Judy is a chef, historian, and award-winning culinary tourism entrepreneur based in Vancouver, where she runs Historical Chinatown Tours and traditional Chinese cooking classes. With deep family roots in the city and a Master’s degree in history, Judy brings rich cultural insight and personal storytelling to every experience. She is passionate about preserving and sharing Chinese Canadian heritage through food, history, and meaningful connections.
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
Cooking experience:
(1-20 guests)
DUMPLING CLASS: Begin with a one-hour guided heritage and food tour of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, led by Judy, a chef, historian, and expert in Chinese culture. Explore cultural landmarks, browse a traditional produce shop, sample Chinese tea, and stop by a beloved bakery. Daytime tours also include special access to heritage buildings typically closed to the public. Next, head to a local restaurant (daytime) or café (evening) for a hands-on dumpling-making class. Using filling and wrappers prepared in advance, learn to fill, shape, and fold your own dumplings. For safety, Judy handles the cooking at the stove, pan-frying or steaming your dumplings before you sit down to enjoy them. Recipes are provided via email. BYOB and vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. Please share any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking.
CANTONESE COOKING CLASS: Prefer something beyond dumplings? Judy also offers an immersive Cantonese cooking experience, where you’ll watch traditional stir-frying, steaming, or braising techniques to prepare a Cantonese meal from scratch. A sample menu you learn to cook might include sticky rice with Chinese sausage and mushrooms; green beans with prawns; and chow fun. Just let her know your preference when booking, otherwise it defaults to a dumpling class. Judy is passionate about preserving the rich culinary traditions of Chinatowns around the world and Cantonese cooking as recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Notes:
1. Sunday evening cooking classes start at 4:30 pm (not 5 pm).
2. The 1:00 pm experience is not available on Sundays or Mondays, as the venue is closed.
3. Unlike most Traveling Spoon experiences, this class takes place in a restaurant or café kitchen, not in a private home. This allows Judy to host you in a professionally equipped space while still offering a warm, personalized, and immersive culinary experience.
4. This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Languages spoken: English, Cantonese, Spanish, French
This was a great experience! We toured Chinatown, went to a local tea shop to sample teas then went back to the meeting place to make the dumplings. Judy knows so much about the history and was really interesting. The dumplings tasted great and were easier than I thought to make!- kimberly October 10, 2026
What an educational experience - far more than just a cooking class. Judy is an exceptionally knowledgeable host with deep roots in Vancouvers Chinatown. We learned a lot about local history, architecture, and culture - being welcomed into the Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada where elders were deeply focused on Mah Jong was particularly special. The dumpling class itself was excellent and I look forward to trying this new-to-me technique back home!- avery September 27, 2026
This was an outstanding experience, we learned so much about the history of China Towns across the world along with a comprehensive history of local Chinese Culture and history. The biggest highlight was making dumplings for a fabulous dinner! We highly recommend it! Bill & Karen from New Jersey- Bill & Karen September 25, 2026
Judy was a great tour guide and an excellent teacher for the dumpling making part of the experience. Highly recommend this tour and activity!- edward September 11, 2026
Casual stroll through historic Chinatown with all the good and bad. Great facility, food and instruction.- jeff August 29, 2026
Traveling Spoon © 2026. All Rights Reserved
Terms | Privacy Policy | Annual Report | Copyright | Blog