While Manchester’s reputation as a foodie nirvana is long-standing and well-earned, with several new critically adored restaurants seemingly launching weekly, the broadening of home-cooking palates during lockdown has produced a demand for the skills behind the dishes. Thankfully, the city’s boroughs contain plenty of hidden-gem masterclasses for all types of world cuisine.
Here are five of the best:
Firmly established as one of Manchester’s best Indian restaurants, Zouk’s half-day cooking classes invite participants to recreate two starters, two mains, rice and bread from the menu, with guidance from the in-house chefs. While Zouk have various cooking classes on offer, the next event is on British classics — Chicken Tikka, Lamb Rogan Josh, onion bhajis and more.
Known in Didsbury and far beyond for its dizzying range of culinary masterclasses, Food Sorcery’s evening lesson on ‘all things pasta’ — rolling, kneading, filling, shaping, beetroot-infused pasta, egg pasta, and somehow more — includes an arrival drink, the promise to let you eat as you cook, and a pile of your own pasta to take home. All abilities welcome, and they take care of the washing up.
When considering the origin of world-class dumplings, all points east — Stalybridge creative space Industry hosts Manchester street food titans, Grub, and their afternoon masterclass of ‘crafty dumpling fun’. Arrive to some canapes, learn how to make your own dim sum staples from scratch and take it home, all for just £35.
Back to Didsbury and, for those who missed out the first time, back to Spring 2020, Food Sorcery’s sourdough class for beginners teaches you how to knead, feed, shape and cut your own version of the Ancient Egyptian staple. A bread-and-meats lunch is provided (with vegan options), and all that’s required is your own bannetton (or a colander with a damp towel).
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Mon 20 Jun 2022
Twenty minutes north of the city centre, Prestwich’s Chapattis n’ Curries hosts three-hour namesake classes during which you’ll make your own dough, cook the bread over a live flame and create three complimentary dishes with which to sample it — and only your own pans and tupperware are required.