Make friends and food

Sofitel Wanda Beijing holds its cooking class on the last Tuesday of each month.

Sessions offer those who are new to cooking the chance to pick up some essential techniques in classes of up to 10 people.

More experienced cooks can brush up on their basic cooking skills, experience new cuisine and learn advanced culinary techniques.

The classes are meant to be fun and offer attendees the chance to make new friends as well as dishes.

The cost is 268 yuan per person for the cooking class only, and 358 yuan per person for the cooking class and a three-course lunch that includes coffee or tea.

Prices are subject to a 15 percent surcharge.

Tel: 85996666 ext 6528

Add: Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang district

Creative kids in the kitchen

For those whose kids love cooking, the Hilton Kids Cooking Class at Hilton Beijing in Wangfujing could be the place to cook up a treat.

The class, which is held every Saturday from 3 pm to 5 pm with a different theme each week, gives children the chance to cook with skilled chefs.

Parents can sit and drink tea near the open kitchen where children make their masterpieces. The 88-yuan price tag includes the cost of the class and a cup of hot chocolate - and the children get to take home whatever they cook.

Tel: 136 6124 1240 for reservations.

Add: 8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng district

METRO