Sweet and Sour Pork: Two Ways Cooking Class

Learn to make artistic and delicious Cantonese & Shanghai versions – same name, completely different dishes



1.5 hours

Class size 1 to 15 (public classes), 2 to 20

  £82 - £92 (£82 for Public; £92 for Select-Time or Weekends) (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

Welcome and Prep Ingredients

Welcome and Prep Ingredients

Settle into our welcoming kitchen and prep your ingredients. Learn essential Chinese knife skills.


Cook Gu Lao Pork

Cook Gu Lao Pork

Learn how to make the famous sweet and sour pork dish, Gu Lao Pork.


The Next Dish

The Next Dish

Learn how to make another sweet and sour pork dish. Although they share the same name, the taste is totally different!


Taste the Success

Taste the Success

Sit down to enjoy your homemade dishes! Take the rest home, along with your newfound skills.


Add-on Omurice

Add-on Omurice

Learn to make beautiful omurice to serve with your dishes.


Add-on Knife Sharpening

Add-on Knife Sharpening

Learn to sharpen the knife before the class.


Think you know sweet and sour pork? Think again.
In this hands-on Chinese cooking class in London, you’ll go far beyond the takeaway version and discover two completely different regional styles of this iconic dish—each with its own history, ingredients and flavour profile.
From the famous crispy Cantonese sweet and sour pork, Gu Lao Pork to a rare Shanghai family-style recipe you won’t find in London restaurants, this class offers a unique opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of Chinese cuisine.
Hosted in a spacious, air-conditioned kitchen with small class sizes, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, premium learning experience with full guidance throughout. Weekday bookings often mean smaller groups—or even a private-style session.
What makes this class special?
This is not just cooking—it’s discovery.
  • Learn two completely different sweet & sour pork dishes in one class
  • Explore regional Chinese cooking styles and food culture
  • Cook restaurant-quality dishes from scratch
  • Small-group teaching with hands-on support throughout
  • Clear step-by-step guidance—perfect for beginners
  • Complimentary Chinese tea served during the class
In this Chinese cooking class, you will learn to:
  • Select and prepare the right cut of pork
  • Master essential knife skills and preparation techniques
  • Cook Cantonese Sweet & Sour Pork (Gu Lao Pork) to a high standard
  • Create a rare Shanghai-style sweet & sour pork (exclusive family recipe)
  • Understand the differences in ingredients, flavours and techniques
  • Plate your dishes beautifully to enjoy in class or take home
Why this class stands out
Most people only know one version of sweet and sour pork—but in China, dishes with the same name can be completely different depending on the region.
This class gives you a deeper understanding of Chinese cooking, allowing you to recreate authentic flavours at home and truly impress your friends and family.
Perfect for:
  • Food lovers who want more than a standard cooking class
  • Unique birthday or experience gifts
  • Date nights and group activities
  • Anyone who wants to recreate takeaway favourites—properly
Allergy & Dietary Information
Please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking.
  • Soy (essential)
  • Gluten (in soy sauce, can be avoided on request)
  • Sesame (optional, used in dressing)
Add-on Classes
Enhance your experience with optional add-ons (same session, extra time required):
  • Smashed cucumber salad (popular vegan side dish)
  • Drinks to enjoy during the class
  • Omurice or Egg Fried Rice for a complete bento-style meal
  • Knife sharpening session—bring your own knife if safe to do so
Join us for a fun, flavour-packed experience where you’ll cook, learn and explore the true depth of Chinese cuisine. You’ll leave with new skills, incredible dishes, and a whole new perspective on a classic favourite.
Important Booking Information
  • Price is per person. Each attendee must hold a valid ticket.
  • This is an adult-only class (18+).
  • Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
  • Class duration is an estimate and may vary depending on group size.
No Refund Policy
All bookings are non-refundable. You may transfer your ticket to another adult (18+) if you cannot attend. Please notify us in advance.
Rescheduling
£50 fee per person, requested at least 7 days before your class.
Arrival & Punctuality
Classes begin promptly. A 15-minute grace period is allowed. Late arrivals may forfeit their booking.
Health & Safety Policy
  • For the safety of all guests and in line with UK food hygiene guidance, anyone experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, or similar symptoms must be symptom-free for at least 48 hours before attending the class
  • Guests may be asked to confirm this upon arrival
  • We reserve the right to refuse entry if this requirement is not met
We appreciate your understanding as our small-group classes require preparation and precise timing.
What you'll get
  • All the food they made
  • Complimentary tea throughout the entire class
  • Opportunity to purchase limited ingredients and souvenirs
Knowledge required
  • Beginners are welcome.
  • A person under 18 cannot attend the class at all. We will ask for valid IDs if you look very young. Your class will be cancelled without a refund if you fail to provide proof. It is for your safety and required by the insurance policy. If we don't follow it, this class will not be allowed to continue. Thank you for your understanding.
What to bring
  • Containers if you want to use your own.
  • Thermal bags in summer. Alternatively, we have thermal bags for sale.
Add-ons available for this class
  • Have one cup of Bubble Cocktail/ Mocktail (£10)
  • Knife Sharpening Class (£35)
  • Add Smashed Cucumber (£15)
  • Private Class (£10)
  • Bao Buns Mini Class (£15)
  • Add Omurice Mini Class (£15)
  • 100% Hand-Pulled Noodle (£15)
You can add these when you book (optional).
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, birthday or hen do.

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

Location

Oriental Food - 126 Junction Road, N19 5LB, England

This venue is within walking distance of Tufnell Park and Archway tube stations. Street parking is limited and expensive.

Sweet and Sour Pork: Two Ways Cooking Class location
Verified reviews


Our reviewers receive the same incentives regardless of the ratings or comments provided


This class doesn't have reviews yet, but here's what guests say about this teacher's other experiences:

ClassBento loader icon
Your teacher

Simon and Hanna's Foodie Kitchen
Simon and Hanna's Foodie Kitchen

5.0 (1,048)
female Women-owned

At Hanna and Simon's Foodie Kitchen, we believe cooking is more than following recipes — it is a craft, a culture, and a shared experience.
Founded in London with a passion for precision and authenticity, we specialise in immersive Asian culinary workshops that combine traditional knowledge with hands-on learning.
From sushi masterclasses to Chinese tea ceremonies and artisan dessert experiences, every class is designed to give you more than just a finished dish. We teach you the “why” behind the technique — so you leave with confidence, not just instructions.
Precision.
Our sushi classes focus on technique, structure and presentation.
We guide you to create beautifully shaped rolls with professional standards — even as a beginner.
Culture.
Our tea and Matcha workshops explore centuries of history and philosophy, helping you understand the story behind what you taste.
Creativity.
Our dessert workshops celebrate colour, texture and joy — turning simple ingredients into stunning, handcrafted treats.
We keep our classes small to ensure personal guidance and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re joining for a date night, birthday, team event or simply to learn something new, you’ll be welcomed into a calm and thoughtfully designed space.
Many of our weekday sessions feel almost like private classes — giving you time to ask questions and refine your skills.
Our Philosophy
Craft. Culture. Confidence.
We believe learning should feel rewarding, not rushed.
Beautiful, not complicated.
Professional, yet welcoming.
When you leave our studio, we want you to feel proud of what you’ve created — and confident enough to recreate it at home.
We look forward to welcoming you to Hanna and Simon's Foodie Kitchen.

Simon and Hanna's Foodie Kitchen is also a ClassBento award winner:

Gift this artisan class

With our gift card, they can book this class at a time that suits them.

They can also choose from our 15,000+ other classes.

redeem Gifting options

Book on ClassBento and enjoy exclusive perks:


  • Earn loyalty points
  • Money-back guarantee* for peace of mind
  • Local support from our UK-based team, rated 5 stars by customers
  • Public liability insurance included for your protection
  • ClassBento donates 50p to Mental Health UK with every paid booking
class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production london London London GB london