With Father’s Day coming up on 6 September, skip the predictable socks and novelty mugs and give Dad something he can actually get stuck into. A hands-on cooking class is a chance to learn new skills, enjoy great food and perhaps even turn cooking as a hobby into his next favourite pastime.

At Vanilla Zulu, our fun cooking classes cover everything from handmade Italian favourites and dumplings to Spanish dishes and Asian street food. So, which one has your dad’s name written all over it? Take our quick personality quiz and find his culinary match.

Quiz: Which Cooking Class Matches Your Dad?

1. How does he tackle a flat-pack furniture build?

a) Skims the instructions and reaches for the power tools.

b) Modifies the design halfway through to make it his own.

c) Sorts every screw by size and reads the manual cover to cover.

d) Takes his time and gets it done with the radio playing.

2. How does he pack the car for a family road trip?

a) Tosses everything into the boot ten minutes before leaving.

b) Packs light because finding great food along the way is part of the adventure.

c) Packs everything so efficiently there isn't a centimetre of wasted space.

d) Brings the same trusty esky and folding chairs he has used for years.

3. How does he approach a brand-new recipe?

a) Uses the recipe as a rough guide and trusts his instincts.

b) Immediately looks for ways to add more spice and bold flavour.

c) Reads every instruction twice before he starts chopping.

d) Gravitates towards comforting classics and generous flavours.

4. What does his ideal Sunday morning look like?

a) Standing outside near the barbecue or getting stuck into an outdoor project.

b) Wandering through a bustling market looking for something new to try.

c) Washing and detailing the car with an impressively precise routine.

d) Cooking a big breakfast for the family in his favourite pan.

Mostly As: The BBQ & Flame Master

Your dad loves bold flavours, sizzling pans and getting hands-on in the kitchen. He is happiest when cooking feels energetic, social and packed with flavour.

Match him with the Spanish Tapas and Paella class. With vibrant Spanish flavours and dishes designed for sharing, it's a great fit for the dad who likes his food big on personality.

Mostly Bs: The Spice Enthusiast

If Dad is always trying new flavours, reaching for the chilli or ordering something he has never tasted before, give him a culinary experience with plenty to explore.

The Asian Street Food Cooking Class is a natural match, bringing together exciting flavours, techniques and dishes inspired by Asian street-food favourites.

Mostly Cs: The Detail Guy

Does Dad appreciate technique, precision and the satisfaction of getting the little details just right? Give him a class where the process is every bit as enjoyable as the finished dish.

The Dumpling Masterclass is a great option for hands-on folding and shaping, while Rustic Italian 1 lets him get stuck into classic Italian cooking techniques.

Either way, this is one dad who won't mind taking his time to get it right.

Mostly Ds: The Comfort-Food Traditionalist

Some dads don't need culinary trends or elaborate presentations. Give them generous, comforting food shared around a table and they're happy.

For that dad, Rustic Italian 2 could be the perfect match. It's a chance to explore hearty Italian favourites while enjoying the social side of cooking and sharing a meal

What If Dad Doesn't Fit Just One Type?

Some dads refuse to fit neatly into a category. Maybe he's half spice enthusiast, half perfectionist, with a little BBQ master thrown in for good measure.

If choosing for him feels impossible, a Vanilla Zulu voucher lets Dad choose the culinary experience that appeals to him most. Our vouchers never expire. Even better, book alongside him and turn the gift into something you can experience together.

Want to get the whole family involved? Explore Vanilla Zulu's fun cooking classes for kids and families and turn Dad's gift into an experience you can enjoy together

Q: Where do we park when arriving for a cooking class?

A: There is no onsite parking available at the Vanilla Zulu kitchen. You need to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to find street parking on the roads surrounding our Teneriffe location.

Q: Can I bring my younger children to cook with their dad?

A: Yes, children from nine years old are welcome to attend with an accompanying adult. You must book a paying adult ticket to redeem the discounted youth price for the session.

 Q: Does the venue have a bar open during the class?

A: Yes, the venue operates a fully licensed bar serving gin cocktails, beers, wines and soft drinks for purchase. The bar opens 30 minutes before the class starts so you can settle in with a drink before cooking.

Q: How do we get the recipes after the class finishes?

A: You will have access to a QR code in the kitchen to download the recipes immediately. You will also receive an automated email 24 hours after your class containing a direct download link.