Do I need cooking experience?

No prior experience is needed; this class is designed for all skill levels.

What ingredients are provided?

All ingredients and utensils are supplied, with recipes shared after the class.

Can I customize dishes?

Yes, Chef Mat encourages customization based on your preferences.

Is this class suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Absolutely! The focus is on vegetarian dishes, many of which are vegan-friendly.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Please inform us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate.

No alcohol is included, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Land Adventures: Asian Vegetarian Cooking with Chef Mat in Oakland

Located in Oakland, the 'Kitchen on Fire' offers a dynamic hands-on cooking experience that whips culinary adventure into the heart of Asian vegetarian cuisine. This class turns the kitchen into a lively battlefield where participants can learn to craft dishes like Spicy Chinese Chilled Eggplant and Fresh Spring Rolls. Its approach combines culinary education with the thrill of creating flavorful, healthy meals from scratch. Chef Mat's engaging instruction style helps demystify complex cooking techniques, making the class perfect for food lovers seeking practical skills and authentic flavors.

Oakland’s vibrant food scene provides an ideal backdrop for this immersive experience. The city is known for its innovative approach to vegetarian dishes, blending traditional Asian flavors with modern twists. During the class, you'll get to know the ingredients that define these dishes, from fresh herbs and spices to intricate vegetable preparations. The interactive format encourages experimentation, making each session unique. Beyond the cooking itself, participants gain insights into Asian cuisine’s cultural significance, rooted in centuries of culinary tradition.

This class is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks aiming to add new dishes to their repertoire. The kitchen environment fosters community and fun, with plenty of tasting opportunities along the way. Whether you're a local looking to deepen your culinary skills or a visitor eager to bring authentic flavors home, this experience offers enriching insights into Asian vegetarian cooking right in Oakland, a city celebrated for its food innovation.

Join Chef Mat and discover how vibrant vegetables and bold spices can create memorable meals. The class seamlessly blends education, cultural exploration, and a bit of culinary daring—all set in a city buzzing with food energy. It’s the perfect activity for foodies and curious cooks ready to turn their kitchens into Asian-inspired culinary playgrounds.

About Kitchen on Fire

Kitchen on Fire is a hands-on cooking school and event producer that offers a broad calendar of culinary workshops, multi-week series, camps, and virtual classes. The school presents technique-driven, chef-led experiences ranging from single-session workshops to 12-week fundamentals courses. Classes focus on regional cuisines, baking, pastry, vegetarian and seasonal cooking — examples include Italian pasta and breads, Indian and Burmese dishes, Middle Eastern street food, Mexican and Latin specialties, and classic bistro techniques.

Chef-led offerings feature named instructors and visiting chefs, with programs such as multi-week Basics of Cooking series, themed nights like A Night in Florence and A Night in Rome, specialized workshops including ricotta and doughnuts, and seasonal pie and baking classes. Kitchen on Fire also runs teen camps, school-break day camps, and virtual workshops to reach learners at different levels and schedules.

Instruction emphasizes hands-on practice, practical skills like knife work and recipe fundamentals, and communal dining of the dishes created during class. Many classes run three hours or longer; multi-week series provide progressive skill development. In addition to in-person workshops, the organization publishes virtual classes and instructional series led by its roster of chefs.

Kitchen on Fire’s program diversity — from single-session craft workshops to immersive multi-week courses and teen camps — reflects a commitment to accessible, skill-focused culinary education. The school’s transparent class descriptions, named instructors, and recurring series offer prospective students clear expectations and opportunities to build lasting cooking skills. Class sizes vary to prioritize engagement, hands-on practice, and personalized instructor feedback for students.