About This Class

Menu update: classes from January 2027 follow a new menu, shown below. Gua bao—literally meaning “cut bun”—is one of Taiwan’s most iconic street foods, often compared to an Asian-style burger. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to prepare the dough from scratch, then shape and steam these soft, fluffy buns to perfection. Of course, the filling is just as important. Our chefs will guide you through marinating, breading, and frying crispy chicken, perfectly paired with a spicy mayo. You’ll also make traditional steamed pork buns (Shen Jian Bao), filled with juicy minced pork, then pan-fried and steamed to create that irresistible combination of a crispy base and light, fluffy top. To round things off, you’ll prepare a refreshing smashed cucumber salad for a bright, crunchy contrast. Dietary Info: Suitable for vegetarian diets (V). Not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets. What You Will Be Making: • Steamed Bao Bun • Pork Shen Jian Bao • Crispy five-spice chicken – Demo • Smashed cucumber salad Skills: • Making bao dough from scratch • Knife skills for preparing Salad and Garnishes • Steaming bao buns in a bamboo steamer • Steam-frying Shen Jian Bao for a crisp-bottomed finish • Shaping Shen Jian Bao What You Will Take Home: • Steamed Bao Buns • Shen Jian Bao • Crispy five-spice chicken • Smashed Cucumber Salad What You’ll Get for Lunch: After all of your hard work, you will sit, relax, and enjoy everything you have created during your class. Everything you prepare will either be eaten during the class or taken home. We are actively trying to cut back on single-use containers, so please bring your own for any leftovers. Details: • Half-day course – 3.5 hrs • Suitable for beginners and experienced home cooks • Feel free to take notes or film during the class Dietary Info: Suitable for vegetarian diets. Unfortunately, this class cannot be adapted for vegan or gluten-free requirements. For specific concerns, feel free to contact us before booking. Vegetarian Dish - Crispy 5 spice tofu & mushroom Shen Jian Bao NEW FOR 2027 (classes from January 2027) From January 2027 the crispy chicken makes way for slow-cooked pulled hoisin chicken, piled into bao buns you've made and steamed yourself. The pork shen jian bao stay, pan-fried until crisp underneath and steamed until light on top. A quick pickle of cucumber and carrot adds crunch and cuts through the richness. What You Will Be Making (2027): • Steamed Bao Buns • Pulled Hoisin Chicken Bao • Pork Shen Jian Bao • Quick Pickled Cucumber & Carrot Vegetarian Dishes (2027): Sticky hoisin tofu bao and mushroom shen jian bao. Portions: Each dish is a generous portion for one. You're welcome to sit down and eat with us at the end of class or take it home to enjoy later. Please bring your own tubs or containers for anything you'd like to take home, as we're cutting back on single-use packaging. Dietary Info (2027): Suitable for vegetarians with the swaps above. Not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets. Upcoming Class Dates : • Sunday 24th May 2026 • Friday 11th September 2026 • Friday 9th October 2026 • Saturday 14th November 2026 2027 Dates: • Sunday 17th January 2027 • Friday 5th February 2027 • Saturday 6th March 2027 • Thursday 22nd April 2027 • Sunday 9th May 2027