Learn the art of Thai Cooking: These five cookery classes are exclusive to Edinburgh Fringe Festival

This Edinburgh Thai Cookery School has devised five amazing cooking demonstration shows for the fringe – book now. Submitted picture

A renowned Edinburgh Cookery school is opening its doors this Edinburgh Fringe to give a series of masterclasses.

Rujira Herd, a chef with decades of experience, who has worked with the likes of the world renowned chef Albert Roux and the presidents of The Hilton International Group, has devised five very different cooking workshops exclusively for Edinburgh Fringe. There are different themes to the classes, in which she’ll reveal some of the best-kept trade secrets she uses for her topflight clients.

About Krua Thai Cookery School

There are a range of cookery courses to try. Submitted image

The school was set up in 1997 and since then has helped professionals and amateurs master the art of true Thai cooking.

She explained that it focuses very much on the blending techniques and ingredients – getting that mix of spices and flavours right and the consistency of the sauces.

“One of our clients left a lovely review in which he spoke of the nuances of the cooking skills,” said Ru. “Quality Thai cookery – the type of food cooked for the Thai upper middle classes – has to have the right appearance, texture and consistency, as well as flavour.”

At the cooking school premises, at Liberton Brae, Edinburgh, all classes are very much hands on – whether you opt for a 1-2-1 course or a group cooking class of four people. There are courses for professionals and non-professionals, specialist fruit carving classes and an advanced class aimed at chefs on luxury yachts.

This is a fun fringe event with a difference. Submitted photo

“You don’t have to be an expert at cooking,” Ru explained. It’s our job to make you a success on the day.”

She said cooking from pre-prepared sauces and mixes just wouldn’t give the same depth and subtlety of flavours. “You have to come to learn the blending technique.”

Only the finest ingredients are used. As Ru explained, the cooking school does not have the same profit limitations as, say, a restaurant and will select ingredients for flavour and consistency.

“People will learn the art of precise blending,” says Ru. “We make our own curry paste but you need to understand the ratio and composition of ingredients for Thai cuisine.”

Here’s your chance to get a taste of true Thai cooking. Submitted image

“You will end up cooking like a pro, and you’ll not only learn how to make the kind of Thai food served to the upper middle classes in Thailand, but you’ll learn how to cook it quickly as well.”

All year round, classes can be run any day of the week, to suit people’s schedules and all dishes made on the day can be taken home to enjoy, along with a set of recipes to practice your new-found skills.

For more details click here

What’s cooking at The Fringe

This year Krua Thai Cookery School has devised five different shows – each one a hands-on class with demonstrations for up to eight people. All will be led by Rujira.

These two-hour shows are the perfect taster session for anyone thinking about signing up for one of the courses, or wanting to pick up some knowledge and skills for Thai cooking. In each class participants will make two or three dishes.

Thai street food is all about the flavours and aromas and The Amazing Bangkok Thai Streetfood Masterclass will be a treat for the eyes, nose and mouth!

The Amazing Bangkok Thai Cookery Workshop will help you understand the essential ingredients used by professionals in a Thai kitchen and give you the skills to subtly blend them together.

Pad Thai has to be the nation’s favourite dish from this part of the world. And at the Amazing Pad Thai and Thai Dumpling masterclass you’ll master the art of both.

If a great green curry tickles your tastebuds then the Amazing Thai Green Curry with Coconut Rice masterclass is the one for you. Here you’ll learn the secret of making your own truly amazing curry paste.

Finally there’s the Amazing Two Curries (Red Curry and Panang) Masterclass. Here you’ll be taught the most effective way to create a traditional curry from no less than 24 ingredients, a chilli fish sauce to accompany the dish and how to make curry paste.

You will be handling food and tasting along the way so please let the organisers know of any food allergies or dietary requirements before booking.

Book now

For further details and to book any of the fringe classes, which are running on various dates between August 4 and August 28, click here