Esther's Cookery — Local services in Amsterdam

This workshop was incredible. With my husband, we wanted to take a cooking workshop. After an extensive research, we found Esther's workshops and it's amazing reviews. And we did not regret booking the workshop! We went on a Saturday evening. First, we were all greeted by Esther and offered a coffee or tea at the upstairs table. Once everyone arrived, Esther gave us a few introductory notes and we than took the party to the kitchen. There, everyone had a recipe waiting for them. Each recipe was different and all recipes together made for a perfect meal. Esther is a perfect host and, like a maestro, she will guide and coordinate and teach, so that at the end, everyone cooks a perfect dish filled with unique flavors. While we cooked, we had the choice between red wine, white wine, tea, coffee or water. Esther also guides you in how to set up beautiful plates and her colleague Jenny is also hands on to assist with any needs or questions. We then all sat down together at the long dining table and enjoyed a wonderful meal together. Great conversations were had and beautiful connections were created. We will definitely be back. A million times better then going to...

Unfortunately, we didn’t enjoy our cooking workshop here. We signed up for a gyoza and ramen workshop, which cost over €100 per person. Given the price, we had high expectations for a more private and hands-on experience. However, the class felt overcrowded: 13 people squeezed into a tiny kitchen with limited space and equipment (we had to wait/take turns to cook because there was not enough tools for everyone). This made it difficult to participate fully, and the chef couldn’t give much individual attention.

As for the food: I was expecting to make the ramen from scratch, but the only part we actually prepared was the noodles. The broth was pre-made by the chef, and honestly, the final dish neither tasted nor looked like the kind of ramen you’d expect from a proper ramen restaurant.

On the positive side, the gyoza part was enjoyable — we got to prepare them entirely from scratch, and they turned out delicious.

To be fair, the chef seemed to do his best under the circumstances, but overall, we left feeling disappointed. For this price point, I wouldn’t recommend...

Food is communication without words, a language that everyone can speak. Yes even when it is just a broodje kaas, sorry dutches ! 🇳🇱😅

For Esther, food is a way of showing where she comes from, who she is and the path she is on. And above all, a way of sharing her beliefs. With her passion, knowledge and sarcasm she shows everyone that vegetarian and vegan food is not only good for yourself and for the planet but also tasty! 🤤🥙🥗

I was looking forward to this cooking class since I opened my Christmas gift months ago and it definitely exceeded my expectations! I discovered all kinds of new flavours and dishes (still dreaming about that babaganoush) and went home with a love-filled stomach and a very happy feeling. ☺️

Last but not least, no food waste at Esther’s Cookery ,you can even bring home the #leftovers! ♻️

Many thanks Esther for your energy and passion. Please adopt me so I can cook everyday and we can get all the...