In this story:
- Vegan cooking in London: why the city is perfect for plant-based food lovers
- Vegan cooking for beginners: ingredients worth getting to know
- Store cupboard essentials for vegan cooking
- Veganise your favourite meals
- Discover global cuisines through vegan cooking
- Looking for vegan ingredients after your class?
In 2026, veganism is on the rise – so it’s no surprise that our vegan cooking classes in London are becoming increasingly popular! London's vegan food scene has never been more exciting. From neighbourhood cafés serving creative plant-based brunches to chefs reinventing global classics, there's never been been a better time to explore vegan cooking in London.
Whether you're already vegan, trying to eat a little less meat or simply curious about learning new skills, a hands-on cooking class is one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to build confidence in the kitchen. You'll cook alongside experienced chefs, discover ingredients you might never have picked up in the supermarket and leave with recipes you'll actually want to make again. This handy guide covers everything you need to know before booking your first class!
Vegan cooking in London: why the city is perfect for plant-based food lovers
One of the best things about learning plant-based cooking in the capital is that inspiration doesn't stop when class ends. You'll discover the best ingredients and recipes for all kinds of cuisines. A vegan cooking experience is perfect if you want to:
- Learn practical recipes you'll actually cook again!
- Discover fresh seasonal ingredients beyond the supermarket basics.
- Explore global cuisines through plant-based dishes.
- Pick up professional techniques from experienced chefs.
- Meet fellow food lovers in relaxed, beginner-friendly classes.
- Learn more about sustainable cooking in London while reducing food waste.
Even if you aren't planning to become vegan, learning a handful of delicious meat-free meals can completely transform your weeknight cooking and give you something a little bit different to cook!
Vegan cooking for beginners: ingredients worth getting to know
One of the biggest surprises for newcomers is just how varied vegan cooking can be. It isn't simply swapping meat for vegetables – it's a chance to get creative with your protein and try new ingredients you might just fall in love with.
Tofu: your new kitchen best friend
Tofu is often the first ingredient people associate with vegan food and it gets a bad reputation. But the best thing about tofu is how versatile it is, and once you learn how to press, marinate and cook it properly, you'll never look back!
You can make it crispy or tender, and it absorbs marinades super well, making it perfect for dishes like stir fries, curries or salads. Most beginner-friendly vegan classes will show you exactly how to prepare tofu so it becomes something you'll genuinely look forward to eating.
Try it yourself
- Chinese vegan cooking class with tofu in Archway.
- Vegan cooking class in Wandsworth.
Tempeh, jackfruit and beyond
Once you've mastered tofu, you'll discover a whole world of exciting plant-based ingredients. Many vegan foodie experiences introduce ingredients such as:
- Tempeh
- Jackfruit
- Banana blossom
- Seitan
- Oyster mushrooms
- Beans and lentils
- Chickpeas
Each brings different flavours and textures, helping you recreate everything from pulled "pork" to hearty stews and fragrant curries.
Try it yourself
- Vegan Mexican street food class in Wandsworth.
- Vegan fish and chips cooking class in Canary Wharf.
Store cupboard essentials for vegan cooking
The secret to delicious vegan food often isn't expensive ingredients as you might expect, it's having the right basics on hand. A well-stocked vegan cupboard might include:
- Nutritional yeast (gives things a slightly cheesy flavour!)
- Miso paste
- Tahini
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Dried beans and lentils
- Grains like quinoa and bulgur wheat
Once these become kitchen staples, creating quick, satisfying meals becomes much easier – and some are very cheap!
Veganise your favourite meals
One of the biggest misconceptions about plant-based food is that you have to completely reinvent the way you cook. In reality, many favourite meals can be adapted surprisingly easily. A good vegan cooking class will show you how to recreate comforting classics like curries, pasta dishes, burgers, noodle bowls, tacos and even wholesome brunch foods and desserts!
Rather than giving up your favourite recipes, you'll learn techniques that help you recreate them using plant-based ingredients while keeping all the flavour.
Discover global cuisines through vegan cooking
Take your taste-buds on a tour of some of the globe’s best-loved cuisines! Learning from chefs who specialise in these dishes is one of the fastest ways to improve your own cooking. Depending on the class, you might explore:
- Fragrant Indian curries
- Colourful Mexican dishes
- Vibrant Thai cooking
- Japanese comfort food
- Middle Eastern mezze
- Ethiopian feasts
Along the way you'll become familiar with exciting herbs, spices and flavour combinations that'll make you feel excited to get back into the kitchen and write up your weekly meal plan.
Try it yourself
- Indian cooking class in Forest Hill.
- Vegan baking class in Wandsworth.
Looking for vegan ingredients after your class?
If you're ready to start your foray into vegan food, you might fancy popping along to some of London's lovely food shops! These are well worth a visit:
- Earth Natural Foods (Kentish Town) – an independent wholefood shop packed with organic produce, grains, spices, vegan pantry staples and fresh baked goods.
- Zest Organic Food (Bermondsey) – ideal for organic fruit and vegetables, refill stations and specialist vegan ingredients.
- GreenBay (West Kensington) is London's first fully vegan supermarket, with everything from plant-based cheeses to frozen meals and cupboard staples.
Which vegan cooking experience is right for you?
| The vegan experience | The kitchen vibe | You'll love it if you're looking to... |
| Chinese vegan cooking class with tofu in Archway | Focused and authentic | Master protein-packed tofu dishes using traditional Chinese seasoning and stir-fry techniques. |
| Vegan cooking class in Wandsworth | Upbeat and bottomless | Enjoy a social cooking session and learn versatile everyday plant-based recipes. |
| Vegan Mexican street food class in Wandsworth | Lively and flavor-packed | Whip up tacos, fresh guacamole, and warm churros with bottomless vegan wine. |
| Vegan fish and chips cooking class in Canary Wharf | Quirky and intimate | Recreate a classic British pub comfort meal inside a cosy houseboat setting. |
| Indian cooking class in Forest Hill | Aromatic and comforting | Build rich, multi-layered curry sauces and learn the art of tempering whole spices. |
| Vegan baking class in Wandsworth | Sweet and methodical | Master dairy-free and egg-free baking techniques for fluffy, decadent treats from scratch. |
Whether you're curious about eating more plants or already love experimenting in the kitchen, vegan cooking in London is one of the most enjoyable ways to build real confidence that'll last. You'll leave with practical skills and recipes you'll actually want use at home, and you'll probably discover a few new favourite ingredients along the way!
So if you've been wondering how to cook vegan food, there's no better place to start than with a hands-on class led by passionate local chefs. From everyday comfort dinners to globally inspired feasts, London's vibrant vegan food scene has plenty waiting to be explored.
Runs regularly
Shepherd’s Bush
1 to 10 guests
£59 - £60
5 years in business
