Alison provided a truly wonderful and authentic Chinese cooking experience. From the moment I arrived, she was completely prepared and made me feel welcome with a delicious homemade soy milk drink—such a thoughtful and personal touch. Her kitchen was beautifully organized, with all of the ingredients carefully prepared and laid out before we began. I especially loved learning about the ingredients and discovering that many came directly from Alison’s own garden. Her knowledge, preparation, and attention to detail made the class feel both approachable and special. Together, we made three dishes entirely from scratch: two salads and a noodle soup. The crunchy lotus stem salad was a standout, with just the right balance of spice, texture, and earthy flavor. I also loved the cucumber salad, which had a perfectly seasoned spicy red paste that gave it so much depth without overpowering the dish. Finally, we made a comforting noodle soup with pork, preserved greens, garlic chives, and plenty of fresh herbs. It was delicious and packed with flavor. The class ended up being a one-on-one experience, and Alison put so much care into every part of the session. She was warm, patient, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about sharing her food and culture. I would highly recommend Alison to anyone looking for a hands-on, authentic Chinese cooking experience.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Personalized instruction from your host, Alison
- All food, beverages, ingredients, and equipment
- Meal enjoyed together after cooking
- Private, hands-on cooking class in a local Astoria home
Excludes
- Gratuities (optional)
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Meet your host at Kinship Coffee and take a short walk together to her home, where you'll begin your private, hands-on cooking class.
Return
- Meet your host at Kinship Coffee and take a short walk together to her home, where you'll begin your private, hands-on cooking class.
Itinerary
Join Alison in her spacious home in Astoria, Queens for a private, hands-on Chinese cooking class that combines authentic regional cuisine, cultural storytelling, and practical cooking techniques. Begin with a homemade beverage and Asian snacks as Alison introduces the ingredients, flavors, and culinary traditions of southwest China, along with tips for shopping at Asian markets and recreating dishes at home. Together, prepare three dishes from scratch, including a traditional noodle dish and seasonal sides that showcase the savory, spicy, sweet, tart, and aromatic flavors of regional Chinese cuisine. In warmer months, you may harvest fresh herbs from Alison's garden to use in your cooking. After cooking, enjoy the meal together indoors or, weather permitting, beneath a mulberry tree in the backyard. Finish with tea and a light dessert or fresh fruit. This authentic Queens cooking experience offers a unique way to connect with local culture beyond the typical NYC tourist attractions. Dietary requests, larger private groups, and additional dates may be accommodated with advance notice. Tips are optional and appreciated.
Food Menus
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Alison provided a truly wonderful and authentic Chinese cooking experience. From the moment I arrived, she was completely prepared and made me feel welcome with a delicious homemade soy milk drink—such a thoughtful and personal touch. Her kitchen was beautifully organized, with all of the ingredients carefully prepared and laid out before we began. I especially loved learning about the ingredients and discovering that many came directly from Alison’s own garden. Her knowledge, preparation, and attention to detail made the class feel both approachable and special. Together, we made three dishes entirely from scratch: two salads and a noodle soup. The crunchy lotus stem salad was a standout, with just the right balance of spice, texture, and earthy flavor. I also loved the cucumber salad, which had a perfectly seasoned spicy red paste that gave it so much depth without overpowering the dish. Finally, we made a comforting noodle soup with pork, preserved greens, garlic chives, and plenty of fresh herbs. It was delicious and packed with flavor. The class ended up being a one-on-one experience, and Alison put so much care into every part of the session. She was warm, patient, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about sharing her food and culture. I would highly recommend Alison to anyone looking for a hands-on, authentic Chinese cooking experience.
Alison was a great host and the food was delicious! It was a very fun experience and I learned some new, authentic Chinese dishes.
Alison’s passion for cooking authentic food from her home really shines through in the dishes she guides you through. I first met her on her Flushing food tour, where she introduced me to incredible local spots—and this class felt like a perfect continuation of that experience. I was surprised by how many fresh herbs go into Yunnan dishes—and even more impressed that so many came from her own garden. It added a depth and brightness to the food that made each dish stand out. Everything we cooked was unbelievably tasty—I kept eating long after I was full. I brought home leftovers, but the noodle soup didn’t last. I finished it that same night because it was just too good!
I bought my wife this experience to celebrate her birthday, and it exceeded all expectations. We learnt so much about Southwest Chinese culture and can now confidently navigate a Chinese supermarket to buy all of the produce we need to recreate the dishes at home. We didn't know what to expect walking into a stranger's home, but Alison was welcoming, chatty and an absolute delight to spend time with. Will be recommending to all of our friends!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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