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5 Best Culinary Schools in Singapore That Will Turn You into a Master Chef!

  • Accreditation and reputation - We researched each school's accreditation status and industry reputation.
It was important for us to ensure that the culinary programs were recognized by relevant educational and culinary authorities such as the Singapore CIA (Culinary Institute of America).
  • Curriculum and specialization options - To understand the breadth and depth of the curriculum offered, we reviewed the course catalogs and syllabi of each school.
We specifically looked for the range of courses offered, from foundational skills to advanced techniques and specializations. We also checked for the inclusion of contemporary culinary trends and technologies in their curriculum.
  • State-of-the-art facilities -  We visited the campuses and evaluated the kitchen labs, equipment, and technologies in use.
We looked for signs of well-maintained, professional-grade kitchens that mimic real-world culinary settings, considering both the quantity and quality of the facilities provided for student use.
  • Industry connections and internship opportunities - We reached out directly to the schools’ career services departments to inquire about their partnerships with local and international culinary establishments.
We also researched alumni success stories and testimonials to understand the efficacy of these connections in facilitating meaningful internships and employment opportunities postgraduation.
  • Pricing and financial assistance - We gathered detailed information on tuition fees and other associated costs from the schools’ admission offices. We also inquired about the availability of financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and flexible payment plans to evaluate the affordability and value proposition of each institution.

I remember my first attempt at a homemade soufflé—it turned out looking more like a flat pancake than a light, airy dessert.

Fast forward a few years, and after enrolling in a culinary basics course (thanks, Grandma, for that perfectly timed birthday gift!), I can now whip up a souffle that impresses my family and friends.

Singapore, our bustling little food paradise, is home to some seriously spectacular culinary schools that can transform even the most hopeless home cooks into gourmet geniuses.

So let’s dig in and find out which of these schools can turn your kitchen dreams into a delicious reality, shall we?

1. Asian Culinary Institute Singapore

asian-culinary-institute-singapore

Services: Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking, Beverages, F&B Service, Training Programmes for Staff, Consulting and Applied R&D, Internship and Job Placements

Location: 11 Eunos Road 8 03-01, Lift, Lobby A Lifelong Learning Institute

Contact: +65 6417 3318

Business hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – Closed

Website

Google reviews score4.8/5
Tripadvisor reviews score5/5
Total reviews4.9/5
Score consistency 4.9/5
Accreditation and reputation3/5
Curriculum and specialization options4.8/5
State-of-the-art facilities4.6/5
Industry connections and internship opportunities4.9/5
Pricing and financial assistance4.7/5

Asian Culinary Institute (ACI) offers a diverse range of courses, from traditional foods to modern pastries. For baking enthusiasts, courses like “Artisan Breads” and “Café-style Breads” are fantastic.

These courses cover both sweet and savory options, ensuring a well-rounded dessert-making experience. When the holiday season comes around, “Christmas Delights” and “Festive Cookies” are perfect for creating celebratory treats.

For those interested in cultural cuisine, ACI provides classes such as “Delectable Mee Delights” and “Character Tang Yuan,” which will help you master iconic local dishes and bring authentic flavors to your cooking.

A student we talked to mentioned to us that she was thrilled with how much she learned, not just in cooking but in baking too.

One thing to note is that some classes might not be WSQ accredited, which could be a downside if you’re after a formal certification.

Pros

  • Diverse range of courses
  • Focus on techniques
  • Specialized holiday courses

Cons

  • Some classes might not be WSQ-accredited

Fantastic chocolate tutorial
“I attended the Chocolate Indulgence class from Asian Culinary Institute.  The institute

has a well trained chef Alex Yen.  He gives us a good tutorial lesson on how to do good chocolate.  His skill is fantastic and gives us a fun and enjoyable lesson for the day.  Will be back for other classes.Thank you.“

Joy Oy, Google Review

Clear and friendly buttercream piping lesson
“The class was host by Chef Alex Yen, he is very friendly and his instructions also very clear. I had a very good butter cream piping lesson here. The class was very fun too. The classroom was well equipped too. Definitely will attend other classes soon!”

Berry Berry, Google Review

2. Commune Kitchen

commune-kitchen

Services: Cooking Classes, Private Cooking Classes, Kitchen Rental, Catering, Team Building

Location: 182 Cecil St, #02-10/11 Frasers Tower

Contact: +65 8821 4805

Business hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Sunday – Closed

Website

Google reviews score5/5
Facebook reviews score5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 5/5
Accreditation and reputation4/5
Curriculum and specialization options4.8/5
State-of-the-art facilities4.9/5
Industry connections and internship opportunities4.8/5
Pricing and financial assistance4.9/5

At Commune Kitchen, everyone is welcome. They have a variety of cooking classes that cater to different needs and skill levels.

Our favorite program has to be the Private Cooking Classes. These classes are super customizable—you get to choose the menu, date, and time, and their team handles all the planning. 

That means you can focus on having fun and learning new skills in the kitchen. They offer a range of cuisines like Singaporean, Indian, Thai, Italian, Korean, and more.

Plus, the classes include a sit-down meal in their private dining area, which makes for a really special experience.

For a more general option, they have Regular Cooking Classes which are quite diverse, covering everything from dumpling making to sushi rolling. 

One thing to keep in mind is the location. If you’re not around Frasers Tower, getting there could be a bit tricky.

Pros

  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Variety of cooking classes
  • Customizable Private Cooking Classes 
  • Planning handled by the team
  • Focus on fun and skill-building
  • Wide range of cuisines offered
  • Includes a sit-down meal 

Cons

  • Location may be inconvenient

Amazing lessons and compassionate guidance
“I’ve been to two lessons – chinese dumplings and kebabs, both which have been amazing. Hopefully a third is on its way. With such an extensive recipe booklet,  and so much to make in the session, there was never a dull moment! My mistakes were met with compassion instead of criticism, which made me feel more confident in my beginner abilities. Thank you, Commune Kitchen!”

Audrey, Google Review

Fantastic culinary experience with warm hospitality
“Dear Chef Payal & Commune Kitchen, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and your wonderful team for the fantastic culinary experience at your studio! Our company building activity was a huge success, and your contributions played a significant role in making it so enjoyable. Your passion for cooking and dedication to excellence shone through in every dish, and we were all impressed by the flavors and presentation. Your studio’s warm and welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home, and your team’s hospitality was top-notch. Thank you again for your hard work and creativity in making our event so memorable. We’re all still raving about the food and the fun we had!”

Nur Rafidah, Google Review

3. Food Playground

food-playground

Services: Cultural Cooking Class, Cooking Team Building, Corporate Wellness & Nutrition, Amazing Chinatown Race, Kids Holiday Cooking Classes

Location: 24A Sago St

Contact: +65 9452 3669

Business hours:

  • Open 24 hours

Website

Google reviews score5/5
Tripadvisor reviews score5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 5/5
Accreditation and reputation4.8/5
Curriculum and specialization options4.6/5
State-of-the-art facilities4.7/5
Industry connections and internship opportunities4.8/5
Pricing and financial assistance4.8/5

Food Playground is renowned for several awards they won, including the 2020-2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best.

One of their best offerings is the Cultural Cooking Class. You get to cook authentic local favorites while learning about Singapore’s rich food heritage and culture.

Even better, these classes are taught by stay-at-home moms and seniors, so you’re learning recipes that have been passed down through generations.

If you’re into team activities, their Cooking Team Building programs are designed to build teamwork in a fun and interactive setting.

Another fantastic option is their Corporate Wellness & Nutrition classes. These are aimed at teaching healthy plant-based cooking, which could be great if your team is looking to eat healthier.

One previous student mentioned to us that this class really helped her transition to a vegan lifestyle.

The only downside is that it’s quite popular, so you might need to book well in advance. 

Pros

  • Renowned for several awards
  • Offers Cultural Cooking Class
  • Stay-at-home moms and senior teachers
  • Provides healthy plant-based cooking

Cons

  • Requires bookings in advance

Pleasant instruction
“I absolutely loved this session! We made my favorite in Singapore and I can’t way to try this at home. This is my second time coming to this class and both sessions were taught by Sara. She is so knowledgeable, conversational, patient and has pleasant mannerisms. I will always visit The Food Playground everytime I visit Singapore. Perfect for solo travelers, couples and family. Thank you Sara!”

Marcdala Fleuristal, Google Review

Hands-on and patient instruction
“Excellent class,  our instructor was very hands-on and patient, giving more time when people were having difficulty.  I know some instructors may have gotten frustrated and taken over. But she allowed us all to complete our own dishes. And my curry was delicious!! We also received a short lesson on Singaporean food and its origins. I would recommend this class to anyone who has a love of cooking. No matter what your skill level is.“

Shalonda Anonymous, Google Review

4. Anatta Culinary Academy

anatta-culinary-academy

Services: Cooking Courses, Baking Courses, Experiential Courses, Junior Chef’s Journey, Birthday Party, Bootcamps, Parent & Child Courses, Corporate Team Building, Groups & Parties, Venue Hire, Chef Consultancy

Location: 130 Neil Rd, Level 1

Contact: +65 8797 0130

Business hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Website

Google reviews score5/5
Facebook review score5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 5/5
Accreditation and reputation4.8/5
Curriculum and specialization options3.5/5
State-of-the-art facilities4.8/5
Industry connections and internship opportunities4.9/5
Pricing and financial assistance4.6/5

Anatta Culinary Academy breaks down recipes into easy, step-by-step instructions suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned home cooks. Whether you’re into baking, cooking, or looking for experiential courses, they’ve got you covered.

They offer all kinds of courses, like essential knife skills and fun cultural experiences like the “Zi Char Food Journey.” You’ll get to learn how to make local favorites like Har Cheong Kai.

And if you’re inspired by Western cuisines, their “5 Essential Knife Cuts” class is a hands-on experience. They even cater to the young ones with their Junior Chefs programs, making cooking fun and educational for kids.

We love how their classes really focus on teaching the basic skills you need to be comfortable in the kitchen.

On the flip side, if you prefer a more fast-paced environment, the focus on simple, detailed teaching might not be quite what you’re looking for.

Pros

  • Provides easy, step-by-step instructions
  • Suitable classes for everyone 
  • Essential knife skills classes 
  • Focuses on basic skills
  • Hands-on experience 

Cons

  • Simplified teaching pace may not suit everyone

Knowledgeable and accommodating chef
“Had a great time with Chef Leigh at the 2 day chocolates masterclass! Chef Leigh was super knowledgeable and helpful, we got to try a variety of different techniques with lots of yummy treats to bring home. They were really accommodating towards my allergies and the included lunch was amazing as well. Highly recommend!”

Jane Chua, Google Review

Great cooking ambiance overlooking the pier
“Great ambience for learning how to cook, overlooking the pier at Sentosa (quayside isle) w/ 2 very articulate chef Sharon and Amelia. They are very attentive to make sure you get the perfect output and were very detailed in their instructions. Fun team building idea for up to 80pax, comes with a lot of equipment and their ovens are from Brandt.”

Benson Toh, Google Review

5. Hungry Mummies

hungry-mummies

Services: Private Cooking Parties, Helper Cooking Classes, Cooking Demonstrations, Class Menus

Location: 58 Telok Blangah Heights

Contact: +65 9743 7685

Business hours:

  • Monday – Closed
  • Tuesday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Sunday – 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Website

Google reviews score5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency 5/5
Accreditation and reputation4.5/5
Curriculum and specialization options3.5/5
State-of-the-art facilities4.8/5
Industry connections and internship opportunities4.9/5
Pricing and financial assistance4.8/5

Hungry Mummies is designed especially for busy parents. They focus on creating family-friendly, nutritious meals that are simple and quick to prepare.

It’s perfect if you’re juggling kids, work, and everything else but still want to put a wholesome meal on the table. Their classes are practical, covering meal prep, cooking techniques, and even menu planning.

One working mom we talked to is very thankful for this program. She said it helped her make healthy meals for her kids without the stress of figuring out what to cook.

Another great thing about Hungry Mummies is the communal vibe—it’s not just about cooking but also about connecting and sharing experiences with other parents.

A potential downside is that it’s very niche. If you’re looking for advanced culinary techniques or professional chef training, this might not be the best fit. Also, the focus on parents may not resonate with everyone.

Pros

  • Designed especially for busy parents
  • Focuses on family-friendly, nutritious meals
  • Simple and quick-to-prepare meals
  • Practical classes
  • Helps reduce stress about meal planning
  • Creates a communal vibe 

Cons

  • Highly niche-focused
  • May not resonate with individuals who are not parents

Fun and systematic cooking lessons for kids
“My teenage daughter had much fun during her first lesson and she requested for more lessons! The teacher is patient and kind. Highly recommended if you want your children to learn cooking in a systematic matter.”

GW, Google Review

Patient and knowledgeable
“Penelope from Hungry Mummies was THE BEST person to train our helper in expanding her repertoire of delicious dishes for our family meals. From first contact till our last lesson, Penelope has been very responsive, patient, flexible to our timing and needs, and always punctual. Our helper was also very grateful to Penelope for being a patient and knowledgeable teacher. She had a wonderful experience and was set up for success. We all have happier and fuller bellies because of Penelope. Thank you!”

Yumin Wong, Google Review