Step into the Kitchen with Thailand`s very own celebrity TV Iron Chef Aoy for a once-in-a-lifetime cooking experience in Bangkok. This isn`t your typical group class – it`s a personal, hands-on Masterclass where you`ll learn to cook authentic Thai dishes in the exact way the professionals do. You`ll cook , laugh and learn side by side with one of Thailand’s most beloved Chefs , whose charm on TV is matched only by her talent in the kitchen. From mastering local flavours to plating it all like a pro, you`ll leave not just with recipes – but with stories that you`ll share forever.

What is it ?  –  A beautiful little Restaurant opened in 2015 and situated on the peaceful Tha Chin river about 30km west of Bangkok city. You’ll need a Car/Taxi to get here or better still just do things in style like we did and arrive by Boat. I actually discovered this Restaurant gem on Youtube  (Taste Channel) and was totally impressed with the blend of many Authentic / Royal and family recipes cooked up by Chef / owner Aoy. I was even more excited after discovering that Chef actually ran her own Restaurant cooking classes.

What`s Cooking ?  –  The Restaurant menu is amazing but on this post I’m purely concentrating on our Aoywaan cooking class experience.

Who`s Cooking ?  – Chef / owner Aoy Marungrueng –  She`s a total star this little Lady, we love her so much. Our very own Thai “Celebrity” TV chef, highly knowledgeable , extremely skilled in everything Thai. Her food showcases fresh, local ingredients and ancient recipes passed down through her family, along with more modern influences from her Worldwide travels.

What should I expect / What will my day be like? – You’ll hop on the Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) from near your hotel and meet up with Aoy at “Bang Wa” station – or, if you prefer, you can grab a Taxi Meter or book a `Grab`/ `Bolt` straight from your hotel to the meeting point. Chef Aoy will be there to welcome you before heading off together to your first stop: A huge local Market , a food lovers paradise. Come hungry as you’ll be spoilt for choice here.

Next up is Don Wai floating market, where you’ll have time to wander around before boarding your boat. Captain Aoy will take the wheel and bring you down river to the cooking class at her stunning Aoywaan Riverside restaurant. Once you arrive at the restaurant, you’ll have a chance to settle in and relax before diving into your Thai cooking adventure.

After cooking up a feast, you’ll sit back, enjoy your creations, and take in the peaceful views over the Tha Chin River— A far cry away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok City. Finally, when it’s all done, you can nap, chat, or just chill during the taxi ride back to your hotel

Must Cook dish  –  Tell Chef Aoy what you want to learn and she`ll do her very best to accommodate your requests. As far as Cooking tuition / classes go there really is no better. We work with cooking professionals all over Asia but this place takes the top slot.

What will it cost me ?  Your Aoywaan experience comes with 2 options. You can visit here as a solo traveller for a unique one2one foodie day, that will cost you approximately $249/£185. Or you can visit as a couple / family group for $154 / £114 per person. If you give some prior notice, then you can let Chef know what you want to learn which in turn will create a much more personal Masterclass experience with your very own TV Chef. All options will last approximately 6 hours with a guarantee that you`ll leave Aoywaan with an extremely full Belly. WARNING – Chef Aoy is a “feeder”.

My thoughts –  .If you`re a food geek like we are then this is just a stunning experience and a memory you`ll never forget. Guaranteed to be the highlight of your Thailand holiday. If you have a spare 30 minutes then have a little look at the video when we took Michelin starred Chef Giacomo from Etcha (Bangkok) back to beginners cooking class – It was a fun day , so many laughs.

What`s the Atmosphere like ? It goes from busy busy food markets to a relaxing boat journey up the Tha chin river ,then to your Masterclass with the gang and finishes with a totally peaceful meal eating the delights that you`ve purchased at the market and cooked for yourselves in class. This also comes with a guarantee that you`ll sleep like a baby on your taxi trip back to your Bangkok hotel.

What’s a good dish to cook? – When it comes to Thai food, curry is the soul of the kitchen. It’s not just a dish – it’s an experience. On our very first class, the air filled with the deep, comforting aroma of simmering Roast Duck Red Curry. By the second session, we were ready for the challenge of an Authentic family recipe Thai Green Curry – creamy, vibrant, and fragrant—with tender beef and the surprising sweetness of fresh pieces of durian stirred through.

One of the joys of cooking with Aoy is the flexibility. You can let her guide the menu or, like us, come prepared with dishes you’ve always wanted to master. We chose a refreshing Thai salad bursting with herbs, a classic curry, a sizzling stir-fried Belly Pork, and a delicate dessert to end on a sweet note.

But beyond the recipes, what truly hooked us was learning the art of flavour balancing. Thai cooking is like a dance – constantly tasting, adjusting, and nudging flavours as the dish comes alive. A crumbling of palm sugar, fiery Thai Chilli, a spoon or two of salty fish sauce, a squeeze of sharp lime until sweet , spicy, sour ,bitterness, and deep, savoury umami find their harmony – no single taste is allowed to take over. When everything clicks, the flavours light up your palate all at once. That balance is what makes Thai food not just delicious, but unforgettable.

What`s even better  ? –  Being made to feel so very special and part of the Aoywaan family. We`ve visited as a couple , we`ve taken a Michelin starred Chef friend, and next I want my own children to experience this so they too can treasure these valuable memories of a lifetime.

Any Negatives Would I return ? –  Not a single negative in sight and we can`t wait to get back again.

Restaurant Address  –  1/3 หมู่ 13 จ, Rai Khing, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom 73210,Thailand.  TEL –  +66 94 539 9949

Website – Reservations aoywaan.com  Cooking Class Enquiries – waramaru9@gmail.com  Cooking class information and booking online via www.travelingspoon.com