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Master the Art of the Perfect, Pillowy Steamed Bao Buns and Dim Sum at Cooking It in Bristol

Master the Art of the Perfect, Pillowy Steamed Bao Buns and Dim Sum

  • Monday, 19 October 2026
  • 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • £85
Where
37 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol
Group size
Small groups, everyone at a station
Included
Ingredients, equipment, aprons and the meal
Cuisine
Chinese
Seats remaining4 of 4 seats left

Learn the secrets to pillowy, scratch-made steamed buns at our hands-on Bao Bun Cooking Class in Bristol. Master dough kneading, folding, and delicious fillings.

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.

Plus if there is extra time we will do some DIM SUM!

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

What’s Included in Your Ticket

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.

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.

  • Duration: 3 Hours

  • Location: Cooking it, 37, Gloucester Road, Bristol

  • Audience: Adults only and 14+ accompanied by a full paying adult.

Our Booking & Cancellation Policy:

As an independent cookery school, our classes are carefully planned and ingredients are curated well in advance. Please review our policy prior to booking: we require a minimum of 45 business days' notice for a full refund and 30 business days' notice for any date transfers or postponements. We appreciate your cooperation and support!

Before you book

  • What time should I arrive for the class, party or event?

    We ask everyone to arrive no more than 5 minutes before the class is due to start, so 5:55pm at the earliest for a 6pm class. This gives you time to get ready.

    We start on time and finish as close to the advertised end time as possible, so we can't accommodate early or late arrivals and we can't recap what you've missed. If you do find yourself in Bishopston early, there are bars, restaurants, pubs and cafes along Gloucester Road: we'd point you at the Blue Lagoon, Palomar Bar or El Diablo.

  • What do I need to bring?

    All our courses and classes include tuition and the ingredients. We're trying to be as sustainable as possible, so please bring your own apron (ours need washing at 90° even when they're clean) and a Tupperware or sturdy container to take away any leftover food.

    Other than that, just yourself. We don't supply printed recipe cards, but we'll email them to you if you email us after the class.

  • Will there be snacks and refreshments during the class?

    We sell beer, wine, cider, soft drinks and hot drinks during class, payable by debit or credit card. On some classes you may be able to snack on what you've made before you finish cooking, but generally you'll eat around 20 to 30 minutes before the end.

    We ask you not to bring your own drinks as we have them available to buy. Otherwise a £5 corkage per person is charged.

  • I have special dietary needs. Can you adapt dishes?

    Sometimes we can adapt menus to suit certain dietary requirements. Please contact us before booking to check, and if we can, tell us in the additional comments when you book. We buy and prepare exactly what we need for each class and don't hold extra ingredients for special diets unless we're told in advance, with at least 10 days' notice. There may be a surcharge for special diet ingredients.

    Because of how we store and prepare ingredients, we can't guarantee the complete absence of any specific allergen or ingredient that may trigger a reaction. Where we do adapt a menu, complimentary snacks or sweet treats may be unsuitable and we can't always offer alternatives.

  • Can I bring my child to an adult class?

    Each class page states the minimum age. We can't accommodate children or babies in adult classes, for insurance reasons and to protect everyone's enjoyment of the session. Please check who each class is suitable for on its own page.

  • Class times include both the cooking session and the meal.
  • Menus on the site are guidance only and may change to suit dietary needs or ingredient availability.

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