Charlie and Leks Thai Cooking Classes

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About Charlie and Leks Thai Cooking Classes

The culinary scene in Pai is a vibrant one, with a particular highlight being the cooking classes offered by a local restaurant. The classes are led by Lek, a charismatic and knowledgeable instructor who is also the owner of the restaurant. The classes are a fantastic way to spend a day, especially after having enjoyed a meal at the restaurant.

The cooking class begins with a selection of three dishes from a condensed menu. Popular choices include Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai, and Massaman Curry. Once the dishes are chosen, Lek takes the participants to the local market where she educates them about the ingredients that will be used in the dishes. This trip to the market is not only informative but also authentic, providing a real insight into the key ingredients of Thai cuisine.

After the market visit, the cooking begins. Participants make the soup, eat and rest, then move on to the Pad Thai, eat and rest again, and finally make the Massaman curry. The process is interactive and hands-on, with Lek ensuring that participants taste their cooking throughout the lesson to understand how the ingredients change the dish. The class is not only educational but also fun and relaxed, with Lek adapting the course to accommodate everyone's dietary preferences.

The class is also quite generous in terms of food. Participants often end up with doggy bags to take home because of the amount of food they cook. The cost of the class is 750bhat for a group and 1000bhat for a private lesson, which is considered very reasonable given the quality of the ingredients, the expertise of the teacher, and the amount of food.

The restaurant itself is also worth a visit, even if you're not interested in the cooking class. The menu is full of local dishes and soups, with the coconut soup and the Pad Thai being particularly recommended. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is welcoming.

Unfortunately, there have been instances where the cooking class was not available. However, the restaurant continues to serve delicious food, making it a worthwhile visit regardless.

The cooking class with Lek is a standout experience, even among other classes in Thailand. It is quick, lasting only 3 hours, and simple, yet it is also comprehensive and detailed. The class sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 4 participants, which allows for a more personalized experience. The menu is also customizable, allowing participants to request specific dishes.

The best part of the class, however, is meeting Lek. Not only is she a great cook, but she is also a wonderful person. Participants often leave the class not only with a recipe book and a new set of cooking skills but also with fond memories of their time with Lek. The class is a highly enjoyable way to spend 3-4 hours, and the fact that you get to eat what you cook makes it even more worthwhile.