If  a trip to Italy is in your upcoming travel plans, one activity that should definitely be at the top of your list is a cooking class. Italy is known for its delicious cuisine, and learning to cook those dishes will be a an immersive cultural experience. In this post, I’ll share with you my top ten reasons why a cooking class should be on your itinerary.

TOP TEN REASONS YOU SHOULD TAKE A COOKING CLASS:

1. Immerse Yourself in Italian Culture:

Food is an integral part of Italian culture, and taking a cooking class allows you to delve into the country’s culinary heritage. Each region has their own unique dishes. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history, techniques, and ingredients that make Italian cuisine so famous around the world. By learning to cook Italian dishes from scratch, you’ll gain insight into the local way of life and develop a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance.

2. Learn Authentic Italian Recipes:

There’s nothing quite like learning from a local Italian chef. Taking a cooking class in Italy gives you the chance to learn authentic Italian recipes passed down through generations. These recipes may differ from what you’ve tasted in Italian restaurants in other countries. You’ll discover the nuances that make them truly Italian.

3. Discover Local Ingredients:

Italian cuisine is known for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Taking a cooking class in Italy allows you to discover the local produce and ingredients firsthand. You’ll learn about the best ingredients, and understand how they contribute to the unique flavors of Italian dishes. Whether it’s plump tomatoes, fragrant basil, or creamy mozzarella, you’ll gain an appreciation for the role of fresh ingredients in Italian cooking and how they contribute to the overall taste of the dish.

4. Master Traditional Techniques:

Italian cuisine is all about simple, yet flavourful cooking techniques that bring out the best in each ingredient. From making the perfect pasta dough to sautéing garlic to perfection, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade that can elevate your cooking skills to a whole new level. These techniques can be applied to your home cooking, allowing you to recreate the authentic flavours of Italy even after your trip.

5. Enjoy Hands-On Learning:

You won’t just be sitting in a classroom and watching demonstrations, you’ll actually be getting your hands dirty and learning by doing. You’ll be actively involved in every step of the cooking process, from chopping ingredients to stirring pots and plating the final dish. This hands-on learning approach allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the cooking process and gives you the confidence to recreate the dishes at home.

6. Bond with Locals and Fellow Foodies:

Cooking classes are not just about learning to cook; they’re a great way to connect with fellow foodies. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with local chefs, who are passionate and eager to share their knowledge with you. You’ll also meet other travellers from around the world who share your love for food and travel. Cooking classes create a sense of community and provide a unique opportunity to make new friends and create lasting memories.

7. Experience Italian Hospitality:

Italians are known for their warm hospitality, welcoming nature and genuine passion for sharing their culinary traditions. From the moment you step into a cooking class, your host will make you feel at home.

8. Create lasting memories:

Cooking classes are fun and interesting. Some people may be great cooks while others may not know how to boil water. Watching others learning to cook the same dishes as you is a unique experience that you’ll remember.

9. Support local businesses:

By taking a cooking class, you’ll be supporting local businesses and helping to sustain the local economy. The chefs who run these cooking classes are locals who want to share their love of Italian food with you. Chefs purchase fresh ingredients from local vendors to cook with and farmers are providing fresh produce to the vendors. Who better to support than them?

10. Its super fun!:

Above all, a cooking class is a fun and enjoyable activity. It will leave you with a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and a full belly. It’s an experience that goes beyond just cooking, as you’ll create connections and memories that will last a lifetime.

While in Sorrento, my friend and I opted for a cooking class with chef Tony of Quanto Basta Cooking School. We chose an evening cooking class and ended up having the entire studio to ourselves. Chef Tony and his assistant were amazing, super fun to be around and excellent teachers. We started our evening with champagne and a small charcuterie board. After our appetizer we moved on to the cooking portion of the class. We learned how to make fresh pasta, homemade meatballs, tomato sauce; and tiramisu for dessert. We enjoyed our evening eating newly learned recipes and had more wine and champagne. Taking a cooking class in Italy is something that I would highly recommend. This was not my first cooking class and it definitely won’t be the last. Have you ever taken a cooking class in Italy or a new country?