Question 1

Which cooking class is right for me: Morning or Evening?

Accepted Answer

Both cook the same 10 dishes and the curry paste: some at your own station, some shared with the group. Choose the Morning Class for a 1-hour market tour, or the Evening Class for a cooler, relaxed dinner without the market.

Question 2

What does 'Your Wok, Your Rules' mean?

Accepted Answer

It is our core philosophy: every guest cooks at an individual station, so your diet, your spice level, and your pace set the rules - not a fixed menu. Nothing is shared. See how it works in our class FAQ.

Question 3

Can you accommodate vegans, vegetarians, or severe allergies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some dishes you cook at your own station, some we cook together, and for an allergy those are prepared separately, with separate ingredients and utensils. We swap at the ingredient level - fresh tofu, mushroom stock, gluten-free soy - for vegan, vegetarian, and allergy needs. Read our allergy-safe protocols.

Question 4

Will the food be too spicy for me?

Accepted Answer

Only if you choose. You set the heat for each dish from five levels - from mild and herb-forward to the explosive Akha Warrior - and can adjust as you taste. Explore them in our spice levels guide.

Question 5

How many dishes will I learn to make?

Accepted Answer

Ten authentic dishes and the curry paste from scratch - hand-pounded curry pastes, Pad Thai, an Akha soup, stir-fries, and Mango Sticky Rice - eaten as you cook them. Browse the full menu on our Recipes page.

Question 6

Do you offer free hotel pick-up?

Accepted Answer

Yes - complimentary hotel pick-up covers Chiang Mai's Old City and Nimman, with morning runs from around 8:15 am and evening from 4:15 pm, plus return transport. Just be ready in the lobby. Check your hotel on the Free Pickup map.

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

Is Thai Akha Kitchen well reviewed?

Accepted Answer

Very - we're one of Chiang Mai's most-reviewed cooking schools, with over 8,500 traveller reviews and a top rating built on hands-on, small-station teaching where everyone cooks at their own pace. Read what guests say on TripAdvisor, then book your seat.

Morning & Evening Cooking Classes | Thai Akha Kitchen