Cooking Thai food online is surprisingly fun. This private virtual class runs from Chiang Mai with Benny, so you can learn real Thai techniques from anywhere using your preferred video app. You’ll cook from your own kitchen while Benny walks you through each step.

I especially like the menu flexibility. You pick two menus, or you can ask for other Thai dishes you love, and you’ll get a practical ingredient list to match what you chose. If you cannot find an item, you can swap, adjust, or even skip it, and Benny helps you keep the meal tasting Thai.

One thing to consider: ingredients are not included in the price. So you’ll want to plan a quick grocery run (or a clever substitute) before class, especially if you’re aiming for more than one dish.

Key highlights before you cook

• Two-dish focus in about 2 hours: choose two menus and work through them at home without feeling rushed.
• Ingredient list plus real-world flexibility: if you’re missing an item, you’re not stuck.
• Private class, your group only: you can ask questions without sharing the screen with strangers.
• Step-by-step instruction: Benny’s teaching style is designed for follow-along cooking.
• Thai culture and humor in the mix: the class is not just recipes; it’s also context and good vibes.
• Dietary options are supported: vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more.

A Chiang Mai Thai cooking class without leaving your sofa

This experience brings Chiang Mai cooking into your home in a direct, low-drama way. You join from wherever you are, and the class runs for about 2 hours with Benny as the host and instructor. No jet lag needed, and you don’t have to coordinate transport, waiting lines, or a crowded kitchen.

What makes it interesting is the combination of structure and flexibility. You’re not just watching a video. You’re cooking with a real person who can answer questions, adjust for your ingredients, and help you keep your timing on track.

Also, this is billed as a private tour/activity, meaning it’s only your group. That matters because Thai cooking can get hands-on fast: sauces, chopping, heat control, and tasting all benefit from a calmer setup than a large group class.

Menu choices, flexible ingredients, and dietary options

You start by choosing what you want to cook. You can select 2 menus, and then Benny sends back an ingredients list for those dishes. The nice part is the ingredient approach: it’s flexible. If you can’t find something, you can skip it, and Benny will help you build a good Thai meal anyway.

That flexibility is especially valuable if you’re outside Thailand. Thai cooking often depends on a few flavor anchors, but you don’t need a perfect pantry to get good results. You’ll get enough guidance to make smart substitutions and keep the overall balance.

Benny also supports vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other options. So if you’re cooking for mixed diets at home, you won’t feel like you’re forced into one narrow version of each dish.

And if you don’t see something you want, you can request a Thai menu you love—even if it’s not on their list. That turns the class from a fixed offering into something closer to personal coaching.

Inside the 2-hour session: from prep to plating

There isn’t an on-the-ground “itinerary” in the usual sense, since you’re cooking at home. But the session still runs like a classic cooking class: plan first, then cook, then taste and adjust.

Here’s what the flow is designed to feel like:

• You’ll connect using a video app that works for you (Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Webex, or another option).
• You’ll review your ingredients and get step-by-step guidance as Benny explains each dish.
• You’ll cook both of your selected menus in the same 2-hour session, which keeps things focused and doable.
• You’ll have time to ask questions and clarify steps as you go.

You should expect lots of Thai cooking tips and techniques, not just a list of ingredients and a silent timer. The goal is that you understand what’s happening in the pan and why, so you can repeat it later.

If you choose popular Thai dishes like green curry and pad thai, the session tends to show you how to make the sauces and balance flavor, not just assemble a plate. In other menu combinations, you might find Benny guiding you through classics like tom yum as well—depending on what you select.

One practical note: because this runs from Chiang Mai time, you’ll want to schedule a slot that works for you. The class availability is listed as Monday through Sunday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, so there should be options, even if you’re in a different time zone.

The teaching style that makes you actually cook

The biggest advantage here is the human teaching. Benny is an experienced Thai cooking instructor, with 13 years in the role. The class is organized so you can follow along even if your cooking skills are modest.

From the way the class is described, Benny’s focus is on clear, step-by-step explanations. That’s a big deal with Thai food, where texture and balance matter—sour, salty, sweet, spicy—and the “right” move often comes down to timing and technique.

You’ll also get cultural context as part of the instruction. Thai cooking isn’t just flavors; it’s habits too—how heat is used, how sauces are built, and how ingredients are treated. Reviews also highlight Benny’s humor and engaging personality, which helps when you’re chopping, simmering, and learning in real time.

Another subtle win: private classes make it easier to talk. When something doesn’t look right, you can ask. When your ingredient list is missing something, you can ask again. That feedback loop is what turns a fun activity into a skill you can carry home.

Price and value at $28.23 per person

At $28.23 per person for about 2 hours, this sits in the “inexpensive but not trivial” zone. You’re paying for real-time instruction and the recipe, not for the groceries. That’s a fair trade if you enjoy cooking and you like learning techniques you can reuse.

Here’s the value equation that works for many people:

• Included: the recipe and the online instruction.
• Not included: all ingredients.
• Private format: your group only, which can make the teaching more direct.
• Flexibility: you can work around missing items instead of abandoning the plan.

Compared with classes that expect a full Thai ingredient haul, this one seems designed for normal home kitchens. If you can find most basics, you’ll get a great result. If you’re missing a few things, the class still helps you make it work.

If you’re coming as a family group or a friend group, it can also be a low-cost way to hang out and cook something together. Think of it as a shared activity that ends with food you made, not just entertainment you watched.

Best for remote food lovers and family cooking nights

This class makes the most sense if you want a hands-on activity that’s still casual. It’s ideal for:

• People who like to cook but want Thai technique guidance.
• Anyone who wants to learn Thai flavors without waiting for a future trip.
• Families or friend groups who want an at-home celebration.
• Diet-conscious cooks who need support for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more.

It’s also a good option for people who don’t feel confident in the kitchen. The teaching format is meant to be easy to follow, and the class includes plenty of tips for getting results that taste right.

And because it’s private, you can make it your event. You can invite your family or friends to cook together, and the group dynamic stays focused on your cooking instead of being diluted by a larger class.

What to do before class so everything goes smoothly

You don’t need fancy gear, but you do need a bit of prep. Since ingredients are not included, do a quick readiness check.

My practical checklist:

• Choose your two menus early so you can request the ingredients list.
• Do a grocery sweep for the key items from that list. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, plan to ask during class.
• Make sure your video connection is stable. If your internet is shaky, consider moving closer to your router or using a second device only for audio.
• Set up your kitchen like a mini station: cutting board, knife, bowls, a pan/wok, and a spoon for tasting.
• Clear a small space for plating so the last minutes don’t turn into a scramble.

Also, check timing before you book. This class has wide daily availability in Chiang Mai time, but the best slot is the one where you’re not cooking under a hard deadline. You’ll cook better when you’re not rushing.

Finally, keep expectations realistic. Even with step-by-step guidance, Thai cooking takes a few tries to feel effortless. The goal is skill-building, not perfection.

Should you book this private virtual Thai cooking class?

Book it if you want real instruction, not a passive food show. This is a solid fit if you enjoy cooking, want to learn Thai flavors properly, and like the idea of a private class where you can ask questions.

Skip it (or be cautious) if you don’t want the work of sourcing ingredients. Since the food is not included, your experience will depend on what you can find and how comfortable you feel substituting.

If you’re the type who loves to repeat a recipe you understand, this class has a nice payoff: you get the recipe after, and the techniques should make your next Thai meal easier. For many people, that turns one class into a long-term home cooking habit.

FAQ

Where can I take the Thai cooking class?

You can take the class anywhere in the world from your own kitchen. It’s hosted from Chiang Mai, Thailand, but the cooking happens at home using video.

What apps can we use to join the class?

You can use any program that works for you, such as Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, or Webex.

How do menu choices and dietary needs work?

You choose two menus. Benny can also help if you request a menu you love that isn’t on their list. The class offers options for vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other needs, and the ingredient plan is flexible.

Are ingredients included?

No. The recipe is included, but you’ll need to provide the ingredients yourself.

How long is the class, and what hours are available?

The class runs for about 2 hours. It’s available Monday through Sunday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Chiang Mai time).

Is the class refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.