There are some countries around the world that are just flat-out loved, thanks to their cuisine. In fact, it’s fully supported to just go ahead and book cooking classes in some areas because the cuisine is so iconic. If you were booking a trip to Sicily, one major recommendation would be to take a cooking class to make pasta; for Lisbon, it would be Pasties de Nata; if it were Turkey, then it would be Mucver, and the list could go on and on. But when you think about New York City, what comes to mind? For the average person, it’s nowhere near taking cooking classes. 

Sure, the food is iconic, especially since there is an intense amount of diversity in the city. There’s more than just NYC pizza, bagel, or black & white cookies; there's so much more than that there. But for most folks who visit NYC they think about trying famous brunch spots, famous pizza places, and maybe spots with Instagram-worthy food. But seriously, you’re missing out if you don’t give cooking classes a chance in NYC, and here’s exactly why!

There’s Culinary Diversity

If you really think about it, New York City is a microcosm of the world, and its culinary scene reflects this diversity. It’s just wild how much there is! So, booking a cooking class in NYC allows you to immerse yourself in the myriad of global cuisines that call the city home. There is not just one signature dish or just one signature style of food here. Whether it's learning the art of crafting traditional Italian pasta, mastering the techniques of authentic Chinese dumplings, or diving into the secrets of a classic New York-style cheesecake, the options are as diverse as the city itself.

You’re Escaping the Tourist Trap

Needless to say, there are way too many tourist traps in NYC. Sure, while iconic landmarks and popular attractions are must-see when you’re there, that really shouldn’t be all. A cooking class offers a chance to escape the tourist track and experience the city like a local. Engaging in a hands-on culinary adventure allows you to discover hidden neighborhoods, uncovering gems that might not be found in traditional guidebooks.

Potential to Bring a Little Piece of NYC Home with You

If you don’t have a long car ride back home, or if you do not have to worry too much about taking a plane back home, then there might be some potential to bring back some food with you that you made during the cooking class since most cooking classes give out leftovers. 

But on top of that, in another way you’re bringing back NYC home with you since you’ll actually now know how to actually cook the food! Whether it's a signature New York bagel, a classic Manhattan clam chowder, or a trendy Brooklyn-inspired craft cocktail, you'll be able to recreate a piece of NYC in your own kitchen, allowing the flavors of your trip to linger long after you've returned home.