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If you’re searching for a cooking course in Zurich, you’re not alone. Switzerland’s largest city is known for its modern charm, financial hub, and quality of life — but also for a growing interest in food education. Whether you’re a local looking to sharpen your culinary skills or a visitor seeking a unique experience, Zurich has a range of culinary workshops to explore.
From professional cooking schools to private chefs hosting themed sessions, the scene is diverse. But is Zurich really the best place in Switzerland to learn how to cook? The answer might surprise you.
What Makes a Great Cooking Course?
A good cooking class is about more than recipes. It’s about learning the why behind the how — understanding flavor balance, knife skills, ingredient quality, and plating techniques. Great courses are hands-on, guided by passionate chefs, and structured to help you build confidence in the kitchen.
In Zurich, you can explore workshops in international cuisine, vegan cooking, fresh pasta, Swiss pastries, and even fermentation or plant-based nutrition. Most are held in studios or kitchens adapted for teaching, and some cater to corporate teams or private groups.
Whether you’re a couple looking for a fun evening, a solo traveler eager to meet locals, or a professional hoping to refine your technique, Zurich does offer variety. However, if you’re looking for a more intimate, chef-led experience, there’s another option worth considering — Geneva.
Geneva: A Culinary Destination in Its Own Right
Geneva is often viewed through the lens of diplomacy and finance, but it also harbors a vibrant food scene — one rooted in seasonal produce, French influence, and artisanal expertise. While it may not have Zurich’s size, it makes up for it in personal, high-quality experiences.
One exceptional name is Laure Platiau, a pastry chef and culinary educator based in Geneva. Laure offers a curated selection of workshops for adults, children, and families. Her classes blend creativity and technique in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Unlike more industrial-style classes in large Swiss cities, Laure’s cooking courses are personal, warm, and immersive. The goal is not just to follow steps, but to understand the process — from mise en place to presentation.
Who Are These Courses For?
Cooking classes appeal to many types of learners. Some are tourists who want to take home more than just chocolate and watches — they want skills, memories, and flavors. Others are locals searching for new hobbies or meaningful activities with friends or partners.
Companies also increasingly use cooking classes as team-building experiences. Zurich offers options for corporate groups, but these events often sacrifice depth for convenience. Geneva’s smaller workshops — particularly with chefs like Laure — offer a more refined alternative: quality learning in an enjoyable, collaborative setting.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced home cook, a class tailored to your level can elevate your confidence and creativity in the kitchen.
Why Consider a Course Outside Zurich?
Zurich’s culinary offerings are solid, but often impersonal. For those looking for something more hands-on, engaging, and rooted in genuine teaching, Geneva has an edge. With a train ride of under three hours, it’s easily accessible for a day trip or weekend escape.
More importantly, Geneva offers a slower, more focused rhythm. Instead of rushing through recipes, you’ll savor the learning process, taste as you go, and leave with not only techniques, but memories.
Inside Laure Platiau’s Cooking Experience
At Laure Platiau’s workshops, you enter a beautifully arranged kitchen space where everything invites exploration — from fresh ingredients to premium tools. Sessions often revolve around themes like seasonal desserts, brunch favorites, French classics, or refined pastry techniques.
Classes are limited in size, creating a space where you can ask questions, learn from others, and receive hands-on feedback. You’ll knead dough, pipe cream, balance flavors — and taste the results together in a convivial moment.
Laure’s approach is both structured and fluid. She combines technical precision from her pastry background with a warm, intuitive teaching style that puts everyone at ease.
Participants often return for new sessions, and many say they’ve learned more in one afternoon with Laure than in years of trying recipes alone.