Question 1

What happens during the morning market tour?

Accepted Answer

The Morning Class opens with a 1-hour market tour: we explore 'same same, but different' Thai ingredients, taste fresh produce, and gather what you will cook, then head to the school. Skip the market? See the Evening Class.

Question 2

Do you use plastic bags at the local market?

Accepted Answer

No. We are committed to sustainability, so we collect every ingredient in reusable woven bamboo baskets - never single-use plastic. It is a small ritual that connects you to the market the local way. More in our market tour guide.

Question 3

How many dishes will I cook in the morning?

Accepted Answer

You will cook 11 authentic dishes from scratch - appetizers, hand-pounded curry pastes, stir-fries, an Akha soup, and Mango Sticky Rice - eating each one as you go. Browse the full menu on our Traditional Recipes page.

Question 4

Do I have to share my cooking station?

Accepted Answer

Never. We follow a strict 'Your Wok, Your Rules' philosophy: every student gets an individual station, wok, and stone mortar. It also means zero cross-contamination for dietary needs. See how it works in our class FAQ.

Question 5

Do you offer hotel pick-up for the morning class?

Accepted Answer

Yes - complimentary hotel pick-up runs between 8:15 and 9:00 am, covering Chiang Mai's Old City and Nimman. Check your hotel and the meeting points on the Free Pickup map.

Question 6

Can you accommodate vegans or people with food allergies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, flawlessly. Because everyone cooks at their own station, we substitute at the ingredient level - fresh tofu, mushroom stock, gluten-free soy - with zero cross-contamination. See our allergy-safe protocols and dietary guide.

Question 7

Who are the Akha people?

Accepted Answer

The Akha are an indigenous hill-tribe people of the highlands of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and China, known for their animist traditions, distinctive dress, and deep food-as-medicine wisdom. Our founder Chef Niti is Akha, and every class shares that living heritage. Learn more on Wikipedia or our Highland Heritage guide.

Question 8

What is authentic Northern Thai (Lanna) food?

Accepted Answer

Northern Thai cooking is milder and earthier than the south - think creamy khao soi curry noodles, herby sai ua sausage, and nam prik chilli dips eaten with sticky rice. It draws on Lanna and hill-tribe traditions, including our own Akha dishes. Read the background on Wikipedia, then cook it with us via our Recipes.

Morning Cooking Class & Market Tour | Thai Akha Kitchen