Do I need prior cooking experience to join?

No prior experience is necessary; the class is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks.

Are all ingredients provided?

Yes, all ingredients and cooking equipment are supplied by the instructor as part of the class.

Can I accommodate dietary restrictions?

Please notify the instructor in advance for any dietary needs or allergies, and alternatives can be arranged.

Is this class suitable for children?

This class is best suited for adults and teens; please check with the provider regarding age restrictions.

Do I get to take home recipes?

Yes, participants receive recipe cards for all dishes prepared during the class.

What is the maximum class size?

Class sizes are typically small to maintain a hands-on experience; sizes vary but are usually limited to around 10-12 participants.

Master Thai Favorites in Berkeley’s Hands-On Cooking Class with Chef Mat | Food Tour

Berkeley, California, a city celebrated for its vibrant food scene and progressive culinary culture, is home to a unique cooking experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Thailand without leaving the East Bay. "Thai Favorites with Chef Mat" invites adventurous home cooks and food lovers to dive into a richly flavored journey through Thai cuisine crafted by an expert local chef. This 3-hour cooking class balances education and enjoyment perfectly, offering a hands-on opportunity to master popular dishes like Green Papaya Salad and Shrimp & Tofu Pad Thai.

Situated in Berkeley’s diverse culinary landscape, this class stands out by focusing specifically on authentic Thai food preparation techniques and fresh ingredient use. Chef Mat's approachable teaching style breaks down the nuances of balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that define Thai cooking. Under his guidance, participants learn to prepare each dish from scratch, including the artful blending of sauces and the skillful handling of noodles and tofu.

For foodies visiting or living around the San Francisco Bay Area, this experience offers not just recipes but cultural insight into Thailand’s food heritage. It’s an interactive dive into flavors you might otherwise only enjoy in restaurants. Participants finish by savoring their creations, turning the class’s finale into a social tasting that encourages sharing and connection around a delicious meal.

Berkeley, known for its organic markets and farm-to-table enthusiasm, complements this cooking class perfectly. The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients aligns with the city’s ethos, making this Thai culinary workshop not just about cooking, but about engaging with quality food traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, Chef Mat’s class is friendly, relaxed, and accommodating.

This culinary adventure fits beautifully into any itinerary that values hands-on learning and cultural discovery. It’s an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, and groups looking to expand their kitchen skills and enjoy a flavorful afternoon.

Beyond the sensory delight, the class fosters community in a city deeply connected to food activism and cross-cultural exchange. Chef Mat’s kitchen is a gateway for visitors to bring a piece of Thailand back home through enduring culinary skills and new friendships.

Join "Thai Favorites with Chef Mat" in Berkeley and transform your cooking repertoire with authentic dishes prepared under expert guidance in a welcoming environment that celebrates taste, tradition, and togetherness.

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.