Master the Perfect Steamed Bao Buns Workshop

Master the Art of the Perfect, Pillowy Steamed Bao Buns | Bristol


Cooking it
Cooking it
4.5 (4)

3 hours

Class size 1 to 4 (public classes), 10 to 30
  £90 (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

There is nothing quite like biting into a cloud-like, perfectly fluffy bao bun packed with deeply savoury fillings. If you have always wanted to recreate these iconic Asian street food staples at home without the dough turning out dense or heavy, this fully hands-on, 3-hour masterclass is exactly what you need.
Hosted at our beautiful Gloucester Road studio, this class takes you step-by-step through the precise science of yeast fermentation, dough kneading, and the crucial proofing techniques required to achieve that signature light, pillowy texture. It is a wonderfully social, creative, and lively workshop designed for adults who want to master a fantastic new culinary skill while enjoying a relaxed afternoon or evening out.
The Street Food Menu
In this class, you will work from scratch to create both traditional folded lotus-leaf buns and beautifully pleated filled buns, alongside a vibrant range of fillings, pickles, and toppings.
The Perfect Bao Dough
Technique: Yeast activation, flour scaling, kneading styles, and temperature control for a flawless first and second rise. Learn how to troubleshoot common mistakes like collapsing or wrinkled skins during the steaming process.
The Fillings & Accompaniments
  • Sticky Char Siu Pork Belly: Slow-braised pork belly glazed in a rich, aromatic five-spice and honey barbecue sauce.
  • Crispy Teriyaki Tofu (V): Perfect pan-fried tofu tossed in a glossy glaze for our vegetarian guests.
  • Smashed Cucumber & Rice Vinegar Pickle: A bright, acidic, and crunchy counterpoint to the rich fillings.
  • Scratch-Made Sriracha Mayo: Emulsifying a fiery, creamy condiment to tie the buns together.
Please Note: The menu listed above serves as a culinary guide. Our recipes can be adapted and tweaked on the day to accommodate various dietary requirements, allergies, or dietary preferences. Please let us know your requirements when booking.
Shaping & Steaming
Technique: Master two distinct styles—the classic open “sandwich” fold and the intricate, elegant top-pleated bun. We will look closely at managing moisture using traditional bamboo steamers.
Class Details & Booking
A Sociable Atmosphere: Our adult workshops focus on the joy of bringing people together through food. Whether you come alone, with a partner, or with friends, you will enjoy a laid-back, highly interactive session that finishes with everyone sharing a meal together.
What you'll get
We provide absolutely everything you need for a fun, stress-free cooking experience.
  • 3 hours of hands-on tuition from an expert teaching chef.
  • All high-quality ingredients, seasonings, and specialised equipment.
  • A dynamic, social environment with helpful peers.
  • A full sit-down meal at our communal dining table to enjoy your freshly steamed creations.
  • A digital recipe pack emailed directly to you so you can steam with confidence at home.
Knowledge required
Beginner friendly
What to bring
An apron and a tupperware to take the food left over wth you
Suitable for

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 14 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum, Father's Day gift or gift for couples.

Location

Cooking It, Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol

Master the Perfect Steamed Bao Buns Workshop location
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Your teacher

Cooking it
Cooking it

4.5 (4)
female Women-owned

Cooking It began over 11 years ago in the home kitchen of founder Monica, where the lively buzz of food preparation and the joy of shared meals became a daily ritual. What started as a few cooking classes for children and adults quickly outgrew the space — our kitchen was always full! So, we took the leap and moved into our first premises on Chandos Road. Four years later, after the pandemic and a steady growth in demand, we expanded again, staying true to our roots in Chandos Road. And now, Cooking It has found its vibrant new home on Gloucester Road, where we continue to welcome food lovers of all ages.
Cooking is more than just a skill — it’s a way of creating community, building confidence, and sharing joy. Our passion lies in bringing people together over food, whether that’s learning a new dish, celebrating a special occasion, or discovering a love of cooking they never knew they had.
We love teaching cooking because it combines creativity, life skills, and pure fun. There’s something magical about watching people go from curious beginners to confident cooks, all while laughing, learning, and bonding over food. Nothing beats seeing proud smiles as students sit down together to enjoy the meal they’ve made with their own hands.
Our cookery classes are 100% hands-on, guided by highly experienced chefs who love what they do. Every participant cooks their own delicious dishes, and at the end of the class, we sit together at our large communal table to enjoy the fruits of our labour. It’s about learning, sharing, and tasting — all in one unforgettable experience.
We’re proud to say that our classes are fully inclusive. We cater to all ages and dietary requirements, from gluten-free to vegan and everything in between. Whether you're looking to celebrate a birthday, host a hen or stag party, plan a corporate event, or just enjoy a fun night out with friends, Cooking It is the place to make it memorable — with great food, drinks flowing, and music in the background.
Since opening our doors, we’ve cooked with thousands of people — from families and foodies to famous faces and Fortune 500 companies. We’ve hosted team-building events for top names like Deloitte, BBC, Dyson, Rolls Royce, Airbus, KPMG, and even the first team at Bristol City Football Club, the Hairy Bikers have joined us in the kitchen too!
We’ve also partnered with local schools such as Badminton School, BGS, Westbury Park, and Bishop Road, bringing culinary education into the classroom.
With over a decade of experience, a loyal customer base, and a reputation for fun, fabulous, and flavourful experiences, Cooking It is Bristol’s go-to cooking school — and we’re just getting started!

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class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production bristol Bristol South West GB bristol