There’s something wonderfully ambitious about the idea of hopping from Spain to Thailand, Korea to France, all before the end of May — and without once visiting an airport. Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) is making it possible, with a packed programme of international cookery classes that kicks off this month and offers a genuinely tasty alternative to the summer holiday countdown.
Tucked inside a grand five-storey Georgian townhouse on Queen Street, EFDA launched earlier this year as the evolved identity of the much-loved Edinburgh New Town Cookery School — an institution that’s been shaping confident home cooks and professional chefs for 17 years. The rebrand reflects a broader ambition: to champion food and drink culture across Scotland, the UK and beyond. But for those of us simply looking for a brilliant day or evening out in the capital, the recreational class programme is reason enough to book.
May’s line-up reads like a well-curated restaurant passport. The month opens with a Flavours of Spain day course on Saturday 2nd, before moving through Pasta Pronto (6th), Thai Cuisines(9th), and Korean Street Food (13th). The second half of the month brings French Cuisine(16th), Tasty Tapas (19th), and — for those who believe Scotland holds its own on the world stage — a Scottish Shortbread Masterclass on the 24th.
Classes are led by highly qualified chefs who bring genuine enthusiasm to the stove, and the ethos is refreshingly inclusive. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking to stretch your repertoire or someone who wants to do something more interesting with a Tuesday night, EFDA pitches itself as a welcoming space for all abilities. The social element is part of the appeal too — you come with a friend, meet people who share your appetite for learning, and leave with a meal you’ve made yourself.
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“From sparking new inspiration for existing chefs, to allowing home chefs to widen their recipe pool, we bring people together through the power of food,” says Caroline Lamont, Director of Culinary Education at EFDA. “It’s the perfect way to travel the world from the comfort of Edinburgh.”
Evening classes start from £70 — considerably less than a flight to Barcelona — and you get to eat dinner at the end of it. Full details and booking at efda.co.uk.
