Chengdu: Sichuan Cuisine-Themed Museum Cooking Experience

The Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine-Themed Museum Cooking Experience offers a chance to take in the vibrant culinary heritage of Sichuan. Guests can explore the renowned Sichuan Cuisine Museum, then roll up their sleeves for a hands-on cooking class led by a nationally recognized Top Chef. From panda-shaped dumplings to the fiery Kung Pao chicken, you will learn the secrets behind these iconic Sichuan dishes. But the adventure doesn’t end there – a visit to a traditional tea house promises a chance to unwind and explore the region’s rich cultural traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious explorer, this experience promises to…

Good To Know

• Immersive 5-hour experience in Chengdu, Sichuan, featuring a guided museum tour and hands-on cooking class in Sichuan cuisine, led by a nationally renowned Top Chef.
• Participants learn to prepare three signature Sichuan dishes: Panda steamed dumplings, Kung Pao chicken, and Mapo Tofu, while developing cutting, heat control, and cooking techniques.
• The experience includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a relaxing visit to a traditional Chengdu tea house for culture and leisure activities like Mahjong.
• Participants receive a Cooking Master Certificate and recipes to recreate the Sichuan flavors at home, providing a lasting memento and takeaway from the experience.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible, and a private group option is available, offering a personalized and inclusive culinary adventure in Chengdu.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Experience is offered in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province.

Priced at £3,340 per person, this 5-hour program includes hotel pickup, a guided tour of the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, and a hands-on cooking class with a renowned Sichuan chef.

Participants will learn to prepare three signature Sichuan dishes: Panda steamed dumpling, Kung Pao chicken, and Mapo Tofu.

The experience also includes a visit to a traditional Chengdu tea house, where visitors can relax and enjoy local snacks and tea.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option is available.

Itinerary and Activities

The program begins with a pickup from the participant’s hotel in downtown Chengdu, followed by a 1-hour drive to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. Once there, visitors embark on a guided tour of the expansive exhibition hall, which houses over 6,000 cultural relics related to Sichuan cuisine. The highlight of the experience is the hands-on cooking class, where participants learn to prepare three signature Sichuan dishes: Panda steamed dumpling, Kung Pao chicken, and Mapo Tofu. The cooking session is led by a nationally renowned Top Chef specializing in Chuancais, who shares insights into key ingredients and techniques.

Activity	Duration
Pick-up from hotel	1 hour
Visit Sichuan Cuisine Museum	3 hours
Guided tour of exhibition hall	–
Cooking class	–
Prepare 3 Sichuan dishes	–

Cooking Experience

A nationally-renowned Top Chef specializing in Chuancais leads the hands-on cooking class, guiding participants through the preparation of three signature Sichuan dishes.

The focus is on developing essential culinary skills like cutting techniques, heat control, and the cooking process. Participants will prepare Panda steamed dumplings, Kung Pao chicken, and Mapo Tofu, and then enjoy the dishes they’ve cooked, served with complementary fruits, red wine, and traditional beverages.

Recipes for the prepared dishes are provided, allowing participants to recreate the authentic Sichuan flavors at home. The cooking experience offers an immersive journey into the art and techniques of this celebrated regional cuisine.

Cultural Experience and Leisure

After the hands-on cooking experience, participants can relax in a traditional Chengdu tea house to further enjoy the local culture and leisure activities.

They’ll enjoy fragrant tea, snacks like peanuts and sunflower seeds, and play the classic Chinese game of Mahjong. This provides an opportunity to experience the locals’ daily life and pastimes.

The tea house setting allows visitors to unwind and soak in the unique ambiance of Chengdu.

This cultural experience, combined with the cooking class, offers a well-rounded introduction to the vibrant Sichuan cuisine and lifestyle.

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Inclusions and Additional Information

Included in the experience are round trip transfers from the hotel to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, a fluent English-speaking guide to accompany participants, and individual cooking equipment provided.

At the end of the cooking class, you will receive a Cooking Master Certificate issued by the museum. Gratuities for the guide and staff are recommended, though other personal expenses aren’t included.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and a private group option is available for those seeking a more exclusive experience.

With these inclusions, the Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Experience offers a well-rounded culture into the rich culinary heritage of Chengdu.

Pickup and Museum Visit

Upon pickup from the hotel in downtown Chengdu, participants embark on a 1-hour drive to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. At the museum, they are guided through the exhibition hall, which houses over 6000 cultural relics showcasing the rich history and traditions of Sichuan cuisine.

Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Exhibition Hall	6000+	Cultural Relics
Guided Tour	3 Hours	Duration
Explore	Sichuan’s Culinary Heritage	Immersive Experience

The museum visit offers an in-depth exploration of the key ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural significance of Sichuan’s renowned culinary traditions.

Hands-on Cooking Class

The cooking class commences as participants don their aprons and gather around the kitchen counter.

They’re guided by a nationally-renowned Top Chef specializing in Chuancais cuisine. The focus is on honing cutting skills, mastering heat control, and perfecting the cooking process.

Participants prepare three iconic Sichuan dishes: Panda steamed dumpling, Kung Pao chicken, and Mapo Tofu. Under the chef’s expert tutelage, they learn the key ingredients and techniques behind these regional specialties.

After the hands-on cooking session, the participants enjoy savoring the fruits of their labor, accompanied by refreshing beverages and traditional snacks.

The cooking class provides an immersive culinary experience, allowing participants to explore the rich flavors and traditions of Sichuan cuisine.

Relaxation and Certificates

After the hands-on cooking session, participants can unwind in a traditional Chengdu tea house.

They can enjoy a soothing cup of tea along with local snacks like peanuts and sunflower seeds. Guests can also try their hand at playing Mahjong, a beloved Chinese pastime, and experience the leisurely lifestyle of the locals.

This culture allows visitors to fully appreciate the Sichuan way of life.

Plus, each participant will receive a Cooking Master Certificate issued by the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, commemorating their culinary achievements during the cooking class.

This certificate serves as a memento of their authentic Sichuan cuisine experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to the Cooking Class?

You generally can’t bring your own ingredients to the cooking class, as the museum provides all the necessary ingredients and cooking equipment. However, you should inform the organizers ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences.

Is Vegetarian or Halal Menu Option Available?

The cooking class offers both vegetarian and halal menu options. Guests can notify the organizers of any dietary restrictions in advance, and the dishes will be prepared accordingly.

Can I Take the Cooked Dishes Home?

No, participants cannot take the cooked dishes home from the Sichuan Cuisine Museum cooking experience. The dishes are meant to be enjoyed during the class, and won’t be packaged for takeaway.

What Is the Dress Code for the Museum Visit?

There is no strict dress code for the museum visit. Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended to allow ease of movement during the cooking class. Participants should dress appropriately for the museum tour and cooking activities.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Experience?

The experience does not offer an option to extend the duration. The itinerary is set at 5 hours, including the museum visit, cooking class, and tea house leisure time. Participants will need to plan accordingly.

The Sum Up

The Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine-Themed Museum Cooking Experience provides a captivating culinary journey. Participants will enjoy Sichuan’s rich gastronomic heritage, learning to prepare iconic dishes under the guidance of a renowned chef. The experience culminates in a relaxing visit to a traditional tea house, offering a well-rounded cultural exploration. This unique offering is a must-try for Sichuan cuisine enthusiasts seeking an authentic and memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: