Adventure Collective
Mastering Chinese Steamed Buns: Hands-On Bao Making in London - London

Mastering Chinese Steamed Buns: Hands-On Bao Making in London

Londoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and skill levels

Overview

Discover the art of making light, fluffy Chinese steamed buns at Brilliant Bao on Oxford Street. Join expert-led classes that teach you to craft delicious baos from dough to delicious fillings—then taste your creation at the chef’s table.

London, England

Brilliant Bao @ Oxford Street

Perfectly light & fluffy

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Dive into the art of making soft, pillowy Chinese steamed buns in this hands-on cooking class. Guided by expert chefs, you'll learn to create delicious fillings and sauces, enjoy your creations at the chef's table, and receive a digital recipe pack to recreate the experience at home.

Have a go at creating, shaping and stuffing soft and pillowy Chinese steamed buns in this hands-on class.

Uncover the secrets to making a dreamy bao bun dough, with our expert chefs as your guide. You’ll shape pre-proved balls into lovely little pillows, then cook them to perfection in traditional bamboo steamers.

What you’ll do:

  • Take your knife skills up a notch as you knock up a carrot and mooli pickle and build a lip-smacking smashed cucumber salad.
  • Learn how to balance a slightly spicy, sweet and salty Kung Pao dressing.
  • Stir-fry free-range chicken or oyster mushrooms in your sauce.
  • Cram your bao with the succulent Kung Pao filling, smashed cucumber and pickle.
  • Take a seat at our chef’s table and tuck into your pillowy bao.

What you’ll eat & drink:

  • Perfectly soft and fluffy bao
  • Sticky Kung Pao chicken or pulled mushrooms
  • Zingy carrot & mooli pickle
  • Crunchy smashed cucumber salad
  • A complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival (or a soft drink, if you prefer)
  • Water is provided throughout, and you’re welcome to purchase wine, beer, spirits & mixers, cocktails and softs from our drinks menu.

What to expect:

  • Easy-to-follow demos, led by one of our expert teaching chefs.
  • Tuck into your bao around our chef's table (or pack a box to take home, if you prefer).
  • A digital recipe pack with everything you need to recreate the magic at home.
  • All ingredients, equipment and aprons will be provided.
  • You’ll work in pairs to recreate the dishes at your cooking stations.

Additional info

  • You don’t have to be part of a pair to book. If you’re flying solo, you may be paired up with another person.
  • The duration of the class includes teaching demos and hands-on cooking, as well as time to tuck into delicious dishes at our chef’s table.
  • Only those who are actively taking part in a class are permitted at the Cookery School. Sadly, we are unable to accommodate spectators or provide a waiting area for friends and family.

Adventure Tips

Arrive early for prep time

Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the class starts to get settled and ready for hands-on activities.

Wear comfortable, casual clothing

Choose clothes you don’t mind getting flour on, as dough-making can be messy.

Ask questions during the session

Engage with chefs for tips on kneading and steaming techniques to improve your skills.

Bring a container if you want leftovers

If you can’t eat all your baos on-site, a small container will let you take them home.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pigeons and urban sparrows are common around Oxford Street
  • Squirrels can be spotted in nearby Soho Square Park

History

Oxford Street has been a central London shopping destination since the 19th century, hosting a mix of historic architecture and vibrant culture.

Conservation

The cooking school sources local and sustainable ingredients where possible to support ethical food practices in the city.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in London

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Apron

Essential

Protects your clothes from flour and sauces during the cooking process.

Comfortable shoes

Essential

You’ll be standing and moving around during the class.

Reusable container

Use this if you want to take home leftover baos.

Notebook or phone

To jot down extra tips or take photos of the cooking steps.