The Most Disastrous Cooking Classes I’ve Taken While Traveling

Ah, cooking classes abroad. A charming idea in theory — you picture yourself artfully tossing pasta in Italy, mastering spicy curries in Thailand, or seductively folding dumplings in China. In my head, I'm basically a sexy, slightly clumsy travel food blogger. In reality? Absolute chaos. Today, I’m spilling the sautéed beans on my most hilariously disastrous cooking classes around the globe. Because travel memories are better when they come with a side of kitchen fires and bruised egos.

Melissa Ridge

5/4/20252 min read

Disaster #1: Flaming Crepes in Paris

I thought I was living my best Emily-in-Paris life until my crepe flambé turned into a legit kitchen blaze. The chef screamed, the fire alarm sang, and I’m pretty sure someone fainted. But hey — if you're going to cause a scene, do it in Paris.

Pro tip: Keep your phone ready for those dramatic selfies and emergency calls. I swear by Airalo eSIM for staying connected abroad without selling a kidney for roaming fees.

Disaster #2: The Curry Catastrophe in Bangkok

Thai cooking class, dreamy riverside setting, me confidently adding a ‘dash’ of chili paste. Except my ‘dash’ was basically half the jar. Cue an hour of me sweating, crying, and chugging coconut milk while the instructor gently suggested I stick to rice.

Book your Bangkok escapades (and safer meal options) with Trip.com — because sometimes, dining out is the best survival plan.

Disaster #3: Sushi That Could Kill in Tokyo

Turns out, sushi-making requires precision, not vibes. My roll looked like a crime scene, and the chef refused to let me serve it to anyone but myself. Fair.

While you’re navigating Tokyo’s foodie scene (maybe safely outside the kitchen), use Radical Storage to stash your bags so you can roll around unencumbered.

Travel Like a Pro (Even If You Cook Like Me)

KiwiTaxi: Book reliable rides to and from your cooking misadventures.
VisitorsCoverage: Travel insurance, because you just know I needed it after the flaming crepe incident.
WayAway: Flight deals so good, you'll book another class despite your track record.
WeGoTrip: Book tours and activities where you don’t risk setting yourself on fire.

Bonus: How to Charm Your Way Out of a Kitchen Disaster

A winning smile and dramatic apology can salvage most situations. A local guide once saved me from culinary embarrassment in Florence and handed me a glass of wine — a hero in an apron.

If you’re looking for foodie adventures that involve zero cooking on your part, TiQets has museum and food tour passes that'll keep you safe and well-fed.

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Affiliate Disclosure:

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click and book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps fund my travel mishaps and keeps me stocked with wine and burn cream. Thanks for the love!

Want your own sassy travel blog? Start one with Hostinger — it’s easier (and safer) than cooking lessons abroad.