Discover the joy of plant-based cooking with the Vegetarian Society

Looking to sharpen your culinary skills and have a great time doing it? COOK! with the Vegetarian Society in Ancoats offers an unforgettable experience for anyone eager to explore the world of vegetarian and vegan cooking.

From complete beginners to seasoned foodies, their hands-on classes are designed to inspire, educate, and, most importantly: feed you well.

We had the pleasure of joining a Xa Xiu Tofu Banh Mi class led by the charismatic Maz Lindford-Platt, who quickly won us over with her infectious enthusiasm and masterful skills. From knife skills to sauce-making, every step was an opportunity to learn something new and refine those kitchen skills.

COOK! with the Vegetarian Society

COOK! classes are all about getting stuck in. One of the first things Maz showed us was how to perfect the tofu flip: a move that turns an often-maligned ingredient into a caramelised and crispy delight.

“I used to hate tofu,” she laughed. “But once I learned the techniques to get that crispy exterior and rich glaze, it was a total game-changer. Now I can’t get enough. I’m a complete convert – I’m hoping some of the tofu sceptics will be too!”

We coated our tofu in a delicate cornflour dusting, then double-dipped it into the sizzling pan, creating a golden crust. The pièce de résistance? A bold, smoky Xa Xiu sauce: a sticky-sweet glaze made from soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, hoisin, maple syrup, and liquid smoke.

The room filled with mouthwatering aromas as the sauce bubbled and clung to the tofu. And believe us when we say, it was delicious.

Making vegetarian cooking fun

The philosophy behind COOK! is simple: cooking should be an enjoyable, pressure-free experience. There’s no expectation that you’ll turn vegetarian overnight: just an opportunity to embrace incredible food that makes you feel good. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons or just want to learn a few delicious meat-free recipes, these classes offer a welcoming space to do just that.

Quick wins in the kitchen

If you’re someone who loves a kitchen hack, COOK! has got you! And if you’ve ever eyed the price of store-bought Kewpie Mayo and winced, this class is for you. We learned how to whip up a vegan Kewpie Mayo in under a minute using soy milk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and rice vinegar. Silky, creamy, and packed with umami, it was a revelation.

“People are always amazed at how easy it is,” Maz said, swirling the mixer through the glossy mayo. “And once you’ve made it yourself, you’ll never want to buy the expensive bottled stuff again.”

What’s a cow’s favourite vegetable?” Maz asks us, with a mischievous grin “Moooooli!” Ha ha ha!

Moooving quickly on, this set us up perfectly for our next showcase: how to create a mooli and carrot pickle. We dove headfirst into the art of quick pickling, because who doesn’t love a food hack that gives you crunch and zing? A simple mix of vinegar, sugar, and salt worked its magic, transforming our humble carrots and mooli into vibrant, tangy toppings that would make any Banh Mi jealous.

“It’s honestly the easiest way to add that ‘wow’ factor to your food,” Maz said, clearly holding back a proud chef moment.

“And, bonus: it’s a great way to rescue veggies that are just about to stage their own little protest in the fridge.”

Experimenting in the kitchen

How often do you try something totally new in the kitchen? At COOK!, you’ll have the space and support to experiment with different ingredients, techniques, and flavours: helping you gain the confidence to take on a wider range of dishes at home. It’s the little things, after all that add up to bring that extra wow factor to your cooking. So whether you’re flipping tofu or crafting your sauces, you’ll leave each class with new skills and plenty of inspiration.

A fun and social experience

Beyond the fantastic food, COOK! offers a chance to connect. Classes are sociable and relaxed, perfect for a team-building day, a fun date night, or even a solo adventure. The kitchen buzzes with laughter, chatter, and the occasional gasp of delight when the tofu flip goes just right (or laughs when it ends up on the floor).

With options like the Friday night curry club, Korean style cooking, or even vegan roasts: these classes offer a fresh alternative to a typical night out. It’s a great way to enjoy food in a welcoming, alcohol-free environment: though for those looking for a little indulgence, wine pairings and cocktail classes are also on the horizon.

You can check out what’s going on at the vegetarian society by clicking here

The perfect gift?

Know someone who could use a little help in the kitchen? A COOK! class makes an ideal present for parents, partners, or friends looking to improve their cooking skills. Many dads have been gifted vouchers by their kids, giving them the chance to finally master the basics!

Have you got a new vegan partner and have no idea where to start? Many people come to these classes to learn how to cook delicious plant-based meals for someone special. It’s easier (and more fun) to learn when you’re doing it for someone else.

Ready to flip for tofu?

Maz’s advice for anyone curious about plant-based food? Start small.

“You don’t have to go fully vegetarian overnight,” she said. “Just try one meat-free day a week. Learn how to make something really delicious. Once you’ve nailed a dish like today’s Banh Mi, you’ll see how satisfying plant-based cooking can be. There’s a chef inside everyone, and this class is for absolutely everyone.”

Ready to roll up your sleeves and give it a go? Head to the Vegetarian Society’s website here to book your class.

Who knows? You might just find yourself flipping for tofu, too.