Cook with Cici

Former Airbnb Top HostEnglish-Speaking HostGuests from 40+ CountriesHands-On Shanghai Culture

Choose your experience

Two playful ways to make Chinese dumplings.Two ways to make dumplings.

From$55 USD/ person
Tiered shared-class pricing · Private sessions from US$399

10:00–12:302.5 hoursMake authentic Shanghai xiaolongbao from scratch, discover the stories behind this local favorite, and sit down to enjoy the dumplings you create with Cici.

From$59 USD/ person
Tiered shared-class pricing · Private sessions from US$499

14:30–17:002.5 hoursMake colorful Chinese dumplings from scratch, learn playful shaping techniques and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of cooking, conversation and sharing with Cici.

At Cici’s table

More Than a Cooking Class. A Taste of Shanghai Life.

Gather around Cici’s table for an easygoing introduction to the flavors, stories and everyday rituals behind Chinese food. You’ll make, talk, laugh and eat together — the way memorable travel should feel.

It is less about perfect technique and more about slowing down, meeting a local and leaving with a story you can taste.

About Cici

Moments with travelers

A table full of stories.

Loved by travelers

What Our Guests Say

★★★★★

“One of the highlights of our Shanghai trip. Cici made dumpling making easy, fun and unforgettable.”

Emma
United States · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“More than a cooking class — Cici shared the history and culture behind xiaolongbao.”

Alex
Spain · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“Cici is a wonderful host. Making dumplings together felt like visiting a friend's home.”

Maria
Hong Kong · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“Cici's patience helped me finally learn how to make beautiful soup dumplings.”

Crystal
Singapore · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“A fantastic authentic Shanghai experience with great stories and delicious food.”

Chloe
United Kingdom · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“The class was easy to follow, interactive and suitable even for beginners.”

Daniel
Australia · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“Cici is an amazing teacher who explains every step clearly in English.”

Sophie
France · Klook

★★★★★

“Learning how soup gets inside xiaolongbao was fascinating and memorable.”

Michael
Germany · Klook

★★★★★

“A perfect way to experience local Shanghai culture through food.”

Anna
Italy · Klook

★★★★★

“Great atmosphere, delicious dumplings and a very warm host.”

James
Canada · Klook

★★★★★

“Cici created a relaxed environment where everyone could learn and enjoy.”

Lisa
Australia · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“The cultural stories made this experience much more special than a normal cooking class.”

Tom
United States · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“Our family loved making dumplings together. A great Shanghai memory.”

Sarah
New Zealand · Klook

★★★★★

“Cici combines cooking skills, storytelling and hospitality perfectly.”

Lucas
Brazil · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“The dumplings we made ourselves were delicious and surprisingly easy.”

Julia
Germany · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“A memorable afternoon learning something new in Shanghai.”

Kevin
Singapore · Klook

★★★★★

“Perfect combination of food, culture and personal connection.”

Rachel
United States · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“Cici's English explanations made everything easy to understand.”

Oliver
United Kingdom · Klook

★★★★★

“A unique experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting Shanghai.”

Nina
Switzerland · Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“Not just cooking — it feels like sharing a meal with a local friend.”

David
Canada · Klook

Good to know

Frequently asked questions.

Q: Do I need any cooking experience?

A: Not at all. Both experiences are designed for beginners and first-time cooks. Cici will guide you step by step, so you can relax, enjoy the process and have fun.

Q: Are children welcome?

A: Yes. Children are welcome and are charged at the same per-person rate as adults. Please share their ages and any special needs when booking so Cici can prepare accordingly.

Q: Can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan or other dietary requirements?

A: Vegetarian and pork-free options may be possible with advance notice. Vegan and other dietary requests will need to be confirmed individually. Please include your requirements when booking.

Q: What if I have food allergies?

A: Please describe all food allergies clearly when booking. Cici will review your request and let you know whether the experience can be safely accommodated before the class.

Q: Where does the experience take place?

A: The experience takes place in central Shanghai. The exact address and arrival details will be shared after your booking is confirmed.

Q: How does booking work?

A: Choose your experience, preferred date and group size, then complete payment online. Your booking is confirmed once payment has been successfully completed.

Q: Can I book a private class or group experience?

A: Yes. A private booking reserves the full class for your group, with up to 10 guests. Select the private option when booking to view availability and pricing.

Q: Can I change my date, group size or experience after booking?

A: Yes, changes may be possible depending on availability. If the change affects the booking total, the applicable price difference or service fee will be calculated before the change is confirmed.

Your Shanghai table is waiting

Come hungry.Leave with a story.