Discover new cuisines with international virtual cooking classes

Owing to the effects of COVID-19, many of us find ourselves holed up at home with an unexpected amount of time on our hands. For some of us, we’re social distancing alongside family or friends at home. Others find themselves cooped up alone. Socialising and going out to eat, let alone travelling abroad, have been put on hold for the foreseeable future.

The good news is that there is a way to continue engaging with new cultures and people while indulging your tastebuds by joining in with an online cooking class! Various restaurants and chefs have been hosting virtual demos and classes since lockdown began, from Wagamama to Jack Monroe. One of the latest to hit our screens is airKitchen LIVE, which allows you to browse and book virtual cooking classes with chefs around the world – with vegan, vegetarian and family-friendly classes all on offer! With over 70 online cooking classes registered from over 13 countries, the platform means you can learn how to cook a traditional vegan/vegetarian dish directly from a local of Japan, Poland, Italy, and more. After preparing the food, you’ll have the opportunity to sit down and virtually enjoy the meal together, so you can enjoy a new culture and cuisine in the safety of your home.

How does airKitchen LIVE work?

You can easily browse online class listings, where hosts indicate whether or not their class is veg-friendly. Guests can send a reservation request, then communicate directly with the host about time zone differences, food preferences, necessary supplies and ingredients, and any other concerns prior to booking confirmation. All hosts speak English, and the classes will utilise apps like Skype, Zoom, and Google Hangouts.

Without a doubt, it is a crucial time to engage with people from all over the world. In a rare moment, we’re all united in the circumstances of COVID-19. And yet, heightened fear and travel restrictions limit our ability to connect with others. An airKitchen LIVE helps bring people together, creating an opporunity for cultural exchange through a shared love for food. You get to learn how to create a new veggie dish, whilst making new friends from around the world at the same time – it’s a win-win!

1. Japan - Ramen Noodles

Ramen is a noodle soup dish, and perhaps one of the most popular Japanese dishes around the world. In this class, you'll learn how to make the authentic dish, as well as the difference between ramen and other types of noodles.

2. Poland - Polish Dumplings

One of the most popular Polish comfort dishes, dumplings are ideal for the whole family to make! The filling can be customised with your favourite flavours, and are a great way to use up leftovers in your fridge! Master Polish dumplings with this step-by-step class, where you'll learn how to knead and roll the dough, folding techniques and hacks to make your dumplings extra tasty.

3. Italy - Fresh Pasta and Italian Sauces

Pasta is one of those seemingly simple dishes to make, yet creating the perfect pasta dish takes a bit of time to master. Learn from the experts with this class, where you'll be shown how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch, paired with a traditional Italian sauce. You can choose from different types of pasta such as fettuccine and shaped semolina pasta, as well as choose your sauce, picking from alfredo, tomato and basil, and more.

4. France - Chouqette

French pastry is well-known around the world, and for good reason! Learn how to make a class choux pastry dough topped with pearl sugar. It's also a great activity for the little ones to get involved in!

5. Mexico - Tortillas and Salsa

Next time you crave fajitas or tacos, you'll be able to make your own tortillas to go with it! Learn how to make a traditional tortilla with a professional Mexican chef who will show you the ropes. You'll also learn to make the ultimate salsa, which you can make as fiery as you dare!

airKitchen also offers regular, in-person cooking classes with locals in Japan and around the world, so when you’re next able to travel, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.