date, Bangkok has something on offer.

Blue Elephant

The chef: Led by founding partner/director Nooror Somany Steppe, a team of professional chefs steps forward to teach and share their first-hand experience.
The class: There are morning (8:45am-12:30pm) and afternoon (1-5pm) courses on offer Mon-Sat. But we highly recommend you wake up early and join the morning class since you get to join the chef in a trip to the Bang Rak market, where you are shown how to pick fresh ingredients. At the theory class, the chef demonstrates how to cook the dishes of the day and hand out the recipe booklet. Then it’s time to put on an apron and make your own 4-course meal to be eaten after class. Here, each student has their own table, stove and wok.
Best for: Well-heeled tourists who want to learn a few Thai recipes before heading back home and explore the local way of life without having to really slum it.
The price: B2,800, inclusive of an apron, a certificate and a basket of herbal teas. There’s also a full-day vegetarian course on offer at B6,000.
Blue Elephant, 233 South Sathorn Rd., 02-673-9353/-8. BTS Surasak. cooking.school@blueelephant.com, www.blueelephant.com.

Chef’s Club

The chef: Most of the classes are led by Chef’s Club head chef, Chef Ing. There’s also a team of chefs who are experts in different cuisines to assist her.
The class: Limited to eight people, the class is small and casual. The airy kitchen features a U-shaped counter, enabling every participant to get a good glimpse of what the chef is doing. The menu changes daily from Japanese and French to Thai and desserts.
Best for: Shopaholics who want to learn a few recipes.
The price: Ranges from B1,800-2,500 depending on the menu.
Chef’s Club, 4/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4558, BTS Siam. chefs_club@yahoo.com.

La Gritta

The chef: Chef Alessio Loddo has hosted this cooking class for almost a year, but his contract is going to expire at the end of this month. This might be your last chance to learn from him.
The class: It’s often held on the last Wednesday of each month, 9:30-11:30am, but the schedule can be changed at the chef’s convenience. It would be wise to call and check in the middle of a month. This popular class is usually bustling with 18-20 students. It begins with a demonstration, then the budding chefs are divided into three groups of six. Bowls of ingredients, knives and cutting boards are provided for each group. However, there’s only one stove at the chef’s table, which means it takes a while for each group to take turns cooking.
Best for: Guys who want to make moves on the cute Japanese ladies who dominate the class.
The price: B1,450, inclusive of apron, certificate and lunch buffet.
La Gritta, Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-255-7350, lagritta@boulevard.amari.com.

Mandara Academy

The chef: The cooking class is hosted by various spa cuisine experts, with Chef Apple at the helm. She not only teaches you how to cook but also explains the effects each ingredient has upon your body and shares tips for cooking balanced meals.
The class: The course is on offer daily, 9:30am-1pm. Before getting your hands dirty, you get to indulge in a 60-minute Bali Floral Oil Massage at Mandara Spa. Chef Apple is enthusiastic and chatty throughout the class as she leads the students through a hands-on, step-by-step cooking lesson. Recipes are healthy and easy enough to be done at home. Classes are small, from 1-6 people.
Best for: Health-conscious, weight-watching ladies.
The price: B6,000, inclusive of an apron, a certificate and a recipe booklet.
Mandara Academy, Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, 257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-476-0022 ext. 1416, www.marriottdining.com.

Rossini’s

The chef: Chef Gaetano Palumbo, who just donned his chef’s hat at Rossini’s last October, shares the tricks of his trade to cook down-to-earth, “full-flavored” Sicilian cuisine.
The class: The cooking area has moved from its original spot in the working Rossini’s kitchen to a corner on the left side of the restaurant with only one cooking booth. The class is held on every Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm. However, it’s more like joining a chef’s table than a cooking class since you get to watch the chef (and maybe two volunteers from a group) closely as he prepares a 4-course meal. On the good side, Chef Gaetano is tireless in sharing everything from how to open a caper can to the proper way to peel tomatoes.
Best for: Those who prefer to stagger away full of facts and food, without actually cooking.
The price: B1,590, inclusive of an apron, a certificate and a 4-course lunch of the recipes you learn prepared professionally.
Rossini’s, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8364. BTS Asok.

Tsu & Nami

The chef: Having worked in Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles, Chef Aki can explain traditional Japanese cooking well and in fluent English.
The class: Packed with the expats, the class is held from 8:50am-1:30pm on the first Saturday of each month. Students have to move around to learn how to cook main courses at Tsu, appetizers in a hot kitchen, sake cocktails at the sake bar and teppanyaki at Nami. The upcoming classes are on Apr 7 and Mar 5. Limited to 12 students, the seats usually are booked very quickly, so call ahead well in advance.
Best for: Those planning a sushi party and who don’t mind getting their hands sticky while learning how to make rolls.
The price: B1,900, inclusive of an apron, a certificate, a souvenir bag,
a picture with Chef Aki and lunch at Nami.
Tsu & Nami, JW Marriott, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7709.