Perhaps the most prestigious and authentic cooking school in Thailand is the Blue Elephant Cooking School. It’s located in the heart of Bangkok (opposite Surasak BTS Station) in a building which exemplifies Thailand’s finest colonial architecture.
Built in 1903, the mansion is packed full of history. It was originally opened as Bombay Department Store which, in 1928, became the headquarters of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. During World War II the Imperial Japanese Army made it their Command Centre. After the war, the building went back to its former role, housing the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters.
Today the mansion is home of the Blue Elephant Cooking School and the Blue Elephant Restaurant. The school is fully equipped and capable of fulfilling even the most serious ambitions of those seeking to become a certified Royal Thai Cuisine chef.
Tailored cooking classes in professional setting
Whether you are a professional chef, seeking to hone your skills in Thai cookery or an amateur chef wanting to improve your knowledge and understanding of Thai cuisine and the secrets of its preparation, these classes will have much to teach you. Classes are led by Thai chefs, each one an expert, with a wealth of experience to guide students. The Blue Elephant Cooking School is open to everyone who is willing to learn the techniques of traditional Thai cooking.
Half Day Courses
Each class is half day in duration and students are free to enroll for a morning or afternoon class. Both morning and afternoon classes have the same four dish-menus. The afternoon class includes an extra desert lesson to substitute for the morning market trip.
The day at Blue Elephant starts with a traditional Thai herbal drink and a chat with the chef about the dishes students will cook. A guided trip to the local market follows, to educate students about Thai vegetables, fruit and spices. This is followed by a demonstration of cooking techniques which will be used to prepare the menu. At the end of the class students have the opportunity to taste their culinary creations in the Blue Elephant Restaurant. Two or more courses can be arranged over the course of a week or so, ensuring that the student has the opportunity to cover a variety of different dishes and styles of preparation.
Every participant has the opportunity to graduate with a Blue Elephant Cooking School Certificate and receive a basket of Thai herbal tea, curry paste and a souvenir apron.
Professional Chef’s Courses
The school also provides private classes for professional chefs. The five-day course is designed for professionals who wish to master the Royal Thai Cuisine.
Programme for Half Day Courses
Morning Course
8.45 a.m.
Students are welcomed with a fresh Thai herbal drink and discuss with the chef the 4 course meal they will prepare.
9.00 a.m.
The group will take a ride by BTS Sky Train (Saphan Taksin) to the Bang Rak morning market. The Blue Elephant Cooking School’s instructor will advise the group and guide students in discovering the usage of Thai fruits, vegetables and spices.
10.00 a.m.
BTS Sky train ride back to the cooking school.
10.10 a.m.
Arrive at the Cooking School. A refreshing drink and towel followed by the theory class.
10.15 a.m.
Theory Class. The instructor presents a cookery demonstration of the dishes that students will have to prepare. Each student will receive a booklet with the recipes of the day.
11.15 a.m.
Practice Room. Each student has their own table and wok. Assisted by the instructor, students will learn and experience the culinary technique of Thai cuisine. Students have to prepare four dishes.
12.30 a.m.
Lunch. Students can taste and enjoy their own culinary creations in a traditional Thai setting at the Blue Elephant Restaurant.
Afternoon Course
1.00 p.m.
Students are welcomed with a fresh Thai herbal drink and discuss with the chef the 4 course meal they will prepare.
1.30 p.m.
Theory Class. Introduction to Thai fruits, vegetables, herbs and other traditional products. The instructor presents a cookery demonstration of the dishes that students will have to prepare. Each student will receive a booklet with the recipes of the day.
3.00 p.m.
Practice Room. Each student has their own table and wok. Assisted by the school’s instructor, students will learn and experience the traditional techniques of Thai cuisine. Students have to prepare four dishes.
4.30 p.m.
Demonstration of basic fruit and vegetable carving for decoration.
5.00 p.m.
Students can taste and enjoy their own culinary creations in a traditional Thai setting at the Blue Elephant Restaurant.
Course Costs
One class: 2,800++ THB per person
Two courses package: 5,000++ THB per person
Three courses package: 7,500++ THB per person
Five courses package: 10,000++ THB per person
Six courses package: 12,000++ THB per person
Full-day vegetarian course: 6,000++ THB per person
Five-day professional chef private course: 68,000++ THB per person
(Rates are subject to 10 percent Service Charge and 7 percent Government Tax)
For more information and reservations please contact Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant on:
Tel: (+66 2) 673 9353-8
Fax: (+66 2) 673 9355
E-mail:
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Website: www.blueelephant.com
