Food writers are often asked many questions about food, ranging from the
technical (How do you boil an egg?) to the flavourful (What spices can we use
on sweet potato?). Recently, a dinner table discussion about the finer points
of egg poaching turned into a question as to where in Cairo one could get a
culinary education. We agreed that there is a distinction between a
professional culinary education and cooking classes. Some people want to
improve their repertoire of dishes beyond microwave pasta, while others want to
have a repertoire to begin with. A few others already know how to cook domestically
but want to learn how to cook professionally– two very different things. And
so, we bring you the fruits of that admittedly short but informative discussion:
Dina
Sarhan Culinary Solutions
Sarhan is a pioneer in bringing cooking expertise to the masses ever
since opening her doors to the gastronomically challenged almost ten years ago.
Her cooking school offers courses for the hobbyist cook, children, and even
professional grade classes for those interested in a career in cookery. The
website contains a handy calendar of what courses are offered at her cooking
school in Heliopolis.
Courses are offered in the afternoons or in the evenings, and typically last
for 3 hours with a maximum class size of ten eager minds. Course fees are generally
in the 400LE range, and include a recipe binder, hands-on training and the use
of all necessary tools and utensils for your culinary education. Also, if you
and a group of friends would like to tailor a course to your tastes (forgive
the pun); they will be able to accommodate your request.
Gourmet
Egypt
Not content with being purveyors of fine ingredients, Gourmet Egypt
also offers classes on how to cook them. Instructed by a certified professional
chef from South Africa, class sizes are limited to 6 to 8 people offered in
both day and night time classes. The 250LE-fee per class includes a recipe
binder, among other goodies, and the English language courses are conducted at
the Amr Helmy Designs showroom in Maadi. The target audience typically consists
of home cooks interested in Mediterranean and Fusion
cuisine. Classes are held at:
Amr Helmy Designs ’Classics Showroom‘Villa 46 on Road 9, Maadi
House of Cooking
With a special set of classes targeted for children, The House of
Cooking places a large emphasis on the joy of cooking, designing the cookery
classes according to which dishes will be prepared, and teaching technique
through their preparation. However, it’s not just for kids, and Nasr City residents will be happy to know that this small
cooking school is situated behind the International Park.
Courses last for 4 classes at a duration of 2 hours each, and range from 590LE
for beginners to 790LE for advanced level cooks.
Community
Services Association (CSA), Maadi
The CSA is a vibrant and essential part of the expat community here in Cairo, and to that effect
have organized a series of regular cooking classes to give its participants a
taste of international cuisines. A cursory look at their handy online calendar brings
up 16 different cooking classes held either at the CSA’s premises or at a
popular Cairo
eatery as part of their Restaurant Series. Each class is priced individually,
and typically takes place after 6PM, although there are also quite a few
morning classes on weekdays as well. Unfortunately, these courses are only
available to members of the CSA, who must possess a foreign passport to join.
