1 Jiudaowan Hutong Beixinqiao,Dongcheng,Near Exit C Beixinqiao subway,Line 5
九道湾胡同1号,东城区,5号线北新桥C口
This organization operates out of a traditional Chinese courtyard and runs cultural programs. They offer classes in cooking, drawing and traditional Chinese medicine. With modern facilities and an international staff, the Hutong also provides corporate training workshops and classes in photography and web design.
I took a Thai cooking class the other night at The Hutong and I absolutely loved it. Not only were the dishes we made (Thai noodle salad, pineapple fried rice, and chicken wrapped in pandanus leaves) delicious, they were also simple enough to replicate at home. We all got copies of the recipes, and if you like (as I do) to have a glass of wine or a beer while you cook, there's a bar to order from. The class was small, but everyone was friendly, and Pei's instructions were clear, fun, and helpful. I'd recommend this class, or any of the cooking classes at the Hutong to anyone who wants to have a good time while learning new recipes and cooking tips.
One of my last classes that I took at The Hutong before I left was the Dumpling Making Class. I never had Dumplings until I came to China and I have loved it since so I thought I would try to learn how to make them before I leave. This was an amazing class! I had such a great time learning all about how to make dumplings but along with that, the teacher, Sohpia, did an amazing job really explain each and every step in making the dumplings and also why we use some ingredients and why we don't. She also taught us a lot about what types of ingredients is better for us during what seasons as well. I love how Sophia asked us a lot of questions and tried to get us involved in the making rather than her just teaching us how to make them. I would recommend this class or any of the other classes that are offered at The Hutong. Everyone at The Hutong has a fun way of bringing learning and creativity into a new life. I loved being here for all the classes that I took and will miss this when I go back home!
After the tea tasting workshop, I attended a Cantonese Cooking class. I have never tried Cantonese food before so that was one of the most exciting parts of the class. I will have to say it was a great class that I learned a lot from. I think what I enjoyed the most about the class was how real and interactive it was. We were making a shrimp dish in which our teacher, Vivian, forgot to dry the shrimp before placing it in the wok full of oil, in turn oil was being spit out at us. Even though she has cooked for many years, there are still mistakes that can be made and that we all can learn from. I love after the class was over and we had made all the dishes, we went over again how to make the dish so that we wouldn't forget later how to make it on our own. It was an great fun learning experience and I was excited to meet some new people in the class. I would recommend this class or any of the other classes offered at The Hutong.
This was one of my first tea tastings ever in Beijing and I will have to say I was amazed at how it was done at The Hutong. Being in The Hutong itself was an amazing time for me. Walking through this courtyard home was an experience that I will never forget. I didn't feel like I was somewhere else but I felt like I was walking into a place I can call home. I didn't really have an expectation but I think The Hutong went beyond that. I never knew how intricate the tea making process was until this class. Sophia led the class and was very knowledgeable in everything from the tea process to the equipment that she used to serve tea. I think what i enjoyed the most was how much passion that Sophia had about tea. It was interesting that even after how much she has made this her life she doesn't seem bored at all and in fact, so enthusiastic about teaching all of us about tea. I would recommend this tea tasting to anyone visiting Beijing and wanting to experience the true taste of tea.
I attended their vegan cooking class and i had a great time.. my first visit to the hutong and i was impressed...a long list of great classes and it was hands on when i wanted it to be and when i wanted to just watch i could.. i learnt 3 dishes and the following weekend i was able to re cook two of the dishes i learnt. I now can make a great mushroom and tofu soup... my only criticism is its location... it was a bit of struggle... but i will def be back for more cooking classes :))))