Culinary Arts
Traditional Asian cooking workshops — part cooking class, part cultural immersion, always ending with a shared meal.
Cooking as Culture
Food is how most people first encounter another culture. A bowl of hand-pulled noodles, a plate of dumplings folded at the table, a pot of congee simmered all morning — these aren't just meals. They carry history, regional identity, family tradition, and the kind of knowledge that only passes from person to person.
AACA's culinary workshops are led by Stephanie Yu, who brings that kind of transmission to Utah. Each session focuses on a specific dish or technique, taught the way Stephanie learned it — by feel as much as by recipe. Workshops are hands-on: you'll prep ingredients, work through the technique, and eat together at the end.
These are held periodically throughout the year, often tied to cultural events or seasonal celebrations. Check the events page for upcoming dates, or sign up for our newsletter to get notified.
Workshop Topics
Here's a sample of what we've covered and what's coming up.
Dumpling Making
From dough to filling to folding — the full process of making Chinese dumplings (jiaozi). Participants learn multiple folding techniques and make enough to take home. A perennial favorite.
Hand-Pulled Noodles
The art of lamian — stretching and pulling wheat dough into long, uniform noodles by hand. It takes practice, but by the end of the session, everyone pulls at least a few good ones.
Regional Chinese Cuisine
Workshops exploring dishes from specific Chinese regions — Sichuan's bold flavors, Cantonese dim sum, northern wheat-based comfort food, and more. Each session covers a complete meal.
Lunar New Year Feast
A special workshop around Lunar New Year covering dishes with symbolic meaning — long noodles for longevity, whole fish for abundance, tangyuan (sweet rice balls) for togetherness.
Tea Culture
An introduction to Chinese tea — types, brewing methods, and the ceremony and philosophy behind gongfu cha. Participants taste several varieties and learn to brew properly.
Mooncakes & Seasonal Treats
Tied to the Mid-Autumn Festival, this workshop covers traditional mooncake making — from the filling to the pressed patterns on top. Also covers other seasonal Chinese pastries.
What to Expect
- Hands-on cooking (not a demonstration)
- All ingredients and equipment provided
- Shared meal at the end of every session
- Take-home recipes and techniques
- Small groups (10 – 15 participants)
- No cooking experience needed
Stay in the Loop
Culinary workshops are scheduled throughout the year, often with limited spots. The best way to find out about upcoming sessions is to check our events page or email us to be added to the notification list.