Zhangjiajie: Hunan Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Tour Half-Day Class: 5-dishes

Learn to cook authentic Hunan dishes in a professional kitchen in Zhangjiajie. Explore a local market, master techniques, and enjoy your creations with a local drink.
Begin your culinary adventure by meeting your guide at the local market entrance. Enjoy a welcome drink and a safety briefing. Learn about the flavor profile of Hunan cuisine—"Rich in Oil, Deep in Color, Sour, Spicy, Fresh, and Fragrant"—and the day's learning objectives.

Next, head into the market for a guided deep dive into a local wet market for a "Sensory Scavenger Hunt." Identify spices like dried chili, chopped pickled chili, mountain pepper, ginger, and garlic. Discover ingredients like cured bacon, white pickled chili, and various forms of tofu. Use a simple Chinese phrase to purchase a garnish (e.g., scallions).

Afterward, transfer to the cooking studio. Taste local berry tea and preview the class. Discuss the philosophy of "Harmony of Five Flavors" in Hunan cuisine, linking the purchased ingredients to the stories behind today's dishes.

Then, prepare 2-3 classic dishes in a professional kitchen under chef guidance. Learn to mix the classic "Hunan Seasoning Bowl" (soy sauce, vinegar, cooking wine ratio). Master "hot wok, cool oil" and fast frying to make Farmhouse Stir-Fried Pork.

Choose one signature dish:
• Sour & Spicy: Stir-Fried Pickled Long Beans with Minced Pork (handling fermented ingredients)
• Savory & Aromatic: Xiangxi "Bandit" Braised Duck (braising with beer and sauce reduction)
• Interactive Fun: Hand-Pounded Ciba (Glutinous Rice Cake) (traditional method)

Finally, enjoy the self-cooked meal, share experiences, and receive a certificate. Pair the meal with Jinbianxi Beer or passion fruit soda to balance the spice. Receive a "Hunan Flavor Ambassador" certificate, digital recipe cards, and group photos.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.