Private Authentic Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with a Lovely Local

Vivie is originally from Guizhou, a province in the middle of China renowned for its spicy food and culinary diversity. It is also the birth place of China’s beloved chili sauce ‘Lao Gan Ma’! Vivie was raised as a child mostly by her grandmother who taught her how to create the perfect synthesis of the different spices and flavors of her hometown. Every day after school, Vivie and her grandmother got together and cooked dinner for their family. Her family seldom ate at restaurants because Vivie and her grandmother created and served such delightful dishes at home. Vivie moved to Shanghai when she was eighteen to attend university and has been here for the past decade. Vivie lives with her husband Chris who moved to Shanghai from America along with their two cats Frank and Tim in their comfortable apartment near the famous Xin Hua road.

Apart from cooking, Vivie is big fan of dancing, karaoke, playing the guitar, fitness and travel. Vivie and Chris routinely travel Greater China to trek through historical towns. They also enjoy a good game of beer pong on occasion. As you chat you will pick up traces of delicious scents wafting from the kitchen before you all sit down to enjoy an authentic Chinese South-Western meal together.

Please note this is not a commercial cooking class, rather an opportunity to cook with an expert home cook in her home and immerse yourself in Chinese culture and cuisine!

Meet Vivie and her husband Chris at their small but welcoming apartment located in central Changning, Shanghai. Between the living room and dining table, enjoy interesting banter ranging across topics from ‘China vs the world’ and ‘The greatest music videos of all time’ to ‘The most beautiful undiscovered places in the world’ with a drink in your hand.

Then join Vivie in her kitchen to learn to make famous Chinese dishes which include unique variations that have been created by her forefathers and passed down through generations in her family. Your cooking lesson will include learning to make northern dishes such as dumplings and noodles to spicy southwestern dishes such as kung pau chicken and mapo tofu. Enjoy learning about the tips and techniques involved in cooking before you sit down at the table to share the meal you helped prepare with host Vivie.

Cancellation Policy: standard

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Not wheelchair accessible
Fully refundable up to 48 hours prior to experience; since our hosts begin preparing for your experience up to 2 days in advance, we cannot offer a refund for cancellations made within 48 hours of the experience
Menu may vary depending on the season
If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Private, personalized experience
Please note, this is not a commercial cooking class, rather this experience is a visit into a Shanghai home to meet a local who is an expert cook, and share Chinese culture and cuisine together.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate