THE VILLAGE RESTAURANT COOKING CLASS (PINDAYA)
PLEASE NOTE PRIOR TO READING: This experience is not available in Mandalay, but in Pindaya (Shan State) only.
Just a short drive away from Pindaya you’ll find Thit Ael Pin, a sleepy farming village that’s home to one of the country’s best cooking classes.
In a country that’s got no shortage of hands-on culinary options, we’re aware that’s a big claim but here’s 10 reasons backing up why we think so.
1. From the moment you arrive you’ll be handed a ribbon bound, step-by-step menu featuring the dishes you’ll cook throughout the course of the morning. So much time, care and organisation has clearly gone into this. A great first impression.
2. If it wasn’t clear enough from the menu, the ingredients required for each dish can be found beautifully presented and pre-prepared in large lacquerware bowls. This saves time chopping and allows you to get stuck into the cooking process almost immediately.
3. A beautiful assistant (usually one per person) will guide you through the steps of the class in clear and easy to understand English. If you ask nicely, they may even pose for an obligatory photograph.
4. The class is led by an experienced and very good humoured chef who’ll cook along with you at the head of the table.
5. The room in which the class takes place is bright, airy and spacious. The work station is far from cramped, so you won’t need to worry about your elbows bashing anyone.
6. Food hygiene is a understandably main concern for many of our travellers. At The Village Restaurant, a lot of care has been taken to ensure that no unexpected surprises end up in your final creation and the ingredients sourced are of the finest quality.
7. Myanmar cuisine has a bit of a bad rap for being too oily. In this cooking class you get the chance to monitor how much oil’s used and how much is drained.
8. Your courses will be paired with glasses of Myanmar produced red and white wine.
9. Even if you’re an amateur in the kitchen, thanks to the way the way the dishes are plated up, your creations will always reach the table looking like a professional put them together.
10. Managed by a local entrepreneur, The Village Restaurant succeeds at feeling authentic, down to earth and exclusive all at the same time. This is partly due to the eye-catching nature of the restaurant’s interior, but perhaps more so due to the excellent service provided by the staff.
If you’re keen to book onto a private cooking class at The Village Restaurant, please contact us now by writing to info@tourmandalay.travel. This experience is only available to book on a private basis and is best carried out when staying overnight in Pindaya.
