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Why Your Next Trip to Italy Deserves a Private Cooking Class
So you’re planning your trip to Italy. You have your flights to Rome booked, and your train to Florence or Cortona booked. You’ve been researching the top things you must do in Rome, and the best things to do in Florence. Reading through everything, and…
Gluten-Free Italy: The Essential Guide 2026
Pasta…pizza…bread… Italy might seem like a nightmare for anyone on a gluten-free diet. Surprisingly, it is actually one of the safest and most accommodating places in the world for celiacs and gluten-sensitive travelers. Far from being a land where wheat is non-negotiable, Italy treats gluten…
Vegan Bali: The Essential Guide 2026
Bali isn’t just friendly to vegans. It’s one of the most vegan-dense destinations on Earth. With over 200 plant-based restaurants across the island and a cuisine that was already heavily plant-based before the word “vegan” existed, the island offers something rare: a place where vegan…
The Best Countryside Cooking Classes in Tuscany for Families
The Tuscany region of central Italy is geographically diverse, spanning mountains in the north, river valleys, and coastal beaches. Tuscany is famous for its vineyard-covered landscapes across rolling hills, and the culinary traditions across generations that came with it. One of the more popular regions…
Sicilian Cooking Classes with Kids: From Markets to Family Tables
Taking a cooking class in Sicily is a dramatically different experience from taking one in Rome or Florence. Many are not in commercial kitchens at all. The classes are held in real family homes, with market tours that start on the chaotic streets of Palermo…
The Best Pizza-Making Classes in Naples for Families
The birthplace of pizza: Naples. The art of Neapolitan “Pizzaiolo”, or pizza maker, is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Now, your kids might not care about the UNESCO rating, but the chance to make pizza at its birthplace will have them…
Where to Make Gelato in Florence: A Family Guide
Florence offers two completely different ways to make gelato with your kids: a quick city-center class that can fit between museum visits, or a half-day countryside escape into the Tuscan hills. Both are marketed as “family-friendly,” but they serve different ages, budgets, and travel styles….
We Took 5 Cooking Classes in Rome to Find the Best for Families
Rome has hundreds of cooking classes marketed as “family friendly.” And if you look through Cookly‘s 50+ experiences in Rome, there are over 20 that added the “family-friendly” label. Through years of sending thousands of travelers to these classes, and taking many ourselves, we realized…
Best Co-Working Spots in Ubud for Food-Loving Digital Nomads
Ubud has become one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved destinations for remote workers, and it’s easy to see why. Beyond the rice terraces and yoga studios, there’s a thriving community of digital nomads who’ve discovered what foodies have known for years: this town takes eating…
Koh Phangan’s Private Chef: A Spotlight on Island Cuisine
Nestled in Koh Phangan’s verdant jungles and serene beaches, Private Chef Mendy is redefining the island’s dining scene. From her vibrant DJ past to her current culinary escapades, she’s a story in every dish she serves. From Touring the World as a DJ to Becoming…
Why Taking Cooking Classes Is a Must for Your Next Holiday
Everyone needs some time off work to relax and recharge. A vacation is a blessing if you’re feeling burnt out, stressed, or simply want to give it all a break. But one can feel content relaxing under the sun and sipping cocktails only so much….
Gift Ideas for Parents this Holiday Season
You spent your whole childhood with them so shopping for a gift shouldn’t be that difficult, right? That’s not always the case. Sometimes it’s just tricky knowing what to buy for those who raised you. They seem to have everything they need or they go…
The Best Gift Ideas for Men Who Have Everything
Many people believe men are very difficult to buy for. Some of their interest are too niche or too expensive. Or they just go ahead and buy what they want. Maybe they just seem to not want anything! Whatever you’re dealing with, it might be…
The 15 Best Things to Make in a Mortar and Pestle in 2026
The “crafted condiments” movement has exploded in 2026, with industry surveys showing 90% of consumers are now open to trying new condiment products rather than reaching for the same bottled sauces. But instead of buying premium $12 jars of chimichurri or za’atar, home cooks are…
Homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe
Are you ready to give your salads a bold and flavorful makeover? Look no further than this zesty and delicious Caesar dressing recipe. Caesar dressing is the perfect way to add a punch of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors altogether, and it’s sure to be…
Delicious and Creamy Guacamole Recipe
Guacamole is a delicious and versatile dip made of ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and a blend of aromatics and seasonings. It’s especially popular in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines and loved all around the world. The best thing about guacamole is that it’s so easy…
The Best Hummus Recipe
If hummus is not in your weekly rotation of dips, hang tight because you’re about to add the perfect side dish to your cookbook. You can dip hummus with some pita or vegetables, smear it on a sandwich, or serve it with roasted meat. It…
Fresh Gremolata Recipe
Gremolata is an amazing flavor booster for your dishes. This zesty, fresh condiment is simply made with minced parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, and it’s the perfect finishing touch for roast meats, fish, soups, and stews. Simple to make, gremolata is bright and bold with…
Delicious Basil Pesto (Alla Genovese) made with Mortar and Pestle
Italian pesto comes in all sorts of shapes and colors, but most people know the delicious basil pesto. And there seems to be a reason why this recipe is almost a universal constant when talking about pesto: it’s heavenly delicious! The basil pesto is a…
The impact of Professional rotisseries on modern cuisine
Elevate Your Culinary Creations with Professional Rotisseries As culinary enthusiasts and professionals strive for excellence, the importance of high-quality cooking equipment becomes evident. Among the must-have tools in any serious kitchen is the professional rotisserie. Renowned for its ability to evenly cook meats while preserving their…
The Best Bread Slicers for your Kitchen
Have you ever tried to slice bread with a regular knife? It’s agonizing. Especially if you have a fresh loaf in your hands that you can’t wait to slather with some creamy peanut butter. Fortunately, today there are handy bread slicers to assist you on…
The 20 Essential Indian Spices
The fragrant and aromatic spices are the foundation of Indian cuisine. They bring a touch of authentic spirit to all the famous dishes. From curry, rice, and dals to vegetables and meaty stews, be they humble or celebratory, Indian dishes are flavored with a combination…
How Kitchen Curtains Can Complement Your Kitchen Style
From function to the statement, curtains always have a saying in interior design. An appropriate choice of curtains can really transform the feeling of the space, and kitchens are no exception. Because curtains are very powerful design pieces, it’s quite important to do your diligence…
5 Tips and Tricks for Starting an Indoor Herb Garden
Most dishes do better with a fresh, herbaceous touch. Not only salads, too; you should cook with and garnish your masterpiece dishes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs anytime you can. The absolute best way to do this is to grow a herb garden in…
Essential Tools for Cooking Vietnamese Food
Vietnamese cuisine, also known as the “Saigon kitchen,” is renowned for its harmonious blend of fresh herbs and bold condiments, achieving a great harmony of aromatics, heat, sweetness, and sourness in every dish. From the traditional staples to the more modern fusion dishes, the vibrant…
The Top 11 Best Baking Pans
The first thing any seasoned baker will tell you is that baking is all about precision. The key to perfect treats is not only mastering the precise ingredient ratio, timing, and technique but making sure you have the right baking equipment, too. A top-quality baking…
Top 7 Small Mortar and Pestle Sets
Mortar and pestle sets are an elegant and timeless addition to any kitchen, whether it belongs to a traditional household or a celebrity chef. These ancient tools have been around for centuries, and despite the advent of modern appliances like blenders and food processors, they…
Top Cities in Thailand to Explore Thai Food
What makes Thai food amazing is that it celebrates fresh ingredients and bold flavors at the same time. A Thai dish is never complete without combining something spicy, sour, sweet, and salty. The tricks Thai cooks have been incorporating seem to be working just fine,…
The Best Kitchen Accessories Under $20
You might be very competent in the kitchen department, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself with little gadgets every now and then. Plus, some of these items aren’t even gadgets but must-have tools for a complete kitchen. There are lots of handy kitchen…
10 Cooking Quotes to Inspire You in the Kitchen
If you’re reading this article, you probably know how cooking can be one of the best things you can do for yourself or your loved ones. Food lies at the bottom of the pyramid of needs, but good food can take you to the peak…
Best Grocery Stores in the United States
Considering the enormity of the United States, the sheer number of supermarket chains across the country is hardly surprising. Some grocery stores are more common in certain regions rather than others. For instance, you have Wegmans in New York but lack Publix, which is typical…
Top 10 Kitchen Bar Stools for Your Kitchen
Bar stools are convenient and popular seating solutions for all kinds of kitchens nowadays. Probably because sitting on a stool and nursing your wine while your friend is preparing dinner is a much more casual arrangement than hanging out on dining room chairs. Seriously, when…
Must-Try Dishes in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the most exotic destinations you’ll ever hit. The outlandish archipelago has thousands of years of history and consists of around the same number of big and small islands laden with jade rice fields, smoldering volcanos, and heavenly tropical shores. The…
14 Ways to Use Pesto
You probably know pesto as the divine sauce that boosts pasta to a whole different level, but if that’s the only way you’ve been using it so far, it’s time you reconsider its versatility and power. Pesto goes great with pizza, lasagna, vegetables, rice, meat…Seriously,…
11 Design Ideas for Rustic Kitchens
Have you ever dreamed of living a slower-paced life in a country house away from the chaos of the city? If so, you probably love the rustic interior design trend. Interior design is far more than wall tilings and matching counter stools. It helps us…
A Guide to Nuts: Benefits and How to Cook With Them
Small yet powerful, nuts are packed with countless health benefits and can be great additions to any meal. If you know how to make good use of different nuts, you can turn a regular dish into a creamy wonder with delicious earthy notes. Read on…
The Best Food Experiences in Japan in 2025
Japan is a captivating culture where ancient traditions seamlessly intertwine with contemporary innovation, cutting-edge technology, and arts. The bustling streets of Tokyo, the tranquil temples of Kyoto, and the vibrant street food scene in Osaka all add to the country’s rich culture. Its unique combination…
The Top 4 Vegetarian Cooking Classes in Japan
Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate flavors, intricate presentation, and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. However, for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, navigating the traditional Japanese food scene might seem challenging, as many dishes contain meat or fish-based ingredients. Well, we…
What is Ramen? A Beginner’s Guide
What is Ramen? Ramen, beyond its often-misunderstood reputation as a quick and simple meal, is actually a dish steeped in cultural heritage and culinary artistry. The combination of ingredients that make up a bowl of ramen can vary greatly from region to region and from…
Suribachi and Surikogi: The Japanese Mortar and Pestle
All the cultures on earth have their own take on mortar and pestle, made of materials found in their backyards, like the Mexican molcajete, Thai granite mortar, or Italian marble mortar. Their purpose is simple: to crush, smash, grind, and pulverize, making it easy to…
Best Uses of Aioli
If there’s one condiment that can be a fit for your breakfast, light summer lunch, barbecue parties, and fancy dinner nights, it’s nothing but aioli! If you’ve never whipped up a batch for yourself, let us assure you that aioli is so easy to make…
10 Home-Made Vegan Fast Food Recipes
Going vegan doesn’t mean you have to abstain from the pleasures of the fast food industry. These days, you can even have a plant-based Whopper Burger, also known as the impossible burger, when you long for a guilty pleasure. Everyone loves burgers, fries, tacos, and…
Must Try Lebanese Dishes
‘Lebanon is a small mountainous Mediterranean country. Yet it’s a major commercial and cultural crossroad since the Phoenician era, 300 BC. Lebanese cuisine will get you in a heated debate over the origins of the dishes. Is it Israeli? Syrian? Turkish, or maybe Moroccan? The…
Best Cooking Podcasts You Should Be Listening To
From science and history to humor and culture, you can never run out of things to say about food. If you agree, here are the 10 best cooking podcasts coming to you from world-class chefs, talented comedians, academics, and more. These podcasts can teach you…
Best Food Experiences in Bologna
Squeezed in between popular Italian cities like Florence, Venice, and Milan, Bologna is often unfairly overshadowed. We promise you that the food here will never fail to amaze you, whether it’s your first time or fifth. Do you think we’re exaggerating? Join us as we…
A Guide to Honey: Different Types and How to Use Honey in Your Kitchen
A Guide to Honey: What it is and How to Use It A long time ago, one of our ancestors stumbled upon a honeycomb in a tree, fought off the bees courageously, and got hold of the holy golden nectar. Unsurprisingly, our kind has been…
Wooden vs. Stone Mortar and Pestle – Full Comparison
The 2026 kitchen is in the middle of a material reckoning. Food & Wine’s trend forecast lists wooden utensils and cutting boards as top “in” products while plastic gets pushed out, driven by chatter about reducing microplastics and a preference for naturally antimicrobial surfaces. This…
How to Set Up Your Dream Kitchen
A kitchen renovation can be one of the most exciting home improvement projects a homeowner can undertake. Just the idea of the perfect kitchen of one’s dreams is enough to warm your heart — and make you want to cook your favorite recipes. But when…
Best Homemade Chili Sauce Recipes From Around the World
It’s funny how we like to spice things up by adding those tear-inducing, sinus-clearing condiments to our food. Even though the plant is native to Central America, today, chili peppers seem to be everywhere, from Columbia to China. Let’s talk about the sweet and spicy…
Best Storage Containers for Pantry and Cabinets
Organizing your cupboards and pantry ain’t no puppy, but we all got to start from somewhere. With the right containers and organizers, you can even turn the clean-up into a pretty fun task. If you are the type who keeps their ingredients in their bags,…
20 Best Foods to Remedy a Hangover
So, you had a night out and lost track of the drinks; now you’re not at your best, possibly feeling nauseous and fatigued. Headaches, as well as sensitivity to sound and light, are all there to top it off — you’re hungover. Well, we have…
20 Korean Street Foods You Must Try
Whether you’re in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju Island, the busy streets of South Korea abound with all kinds of mouth-watering smells. In fact, many people will tell you that Korean street food has been the highlight of their trip to Korea. After all, it’s affordable,…
20 Dishes You Have to Try in Peru
Peru has always been an extraordinary destination for gastronomy. The ingredients are as diverse as they get, the dishes are creative and extraordinary, and all the foodies who have visited the country returned to their home countries satisfied and with a lot to tell. Peruvian…
15 Must-Try Foods in Barcelona
The Catalan capital is a place full of wonders that everyone should visit at least once. There’s the striking architecture of famous architect Gaudi’s buildings, the breathtaking Sagrada Familia, gothic cathedrals, sun-dappled squares, and cute little alleyways full of surprises. You can spend some time…
All You Need to Know About Cast Iron Skillets
Cast iron skillets are as heavy-duty as they look. They are sturdy, retain heat better than any other cookware, and can make your kitchen look much cooler when hung over a rack. Although cast iron skillets can do more than regular kitchenware in terms of…
Top 10 Ground Chicken Recipes
You might not be used to using ground chicken in the kitchen, especially since it’s not as popular as ground beef, pork, or even turkey. However, when you use it right, ground chicken can be a staple and help you spice up your weekly meal…
What is Korean Barbecue? Side Dishes, Meats & More – A Full Guide
Korean barbecue restaurants are popping up like mushrooms all around Western countries but are they worth the hype? The short answer is yes, Korean barbecue is superbly delicious and versatile. It’s a great food option when looking for a fun and tasty way to entertain…
10 Easy Party Foods for Your Next Gathering
So, you’re throwing a party and looking for slam-dunk appetizers that’ll fit everyone’s tastes? After all, a full belly comes before a happy heart, and that’s exactly what you need to get the party started and have a blast. Here, you’ll find ideas for the…
The Food Processor vs. Mortar and Pestle: Which is Better? (2026)
In 2026, the global mortar and pestle market is valued at over $1.6 billion and is growing at 5.6% annually, fueled by a post-pandemic return to home cooking and wellness trends favoring natural, minimally processed ingredients. Social media and influencer-driven content have spotlighted traditional grinding…
The Many Uses of Mason Jars
Mason jars are amazingly well suited for many jobs, both in and outside the kitchen. They are durable, sealable, non-toxic, aesthetically pleasing, and dishwasher and microwave safe. And if you frequently buy foods like sauces and pickles, you’ll essentially get them for free. Until recently,…
Preparing Perfect Salads Every Time
If your salads are too dry, you might have a problem that needs addressing. We should probably cut back on the puns, but we can’t fail to notice the uncanny resemblance between dad jokes and salads. They both make people smile uncomfortably out of politeness,…
How to Put Leftovers to Good Use
Would you go to the market, get two bags of food, and then throw one of them in the garbage on your way back home? No, of course not, what kind of silly question is that? Although this seems absurd, up to one-third of all…
Tips and Tricks for Beginner Foragers
Foraging is the act of identifying and picking up edibles in nature. Although there has been a renewed interest in it in recent years – especially as part and parcel of the whole cottagecore aesthetic – foraging has been part of everyday living before we…
Fermented Foods Around the World
What if I told you that your fridge contains something that’s over 9,000 years old? No need to ring the alarm, they’re quite friendly. Fermented foods have been around since the beginning of time. Even though our ancestors didn’t know about the germ theory back…
Cooking With Wine: Which Wines and Which Recipe?
Although it may sound a bit intimidating and fancy, cooking with wine is a surprisingly simple way of serving an unforgettable dish. The pleasant smell of a dish simmered in wine evokes a whole range of emotions even in the timidest of eaters. Today, we’ll…
Steaming Food in the Kitchen
You may have heard that steaming your veggies instead of pan cooking them is much healthier, so you’re trying to make steaming a part of your cooking routine. If that’s the case, we’ve got you covered! We’ll tell you everything you need to know to…
Top Dishes to Try in Turkey
Turkish cuisine is the heritage of an empire cuisine — namely, the Ottoman Empire – so it carries influences from different cultures and culinary traditions. Even though Turkish cuisine is famous for its kebabs, it also features Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, along with a…
Best Pasta Making Classes in Florence
If you’re visiting Italy, you just won’t be able to get enough of the beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and amazing food, especially if you’re a pasta lover! And what’s a better way to have pasta than to make it yourself by taking one of our…
Best Food Tours in Mexico City
Mexican food is quite an indulgence, and what better way to enjoy it than tasting the local delicacies by visiting as many places as you can around town? When you visit Mexico City, you’ll see that the food is almost as colorful as the culture…
Best Pasta Making Classes in Tuscany
Tuscany spreads over the stunning countryside and gorgeous coastline in central Italy. And its capital, Florence, is full of culture and history that’ll leave you in awe. Delicious Italian food is famous worldwide. Italians have always taken the cooking business to heart, and pasta is…
15 Spice Blends You Should Be Using in Your Kitchen
Spices enhance the flavor and add color to our dishes, providing a rich culinary experience. In other words, they excite our taste buds! Spices are plant parts that are potent in phytochemicals. Depending on the plant, these phytochemicals have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulent, and carminative…
Mortar and Pestle vs. Spice Grinder: Which One Wins?
Whole spices are staging a comeback in home kitchens, with market analysts projecting the whole-spice segment to grow at 5.6% annually through 2033 — the fastest growth rate in the seasoning industry. Social media cooking content has accelerated the shift, as Gen Z and millennial…
Marble vs. Granite Mortar and Pestle – The Full Comparison
White marble dominated kitchen aesthetics for nearly a decade, but by 2026 the pendulum has swung hard toward dark granite for actual cooking. Search interest in “marble vs granite mortar and pestle” has roughly doubled since 2022, largely from home cooks who bought beautiful Carrara-style…
Best Pans for Cooking Fish Any Style
Perfect pan-seared fish should have moist and tender flesh, crisp skin, and fully-rendered fat. It sounds tricky — and it is without the right tips and tricks — but you can master the art of cooking fish in the pan once you know your way…
Best Measuring Cups for Everyday Use
What a measuring cup does is pretty straightforward. It measures the volume of different types of ingredients, such as water, oil, milk, sugar, flour, or rice. Knowing the exact ratio of the ingredients in your recipe gives you some flexibility. It allows you to understand…
Kitchen Lighting Ideas – What to Look For
Lighting up your kitchen the right way is an important step that many people mistakenly overlook. Cleverly placed lighting adds another dimension to your space and brings the room to life. In the kitchen, you need proper lighting both to direct attention to the most…
37 Great Christmas Gifts for Your Favorite Chef
The holiday season is a great opportunity to show our loved ones how much we appreciate them. If you’re lucky enough to have an executive chef in your close circle – especially if that precious someone is in charge of the Christmas dinner table –…
Farmers Markets and Why You Should Support Them
With the sprawl of chain stores and supermarkets, local markets and local producers are disappearing by the day. But they are very important figures in bringing high-quality food to our tables. Small producers can sell their products directly to the public at farmers markets. Buying…
Hand Mixers vs. Immersion Blenders
Although hand mixers and immersion blenders are sometimes used interchangeably for certain tasks, they were actually designed for different purposes. A hand mixer is the kitchen tool you reach for to whip eggs or cream, mix cookie dough and cake batter, or make condiments like…
10 Most Needed Italian Kitchen Tools
With its well-known dishes emulsified in fresh tomato, basil, mozzarella, parmesan, or fresh salads with balsamic vinegar, Italian cuisine is inviting for both gourmets and cooks around the world. The good news is, you don’t have to be a master chef to prepare Italian food…
A Guide to Cooking Oils
Oil is one of the staple ingredients every kitchen in the world needs to have. The processing of edible oils started thousands of years ago. Soy oil emerged nearly 4 thousand years ago in China, and the Mediterranean cultures started making olive oil as far…
40 Housewarming Gifts for Friends and Family
A housewarming gift is a thoughtful way to celebrate a milestone in your loved one’s life. It should be memorable, sentimental, beautiful, and functional. Need inspiration? We’ve got you covered with great ideas from kitchen gifts to zen toys so that you turn up with…
17 Unique Cooking Gifts for Chefs Who Have Everything
Experienced chefs usually have a working system and are pretty picky about adding new things to their arsenal. However, it won’t hurt to try and introduce them to new tools they don’t yet know they need or spoil them with some fancy equipment they wouldn’t…
The Best Gifts for People Who Like to Bake
Are you one of the lucky ones who has a baker for a friend? In that case, it’s time to thank them for all those cakes and apple pies with a thoughtful gift. If you don’t want to give them another set of cupcake holders,…
Best Gifts for Those Who Love Outdoor Cooking
Eating outdoors is a great way to spend time with friends and family, and we’re grateful to all the grill masters who make the experience possible. If you’d like to show your appreciation for the great outdoor cook of your tribe, here are some inspiring…
20 Easy, Everyday Breakfast Ideas
The best mornings start with the smell of brewed coffee coming from the kitchen and a plate of fluffy pancakes or a Spanish omelet. Add some homemade jam or freshly squeezed orange juice to that peaceful portrait, and you get the breakfast of your dreams!…
The Best Edible Flowers and How to Cook With Them
They say flowers are nature’s way of laughing. And it’s true. Simply by being their beautiful selves, they lighten up our moods, so why not use them in the kitchen to lighten up our dishes too? Everybody knows that a good presentation plays a big…
Kitchen Rugs and Their Importance for Your Kitchen
Are you one of those who believe that a carpet and a kitchen can’t mix like water and oil? We’re here to change your mind. The kitchen is the heart of the home, where we prepare and serve meals for our family and friends. So,…
Top 5 Uses of Digital Kitchen Scales
Some cooks like to eyeball the ingredient amount, while others like to trust the consistency of measurements. If you’re one of the latter, we’re here to tell you how digital kitchen scales can significantly improve your dishes. This kitchen tool is very easy to use…
How to Cook Rice – 5 Ways
Rice is a simple and affordable ingredient. If you don’t regularly enjoy some fluffy or sticky rice already, read along. Once you learn the dos and don’ts of cooking rice, it’ll easily be your go-to side dish for your curries and meat dishes. And if…
How to Store Vegetables
Using fresh ingredients is crucial to creating mouth-watering dishes but even the freshest produce from your farmers’ market can result in a mediocre dish if you don’t store the veggies in ideal conditions. It’s a tale as old as time: how to store your fresh…
The Must-Haves for Cooking Thai Food
Thai basil, lemongrass, coconut milk, ginger: Thai cuisine is fragrant and full of exotic flavors. The famous Pad Thai might be the first thing that comes to your mind when talking about Thai food, but the cuisine includes many different combinations that will tickle your…
The Many Ways of Grinding Spices
Spices are aromatic elements of plant origin that have a strong or pungent taste. Ripe fruits, plant seeds (e.g. chili, dill, fennel), and the bulb of the root of a plant (e.g. garlic and ginger) are all spices. Not only are they tasty, but they…
How to Choose the Right Tagine for Your Kitchen
Tagines are earthenware pots that have been used for centuries to cook delicious stews. These colorful dishes with pointy tops are a staple of North African cuisine and you can see them in all the bazaars across Morocco and Algeria. They can be large enough…
The Must-Try Foods While Visiting Fez, Morocco
Morocco, a colorful and exciting North African country, offers travelers a rich historical heritage, exotic bazaars, unique architecture, and natural wonders alongside wonderful cuisine. Inspired by many cultures, such as the Middle Eastern, African, French, Andalusian, and Berber, Moroccan cuisine is a reflection of multicultural…
Top 10 Uses for Ramekins
Ramekins, also known as soufflé dishes, are little porcelain pots used for preparing and serving small portions of all sorts of dishes. This petite dish originated in France, where French chefs have been using it for over a century to serve amazing desserts, soups, and…
The Two Types of Thai Mortar and Pestle Explained: Stone vs. Clay
Thai cuisine’s global popularity has surged past the restaurant level and into home kitchens, with cooks from Brooklyn to Berlin now hunting down the specific tools that make som tam and nam prik taste unmistakably Thai. The clay-and-wood mortar set once confined to Isaan street…
KitchenAid Mixers and their Competitors
You’ll easily find KitchenAid mixers proudly displayed on kitchen countertops all over the world. Whether it’s the pandemic-induced baking boom or the rising popularity of bake-off shows, stand mixers are becoming a hot topic once again. But is a KitchenAid mixer really an indispensable kitchen…
Must-Try Dishes in Colombia
With its quaint colonial towns, fascinating big cities, tropical resorts, mountains, and oceans, Colombia is one of South America’s best-kept secrets. Its diverse cultures, dynamic landscapes, and history full of stories make Colombia an alluring place to explore and even more dynamic cuisine. Colombia is…
Top Campfire Cooking Kits
Being out in nature is a great way to recharge and reconnect with yourself, your family, and your friends. Until everybody starts to feel hungry. And if you don’t have the means to prepare a hot comforting meal, we all know things can go south…
The 6 Best Knife Sharpeners for Your Kitchen [2025 Guide]
In this article, we’ll go through the different types of knife sharpeners and review the best knife sharpeners you can get for your kitchen. Let’s get started! How often should you sharpen your knife? The answer is quite simple: whenever it no longer cuts with…
Best Saucepans for Your Kitchen
As their name suggests, saucepans are the number-one tool for cooking sauce. They are also handy for making soups and stews or preparing delicious gravies. Besides, when you want to cook or heat up some liquid food, using a saucepan is so much easier than…
Top 6 Cutting Boards for Your Kitchen
A nice cutting board is one of the must-have tools every cook needs in their kitchen. To protect your countertop and keep food preparation hygienic, you should always use a cutting board when chopping, slicing, or cutting something, whether it’s cheese, steak, onions, or fruit….
Gyoza: The Story and Variations of the Japanese Dumplings
An appetizing aroma, a crispy bottom, and a firm, translucent top… When you put this food in your mouth, you feel the taste of a juicy mix of meat and vegetables, while the chewy dough reveals the savory stuffing that’s coming out as you bite….
Best Mixing Bowls and Sets
Mixing bowls are generally not the first item that comes to mind when thinking of kitchen essentials. That’s why it didn’t make its way to our must-have kitchen tools article. Still, both pro and home cooks will reach out for their set of mixing bowls…
28 Useful Gifts for People Who Like to Cook
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the cook in your family or group of friends, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best gifts for people who love to cook, regardless of whether they’re professional chefs or serious…
Top Foods to Try in Venice
Venice, the capital of the maritime republic and the capital of La Serenissima, more commonly known as the Republic of Venice, has always been one of the most important Italian cities. Thanks to its location and the foreign influences that have enriched it over the…
A Guide to Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is such a distinctive vinegar that it belongs in its own category. Many people consider it the “crown jewel” of the vinegar family. If you too find that it’s your favorite salad dressing or condiment for your steak, stick around to hear its…
Best Markets in Mexico City
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best markets in Mexico city, where you can find authentic food, handmade crafts, thrifts, and many other exciting things that you can either feast upon on the spot or bring home with you as a souvenir. Mexico…
How to Choose the Best Olive Oil: A Guide
Olive oil might be one of the more expensive staple items sitting on your kitchen shelves. And it’s totally worth it – it’s healthy, useful, and makes everything more delicious. In this article, we’ll talk about the differences between these types of olive oil as…
Where to Go for a Wine Tasting in Porto
Porto is one of the best destinations in the world to enjoy a glass of fine wine. The city is famous for its wine that’s of the same name: Porto, or Port in the local language. It’s really hard to find bad wine in Porto…
Molcajete vs. Granite Mortar and Pestle – Full Comparison
Molcajetes have graduated from restaurant decor to serious home-kitchen equipment in 2026, with cooking schools from Seattle to Isla Mujeres now offering dedicated molcajete salsa classes as standard curriculum. The “hybrid cooking” trend — blending traditional tools with modern techniques — has made the three-legged…
How to Season a Brand New Mortar and Pestle – Full Guide (2026)
The pandemic-era surge in home cooking flooded kitchens with unseasoned granite mortars that spent more time as countertop decor than as food-prep tools. By 2026, rising interest in zero-waste, long-lasting kitchenware — coupled with viral social media tutorials demonstrating proper curing techniques — has finally…
10 Ways to Reduce Waste in the Kitchen
Food waste is a serious problem. According to this report by UNEP, approximately 1 of every 3 food items is wasted, which is a considerable number, especially considering the scarcity problem in the less advantageous regions in the world. However, it’s something that can be…
How to Clean a Mortar and Pestle
Mortar and pestles have been used for thousands of years in many different cultures worldwide. After all, crushing food before eating is likely one of the first things humankind discovered about cooking, and the mortar and pestle were likely discovered right after! This ancient tool…
A Guide to Soy Sauce
Let’s talk soy sauce. This versatile, and nowadays mega-popular condiment has been made in East Asian countries for centuries, where it’s an inseparable part of the cuisine. It’s at the heart of “umami”, also known as savoriness, the fifth basic taste naturally found in meats…
The Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand, and it feels like a village out of a Pixar movie. The place is full of friendly people from all over the world and the cuisine is most definitely unique. Here we’ll be listing the best…
15 Must-Eat Foods in Lisbon
Apart from being one of the most interesting places on earth in terms of its history, culture, and nature, Lisbon is particularly great for eating out. The capital city is located at the Western end of Europe and above Gibraltar Bay, a melting pot of…
Best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon – 6 Places to Try
Lisbon is a city right out of stories, with its rich history, culture, and of course, cuisine. There are many delicious dishes you should try out while you are in Lisbon, including the city’s famous pastel de nata. These delicious egg tarts are the landmark…
34 Must-Have Kitchen Tools
Kitchen utensils are not only essential for unlocking different recipes in your cookbooks, but they also make your life easier. Needless to say, you don’t have to spend your paycheck on countless kitchen gadgets to be a good cook. A good cook knows it’s not…
How to Store Your Knives
Any culinary enthusiast will tell you that the most important tools in a kitchen are, undoubtedly, knives. The sound of all the chopping and slicing is music to any foodie’s ears, which is why you need your knives to be in tip-top shape. But don’t…
How to Decorate Your Kitchen Countertop
Are you looking for ways to decorate your countertop space? We’re all for it! Since your work surface is where every good recipe starts, beautifying it can have a big impact on the time you spend in your kitchen and your creativity with your home…
That Guy From Naples: Neapolitan Pizza and Where to Eat It
Our introduction to Naples continues with That Guy From Naples explaining to us what makes Neapolitan pizza so special and why it’s a global phenomenon. He will then recommend his favorite places to grab a pizza while visiting Naples. In 2017, the art of the…
Meet That Guy From Naples: An Introduction to His Home
Through the years, Cookly has made friends, partners, and collaborators all over the world. Friends who share our obsession with cooking, food, and food cultures. We constantly benefit from their expertise and knowledge, their love for what they grew up eating. That Guy From Naples…
Exploring China’s Diversity of Food and Culture with Lost Plate: a Q&A with Co-Founder Brian Bergey
Lost Plate, a partner of Cookly, has spent years providing delicious and delightful food tours in China, Cambodia, and Portland, Oregon. I had the chance to take their hutong food tour in Beijing in 2019. It was a great experience, eating some of the best…
Anthony Bourdain’s World Travel: A Book Review
So many of the good times traveling this world relate directly to finding a human face to associate with your destination, the food you eat, and the memories you’ll keep with you forever. The best times are when it’s impossible to be cynical about anything….
The 12 Best Mortar and Pestle sets you need in 2025
A mortar and pestle is an essential tool in the kitchen. Historically important to cuisines around the world and still used in many kitchens today, the mortar and pestle is perfect for smashing and grinding, emulsifying and breaking down tough fibers. No electric food processor…
How to Choose the Best Mortar and Pestle in 2026 [Complete Buyer’s Guide]
In 2026, shoppers scrolling Amazon for a mortar and pestle face thousands of listings ranging from $12 ceramic trinkets to $200-plus handcrafted granite, making the buying decision harder than ever. Tariffs on imported kitchen goods have pushed up the prices of mass-produced stone by roughly…
Authentic Thai Green Curry Paste Recipe
This Thai Green Curry Paste recipe comes to us from our Cookly Ambassador Mendy from Thailand. For this recipe we recommend using a mortar and pestle to control the texture of your paste and release all flavors of your ingredients. Further below we share our…
Unique and Fun Things to Do in Paris
Bonjour! Are you ready to explore this remarkable city? Paris has been one of the top places to visit mainly because it is full of culture and beauty. There is something for everyone whether you are a foodie, a fashionista, or an art connoisseur. Paris…
Must Eat Authentic Greek Foods in Athens
Are you looking for the best and most authentic Greek food to eat in Athens? Greek food is loved all over the world and is known for being packed with flavor and using a lot of fresh ingredients. You can enjoy a variety of Greek food…
Top Fun Things to Do in Athens
Athens: The Heart of Ancient Greece Are you searching to find some of the best Athens has to offer? As the capital and largest city of Greece, there is no shortage of things to do in Athens. From 5th-century landmarks to rolling hills dotted with…
The Ultimate Mexico City Street Food Guide
Heading to Mexico City and looking for scrumptious local dishes? Don’t limit yourself to just restaurants. After all, Mexico City, or CDMX (Ciudad de Mexico), is a street food paradise! No matter how familiar you are with Mexican food, you’re sure to go crazy for…
5 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking Classes in Mexico City
Mexico City offers travelers a wide variety of sights and sounds to take in while exploring this vast city. One of the best ways to get to know a city is by tasting its authentic flavors through its local cuisine. Here are five of Cookly’s…
Nabemono: The Delicious Variations of Japanese Hot Pot
When temperatures drop across Japan, people begin looking for ways to keep warm. For mealtime, the best way is to gather friends and family around for nabemono, the Japanese hot pot. Also simply called nabe, this one-pot dish has numerous variations across the different regions…
Hanami: A Foodie’s Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing
Sakura season in Japan brings about a flurry of excitement each year, as the cherry blossom trees flower for just one week during spring time, starting from March in the south of the country before this mesmerizing phenomenon sweeps north across the nation towards Sapporo,…
How to Eat Tofu like the Locals in Kyoto
Go to any Japanese restaurant and you’ll find tofu on every menu. But what is tofu and why is it so popular in Japan? Let’s explore! Tofu is made from curdling soy milk, a drink made from soybeans. The curdling process is similar to that…
The Numerous Ways of Eating Rice in Japan
You’re probably wondering how the Japanese could eat rice for every single meal and how it is possible to not get tired of the same staple ingredient. Fear not, because there are actually many ways in which rice is used in different Japanese meals, which…
The History and Artform of the Bento Box in Osaka
Osaka: A city to go hunting for bento boxes What is the craze about bento boxes and how did they get so popular? Let’s explore the history and find out together! A Bento box, at its core, is simply a Japanese to-go box containing an…
Top Fun Things to Do in Marrakech
Embark on an adventurous holiday in Marrakech! Marrakech is becoming more of a popular tourist destination each year due to its aesthetic designs, vibrant marketplace, and flavorful foods. The intricate tiles and arches on buildings make Marrakech a destination with some of the most beautiful…
You Must Eat These Foods in Marrakech
Whether you’re taking a stroll through one of the winding alleyways of the medina, or checking out one of the many evening food stalls in Djemaa El-Fna square, there is certainly no shortage of good food to be found in Marrakech. The colorful sights and aromas of dried…
Best Places to Eat Pho in Hanoi
Hanoi: The City “Between Rivers” Known for their centuries-old architecture and deeply influenced through its multicultural way of life, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is where we begin our next food journey. “Ha Noi” in Vietnamese means ‘river’ ‘inner’, as the city is located between the…
Leaving Home to Appreciate Home: Traditional Thai in Phuket by Way of America
Sometimes you need to leave your home to learn how to truly appreciate the culinary traditions you grew up on. This was certainly true for Tony, the chef and teacher at Thai Cooking Class Phuket. After growing up in Ubon Ratchatani, in the northeastern Thai…
Top Things to Do in Venice
Venice: A City of Canals for Roads Venice, the capital of Northern Italy, is known as the queen of the Adriatic and the city of water. Where you would normally see city streets and sidewalks lie many intricate water channels and beautiful arched bridges. Navigating…
The Historical Things You Must Do in Beijing
Beijing: A Metropolis of History and Architecture Beijing is China’s massive capital with a history stretching back 3 millennia. This city is packed with sites to see and history to discover. Home to the infamous Great Wall, Beijing is host to multiple historic sites. However,…
Our Favorite Chinese Restaurants in Beijing
Flavorful Chinese Food in China’s Capital After a long day of taking in the sights and sounds of Beijing, you’re bound to be hungry for authentic Chinese food. From Beijing roast duck, to dumplings, to Yunnan, Lu, and Northern cuisines and more, there’s so much to…
Snacks and Foods You Must Try in Taipei
Taipei: A small city in a small country with no shortage of snacks and delicious foods. Don’t be fooled by Taipei’s size, this city is packed with foodie delights around every corner. Taipei has one of the worlds most bustling night market scenes and so…
10 Foods You Must Try in Shanghai
A Melting Pot of Chinese Cuisine Shanghai is full of sights, smells, and sounds. The mega-metropolis of the East is home to over 24 million people, making it one of the most populated cities in the world. The city attracts migrants from all over China,…
Must-Do Activities in Shanghai
Shanghai: A City “Above the Sea “ Shanghai is a large metropolitan city in China, which makes it one of the most populous cities in the world. Thousands of tourists visit the city every year to experience its urban life, learn about the ancient history,…
Fun Things You Must Do in Taipei
Explore the Natural Beauty and City Life of Taipei Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan, located in the northern part of the island. The city is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and other natural attractions. Taipei has been a popular place to visit due to…
11 Delicious Dishes To Try in Seoul
If you love spicy, bold flavors, Seoul is the food-city for you! Take a break from exploring UNESCO heritage sites and shopping to explore some of Seoul’s mouth-watering food choices. With a population of more than ten million, this super-city is a treasure trove of…
The Best Things to Do in Seoul
The Heart and Seoul of South Korea Seoul is the largest metropolitan city and capital of South Korea. Experiencing rapid economic development since the 1960’s, it has become a leading global city and offers a unique hybrid of modernity and tradition. Whether you’re into shopping,…
10 Unique Christmas Food Traditions Around the World
The holiday spirit is in full swing all over the world! Christmas celebrations are wide and varied, but one thing that is common is a Christmas dinner rife with culture and tradition. Here’s a look at what Christmas dinner looks like across the world: Venezuela…
THAILAND
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THE CULINARY CAPITAL OF SOUTH EAST ASIA
Koh Phangan’s Private Chef: A Spotlight on Island Cuisine
Nestled in Koh Phangan’s verdant jungles and serene beaches, Private Chef Mendy is redefining the island’s dining scene. From her vibrant DJ past to her current culinary escapades, she’s a story in every dish she serves. From Touring the World as a DJ to Becoming…
Top Cities in Thailand to Explore Thai Food
What makes Thai food amazing is that it celebrates fresh ingredients and bold flavors at the same time. A Thai dish is never complete without combining something spicy, sour, sweet, and salty. The tricks Thai cooks have been incorporating seem to be working just fine,…
The Must-Haves for Cooking Thai Food
Thai basil, lemongrass, coconut milk, ginger: Thai cuisine is fragrant and full of exotic flavors. The famous Pad Thai might be the first thing that comes to your mind when talking about Thai food, but the cuisine includes many different combinations that will tickle your…
BALI!
WHEN IN ROME
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Why Your Next Trip to Italy Deserves a Private Cooking Class
So you’re planning your trip to Italy. You have your flights to Rome booked, and your train to Florence or Cortona booked. You’ve been researching the top things you must do in Rome, and the best things to do in Florence. Reading through everything, and…
Gluten-Free Italy: The Essential Guide 2026
Pasta…pizza…bread… Italy might seem like a nightmare for anyone on a gluten-free diet. Surprisingly, it is actually one of the safest and most accommodating places in the world for celiacs and gluten-sensitive travelers. Far from being a land where wheat is non-negotiable, Italy treats gluten…
The Best Countryside Cooking Classes in Tuscany for Families
The Tuscany region of central Italy is geographically diverse, spanning mountains in the north, river valleys, and coastal beaches. Tuscany is famous for its vineyard-covered landscapes across rolling hills, and the culinary traditions across generations that came with it. One of the more popular regions…
Sicilian Cooking Classes with Kids: From Markets to Family Tables
Taking a cooking class in Sicily is a dramatically different experience from taking one in Rome or Florence. Many are not in commercial kitchens at all. The classes are held in real family homes, with market tours that start on the chaotic streets of Palermo…
The Best Pizza-Making Classes in Naples for Families
The birthplace of pizza: Naples. The art of Neapolitan “Pizzaiolo”, or pizza maker, is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Now, your kids might not care about the UNESCO rating, but the chance to make pizza at its birthplace will have them…
Where to Make Gelato in Florence: A Family Guide
Florence offers two completely different ways to make gelato with your kids: a quick city-center class that can fit between museum visits, or a half-day countryside escape into the Tuscan hills. Both are marketed as “family-friendly,” but they serve different ages, budgets, and travel styles….
VIETNAM
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THE HOME OF PHO AND SO MUCH MORE
Essential Tools for Cooking Vietnamese Food
Vietnamese cuisine, also known as the “Saigon kitchen,” is renowned for its harmonious blend of fresh herbs and bold condiments, achieving a great harmony of aromatics, heat, sweetness, and sourness in every dish. From the traditional staples to the more modern fusion dishes, the vibrant…
Best Places to Eat Pho in Hanoi
Hanoi: The City “Between Rivers” Known for their centuries-old architecture and deeply influenced through its multicultural way of life, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is where we begin our next food journey. “Ha Noi” in Vietnamese means ‘river’ ‘inner’, as the city is located between the…

