Do I get to cook during the class?

This experience is a demonstration where skilled chefs prepare dishes, but you get to enjoy the meal and take home recipes to try yourself.

Are meals included in the price?

Yes, the dishes prepared by chefs are served to participants alongside drinks such as lemonade, iced tea, or local beer.

Is this experience suitable for children?

The class is family-friendly, but check age restrictions or contact the school if you plan to bring young children.

What dietary accommodations are available?

Notify the school in advance about dietary restrictions so they can accommodate preferences when possible.

How do I get to The New Orleans School of Cooking?

The school is located at 524 St Louis St in New Orleans’ French Quarter, accessible by car, foot, and public transport.

Is the class held year-round?

Classes run multiple days weekly throughout the year, but it’s best to check availability and book in advance.

Cajun Cooking Class at The New Orleans School of Cooking | Food Tour

New Orleans is a city where culture, history, and flavor collide in vivid, unforgettable ways. At the heart of this energy, The New Orleans School of Cooking offers a hands-on culinary experience that dives deep into the heritage of Cajun and Creole cuisine. This 2.5-hour class isn’t your average cooking demo—it’s a lively lesson in southern tradition, rooted in the city’s unique blend of French, African, Spanish, and Native American influences. Situated in the historic French Quarter, the school invites travelers and locals alike to witness expert chefs in action as they prepare iconic dishes like Gumbo and Jambalaya. These aren’t just recipes; they’re stories simmered over generations, made more vivid by the chefs’ engaging narrations about the origins and evolution of New Orleans’ food culture. The session also includes a sweet dive into desserts with Bread Pudding, Pralines, and a Biscuit with Molasses, rounding out a full-flavored culinary journey. What sets this experience apart is its blend of entertainment and education. Guests sit back with refreshments including Abita beer, lemonade, iced tea, or coffee, depending on the time, and enjoy a firsthand demonstration of cooking techniques while absorbing the lore behind the dishes. Afterward, there’s a chance to savor these classic meals, crafted by the chefs themselves, accompanied by recipe cards to take home for recreating that authentic New Orleans magic. The New Orleans School of Cooking represents more than just a place to learn recipes—it embodies the city’s vibrant outdoor food culture and community spirit. As visitors engage with the flavors and history, they gain a deeper connection to a city known globally as a culinary destination, making this a standout stop in any southern adventure itinerary.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–3 hours.

Fitness level

No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels

Wildlife

Urban-adapted birds like herons in Jackson Square
River dolphins visible on steamboat tours on the Mississippi

History

New Orleans’ cuisine reflects its complex heritage, blending French, African, Spanish, and Native American influences that evolved with trade and migration.

Conservation

The school supports sustainable seafood and local produce where possible to preserve Louisiana’s natural resources amid culinary innovation.

The New Orleans School of Cooking is a culinary school in New Orleans, Louisiana that specializes in hands-on and demonstration classes teaching Cajun and Creole cuisine. Located in the heart of the city, the school offers intimate classes where participants learn classic regional recipes from experienced instructors. Classes include hands-on sessions—often limited to a maximum of 10 participants—so students can chop, season, and prepare dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie, seafood gumbo, beef grillades, and chocolate or original pralines. Demonstration classes run approximately 2.5 hours and feature step-by-step preparation of regional favorites such as shrimp and artichoke soup, crawfish étouffée, corn and crab bisque, and pecan pie, with recipe cards to take home. The curriculum covers techniques like blackening and cast-iron cooking, sauce preparation, and classic Creole seasoning. Offerings include themed experiences such as brunch and mixology events, holiday hands-on menus, and specialty classes like blackening 101 and Coolinary dinner and brunch sessions. Classes culminate with participants sharing the meals they prepare, including desserts like bananas foster, bread pudding, and beignets. The New Orleans School of Cooking serves both locals and visitors seeking an authentic food-focused cultural experience. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, regional recipes, and a small-group setting that promotes personal instruction and a memorable tasting experience. Many demonstration classes last approximately 2.5 hours, and recipe cards give participants the instructions needed to recreate dishes at home, applying learned techniques in their own kitchens. Menus often feature regional staples such as gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, pralines, and bananas foster and desserts.

Base locationNew Orleans, Louisiana

Tours offered30+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace