Ready to look beyond the tourist view and truly live like a local? This is more than just a cooking class; it is a four-step immersion into the authentic rhythm of Shanghai life. From the bustling energy of a wet market to the warmth of a family dining table, and finally to the cheerful clatter of Mahjong tiles, you will experience the city's unique charm from the inside out.
This experience begins with a “treasure hunt” full of the sights and sounds of daily life. All options include a short, guided walk through a nearby authentic wet market – the very source of Shanghai's food culture. You will experience the joy of “shopping like a local.”
Next, you will head into the cozy home of a local Shanghai grandmother for a private session of “cooking like a local.” This is not a standardized cooking studio, but a real family kitchen. Depending on the option you choose, you will learn to unlock the secrets of Shanghai's classics – from juicy dumplings to melt‑in‑your‑mouth braised pork belly. Under the patient, hands-on guidance of the grandma, you will master the techniques that make these dishes so beloved.
When the aroma of cooking fills the room, the most heartwarming part – “eating like a local” – begins. Please take your seat, gather around the table with your new family, and taste the fruits of your labor. Besides the dishes you prepared, the grandma will also serve a few of her signature homemade side dishes for you to enjoy. This meal is about more than just flavor; it is about human connection. Amidst the cheerful conversation, you will experience the highest form of Chinese hospitality.
If you have selected Option 3. After clearing the table together, you will learn Mahjong – the most down‑to‑earth local pastime. The grandma will teach you how to recognize tiles and play in the simplest way possible. Amidst the rhythmic shuffling of tiles, you will take home a truly unique memory of Shanghai.
Choose Your Experience
Option 1 – Dumpling Making & Home Meal
Includes: Quick market tour + dumpling making + home meal
Learn to fold juicy dumplings, then enjoy a cozy home-cooked lunch with simple family dishes. Perfect for those short on time or who prefer a lighter experience.
Duration: approx. 3 – 3.5 hours
Option 2 – Dumpling & Braised Pork Belly Cooking & Home Meal
Includes: Quick market tour + dumpling making + braised pork belly cooking + home meal
Master two iconic dishes: dumplings and melt‑in‑your‑mouth braised pork belly. Feast together like family. Ideal for food lovers who want to learn deeper cooking skills.
Duration: approx. 3.5 – 4 hours
Option 3 – Dumpling, Braised Pork Belly, Mahjong & Home Meal
Includes: Quick market tour + dumpling making + braised pork belly cooking + home meal + mahjong lesson
Cook both dishes, enjoy a homemade feast, then learn beginner‑friendly mahjong – Shanghai's favorite pastime. The ultimate local immersion for those with more time.
Duration: approx. 6.5 – 7 hours
