Learn Authentic Thai Cooking You Can Recreate at Home
Small-group and private Thai cooking classes on Koh Tao with local instructor Parawan — learn real Thai flavours, authentic techniques, and how to recreate dishes confidently back home.
Learn how to cook amazing Thai food in a real Thai cooking class in Koh Tao — with a friendly local teacher, at my rooftop home cooking school in Sairee Village. I’m Parawan, and I teach small-group and private lessons where you choose 3 dishes from the class menu including curries, stir-fries, noodle dishes, soups, and fresh curry pastes.
Classes are hands-on, beginner-friendly, and designed to help you understand how Thai food actually works — not just how to follow recipes step-by-step.
Many visitors on Koh Tao want to learn something meaningful during their holiday, and a Thai cooking class is one of the most popular things to do on Koh Tao besides diving. During the class you’ll learn how to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours while cooking authentic Thai dishes you can recreate at home.
My Thai cooking school is located on the rooftop of my house in Sairee Village, Koh Tao, with fresh ingredients, your own cooking station, and a relaxed island atmosphere. Group classes (1–7 people), private classes (1–6 people), and online Thai cooking lessons are available every day.
If you are searching for the best Thai cooking class on Koh Tao — this is a friendly, personal experience where you learn real Thai family recipes, understand substitutions, taste fresh herbs from southern Thailand, and cook with confidence.
About me: I am Parawan — a friendly, fun teacher who loves Thai food culture and keeps learning new cooking techniques. I teach group classes and private classes at my home in Koh Tao and also offer one-to-one online lessons.
I’m originally from Kalasin in northeast Thailand, later studied and worked in Bangkok, and moved to Koh Tao about 15 years ago with my family.
Over the years I’ve adapted my teaching style based on feedback from students visiting from around the world. I discovered that many guests wanted to recreate authentic Thai dishes once they returned home — even if they couldn’t easily find every Thai ingredient where they live.
That’s why I teach not only traditional Thai cooking techniques, but also which ingredients are essential, which can be substituted, and how to adapt recipes while still keeping authentic Thai flavours.
So I decided to open my own Thai cooking school and do something I truly love — now it doesn’t even feel like work anymore!
Designed For Small Hands-On Thai Cooking Classes
I converted the roof space of my house into a purpose-built area for my Thai cooking classes on Koh Tao. I can comfortably teach up to seven people in a class, with enough space for everyone to prepare ingredients safely and cook comfortably.
Each person has their own prep area and cooking station with cutting boards, knives, cooking equipment, and access to the stove. The open layout allows me to demonstrate each step clearly before students repeat it at their own stations.
Popular dishes taught in class include:
- Pad Thai
- Thai Spring Rolls
- Tom Yum Soup
- Thai Green Curry
- Massaman Curry
- Panang Curry
- Thai Red Curry
- Homemade Thai curry paste from scratch
Class Menu & Booking Options
You can request your favourite Thai dishes — or choose from our updated class menu options. This page shows the current dishes available for group and private cooking classes, and you can select the three dishes you want to cook during your lesson.
Browse stir-fried dishes, curries, soups, and classic noodle recipes — we update the menu whenever new seasonal ingredients or student favourites become available.
Authentic Thai Cooking You Can Recreate at Home
Many cooking classes teach recipes step-by-step.
In my classes, I teach you how Thai food actually works — so you can confidently recreate dishes after you leave Thailand.
Over the years I’ve adapted my teaching style based on feedback from students visiting from around the world. I know that ingredients available in Thailand aren’t always easy to find overseas.
That’s why during the class we also talk about:
- ✅ Ingredient substitutions
- ✅ Alternative vegetables and herbs
- ✅ Adjusting spice levels
- ✅ Balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours
- ✅ How to recreate authentic Thai flavours using ingredients available where you live
You’ll learn far more than just following a recipe — you’ll understand how to adapt Thai cooking to your own kitchen back home.
When you come to take a Thai cooking class on Koh Tao with me, you’ll learn to make three different dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available — just let me know in advance.
I can also adapt recipes for most allergies.
You can view all dish options on the Cooking Course Menu page. The first person to book a group class chooses the menu. If a menu is already set and it’s not what you want, I’ll help you find a class that fits.
Why Students Love My Thai Cooking Classes
- ✅ Learn authentic Thai cooking you can recreate at home
- ✅ Understand Thai flavour balancing
- ✅ Taste and adjust dishes during the class
- ✅ Beginner-friendly and hands-on
- ✅ Small personal classes on Koh Tao
- ✅ Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian friendly
- ✅ Over 500 five-star Google reviews
Below are group cooking classes that already have menus selected (If not displaying, click HERE)
Thai Cooking Class FAQ
How long is the cooking class?
Most classes take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the dishes selected and the pace of the group.
What time do group classes start?
Group classes usually start at 9:30am or 2:00pm. Some private classes can also start at 6:30pm.
How does the menu work?
The first person to book a group class chooses the three dishes for everyone to cook. Once a class is booked, the selected menu is shown on my public calendar above.
Where is the cooking class in Koh Tao?
The class is at my home in Sairee Village, Koh Tao. After you book, you’ll get clear directions and the exact location details.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes — it’s beginner-friendly. I’ll guide you step-by-step, and you’ll learn techniques you can use again at home.
Can you cater for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes. I can adapt many dishes for vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian preferences — just let me know when you book.
Do you offer private classes?
Yes. Private classes are available for couples, families, and groups. You can choose your preferred start time (subject to availability), with extra availability for evening private classes.
Do you have online Thai cooking classes?
Yes — online classes are available worldwide. Timing is flexible and can work across different time zones (subject to availability).
How do I book?
Book on the website using the booking form below to see live availability and class options. If you’re unsure what to pick, message me and I’ll be happy help.