Vegan Cookery School Courses for Aspiring Chefs

Nestled in the vibrant island of Phuket, Thailand, the Holistic Chef Academy is a plant-based vegan cookery school dedicated to empowering individuals with the art and science of wholefood vegan cuisine. Founded and led by Jamie Raftery, The Holistic Chef, our academy is a hub of innovation, creativity, and sustainability in the plant-based culinary world.

At Holistic Chef Academy, we offer an exciting array of courses designed to inspire both home cooks and professional chefs. Our curriculum is modern, playful, and deeply rooted in the philosophy of finding joy and connection in sourcing, preparing, and serving nourishing, delicious food.

With an emphasis on culinary artistry, nutritional science, and sustainability, our courses are designed to help you master plant-based cooking while embracing a lifestyle of health and environmental consciousness.

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A brief history of the Holistic Chef Academy

Founded in 2015, The Holistic Chef Academy was born from a passion for transforming lives through plant-based cuisine. With the vision of inspiring healthier food choices and sustainable cooking practices, Jamie Raftery established this Vegan Cookery School to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to create nourishing, vibrant meals.

Whether you're a home cook looking to refine your skills or a professional chef seeking to expand your expertise in the booming health and wellness industry, our academy provides a transformational culinary experience.

Jamie Raftery, the visionary behind The Holistic Chef Academy, is a world-renowned holistic chef with over 20 years of experience in the culinary arts. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, refining his craft and deepening his commitment to plant-based gastronomy and holistic well-being.

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A vegan cookery school in Phuket, Thailand

We couldn’t have imagined a more idyllic location for our Vegan Cookery School than Phuket - the jewel of the Andaman Sea. This lush tropical island in Southern Thailand offers an abundance of fresh, locally grown ingredients, nurtured by a perfect balance of sunshine, rainfall, humidity, and ocean breeze.

Explore Thai vegan cuisine

Phuket is a paradise for plant-based cooking, with an incredible variety of tropical and indigenous ingredients readily available. From fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens to mushrooms, grains, herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, seaweeds, and edible flowers, the island provides everything needed to craft some of the world’s most flavorful and nutrient-rich vegan dishes.

Beyond its ingredients, Phuket is home to a rich culinary heritage and a warm, welcoming community that takes pride in its traditions. Thailand’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture and permaculture continues to thrive, thanks to initiatives like The Royal Project and the New Theory Farming System, first introduced by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1973 and further developed under King Rama XI.

At The Holistic Chef Academy, we celebrate this harmonious relationship between food, culture, and sustainability, making Phuket the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the art of plant-based cooking.

Holistic Chef Academy Vegan Cookery School 2025

Our Vegan Cookery Courses are suitable for amateur cooks and professional chefs interested in developing their healthy plant-based cooking skills.

The curriculum focuses on Thai vegan cuisine, utilizing locally sourced ingredients. However, we aim to teach recipes and techniques that can be reenacted when you return home with readily available whole-food ingredients.

Thai Vegan Cooking Course 2025

Embark on a gastronomic journey of a lifetime that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Thailand's rich culinary heritage. We are thrilled to invite you to our exclusive Thai Vegan Cooking Course in the heart of Phuket.

Discover the Essence of Thai Vegan Cuisine: Learn the secrets behind creating vegan dishes that capture the essence of traditional Thai flavors. We will guide you through the art of crafting delicious dishes that pay homage to Thailand's diverse and food culture.

Spice Up Your Culinary Skills: Explore the world of Thai spices and herbs as you master the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes that define Thai cuisine. Learn to infuse ingredients with the bold flavors that make Thai vegan dishes both nutritious and utterly irresistible.

Hands-On Experience with Local Ingredients: Explore the local markets of Phuket, where you'll handpick fresh ingredients for your cooking classes. Our course emphasizes a farm-to-table philosophy.

Phuket culinary & cultural tour

Day six of the course is dedicated to an immersive cultural and culinary experience in Phuket. This will culminate in a celebratory graduation lunch at a local vegan restaurant.

As part of our food tour, you'll explore Phuket’s vibrant culinary scene, meeting some of our farmers and growers. This behind-the-scenes experience will deepen your understanding of sustainable sourcing, fresh ingredients, and traditional Thai plant-based cuisine.

Get ready for a memorable culinary adventure that connects you to the rich food heritage of Phuket!

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Vegan cookery school Phuket dates 2025

As we limit our classes to 4 students, our courses sell out fast.

~~May 12th - 18th 2025 - Fully Booked~~
~~June 9th - 15th 2025 - Fully Booked~~
Autumn Dates Launching Soon - Get in touch to keep up-to-date

Who are our courses for?

Our Thai Vegan Cookery Course welcomes all skill levels, from home cooks looking to expand their plant-based repertoire to aspiring chefs eager to refine their culinary expertise.

Our courses are structured, engaging, and easy to follow, making them perfect for anyone who wants to:

Enhance their kitchen skills and confidence in plant-based cooking.
Adopt a healthier lifestyle through wholefood vegan cuisine.
Explore the flavors of Thai vegan gastronomy.
Connect with like-minded food lovers and build a community.
Manage or overcome health challenges with nourishing food choices.
Lose weight naturally and increase energy levels.

Throughout each class, Jamie provides personalized support and expert feedback, ensuring every student gains the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in plant-based cooking.

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Pricing & payment details

6-Day Vegan Cookery Course Fee: €1200 (Flights & accommodation not included)

Deposit: A 25% non-refundable deposit (€300) is required to confirm your booking.
Invoice: A business invoice will be issued upon receipt of your deposit.
Payment Options: The remaining 75% balance can be paid in one or two installments via international bank transfer.

What’s included in the course fee?

Expert-Led Professional Tuition: Small group classes with individual support.
All-Inclusive Meals: Breakfast, snacks, refreshments, and lunch are provided daily.
Adaptable Recipes & Techniques: Tailored to suit your skill level and culinary goals.
Exclusive Culinary Tour of Phuket: Includes a local market visit and organic farm tour.
Graduation Lunch: Celebrate your achievements with a special plant-based feast. Course Certificate: Add to your CV! Goodie Bag: Featuring authentic Thai curry pastes and a few surprise gifts!

Vegan cooking course sample weekly schedule

Thai-Vegan-Cooking-Course-Schedule-Phuket-2024 Download

More about Holistic Chef Academy Phuket

Educate – Inspire – Empower

We believe that learning to cook plant-based meals is more than just a skill - it’s a lifestyle transformation. As a premier vegan cookery school, we offer accessible, hands-on courses designed to empower you with essential plant-based culinary techniques.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced cook, our comprehensive courses cover a range of techniques using wholefood plant-based ingredients.

What sets us apart?

100% Plant-Based & predominantly gluten-free: Enjoy wholesome, nourishing meals without compromise.
Skill development for all levels: Whether you're here for health, passion, or professional growth, you'll gain confidence in the kitchen.
Learn & recreate at home: Take away an inspiring collection of delicious and nutritious recipes to share with family and friends.

We believe authentic food education is essential, now more than ever. The power to transform your health starts in your kitchen, and we’re here to help you unlock that potential.

What to expect?

Our courses are designed to be fun, engaging, and hands-on while ensuring you gain the practical skills and confidence in plant-based cooking.

Course structure:

Guided demonstrations: Jamie begins each session with a step-by-step cooking demonstration.
Hands-on cooking: You’ll prepare recipes in small groups or individually, depending on the menu.
Expert guidance: Learn valuable techniques, tips, and ingredient substitutions tailored to your skill level.
Tasting & sharing: Each session concludes with a shared meal, where we enjoy the day’s creations over a fresh juice.

Course completion:

All students will receive a certificate of completion and a recipe pack, so you can continue your culinary journey at home.

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Why participate?

Our relationship with food is deeply personal - it’s shaped by culture, memories, habits, and modern influences like advertising and social media. Over time, these influences have distanced us from the simple joy and nourishment of real, wholesome food.

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often takes priority. Pre-packaged meals, takeaways, and food delivery services have become the norm. While they serve a purpose, they also come with a cost: a disconnect from what we eat, where it comes from, and how it nourishes us.

At The Holistic Chef Academy, we believe that cooking is one of the most essential life skills - a daily opportunity to invest in our health and well-being. Every ingredient we choose, every meal we prepare, is a decision that shapes our vitality today and in the future.

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Why learn plant-based cooking?

Reconnect with real food – Understand its origins, flavors, and benefits.
Take control of your health – Move away from processed foods and artificial additives.
Nourish your body & mind – Learn how to make meals that energize and heal.
Embrace sustainability – Make food choices that are good for both you and the planet.

Our bodies are resilient, but they can only thrive with the right fuel and care. Every meal is an opportunity to make a wise investment in lifelong health. The choice is ours - let’s make it count.

The benefits of embracing a plant-based lifestyle

Switching to a plant-based lifestyle is more than just a dietary choice, it’s a transformation that benefits your health and mindset. Here’s how it can positively impact your life:

Health & well-being

Rediscover the joy of real food: Learn to prepare and enjoy wholesome, nutrient-rich meals.
Take charge of your health: Make conscious food choices that support longevity and vitality.
Break free from unhealthy eating habits: Develop a sustainable and mindful approach to nutrition.
Achieve natural weight balance: Lose excess weight enjoyably and sustainably.
Enhance skin health & radiance: Nourish your body from within for a healthy glow.
Boost energy & vitality: Experience increased life-force energy and mental clarity.
Support disease prevention: Strengthen your immune system and promote overall well-being.

Connection & Sustainability

Build a deeper relationship with food: Understand where your food comes from and how it nourishes you.
Experience greater happiness & contentment: Reconnect with nature and the elements through conscious eating.
Save money while eating better: Healthy, whole-food cooking doesn’t have to be expensive.
Improve relationships & career opportunities: Cultivate skills that enrich both personal and professional life.
Reduce your environmental footprint: A predominantly plant-based diet is one of the most eco-friendly choices you can make.
Choose compassion: Support ethical eating by ensuring that no animals suffer for your meals.

By embracing more of a plant-based lifestyle, you’re investing in your health, happiness, and the future of our planet.

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Learn new Thai recipes

Be inspired by new recipes and learn new techniques to take your healthy cooking skills to the next level.

Testimonials from past students

I just followed a wonderful cooking session with Jamie at Leith Cookery School and was most impressed by his recipes as well as by the depth of his knowledge and experience. He also has a lovely and warm presence which made the session even more enjoyable. Emanuelle Rio - Past student

Did a great session with Jamie at the imperial college with my exec chef Richard, on various fermenting techniques and the use of other healthy & nutritional ingredients in some product and recipe development. Jamie has a great depth of knowledge on health foods that are important in todays diet, allergy driven world. Tom Aikens - Imperial Collage London

Jamie has been a regular guest chef at Leiths for 2 years, both on our dedicated nutrition course and one day raw food and fermentation workshops. Students are hugely receptive to his teaching style, knowledge and enthusiasm. He’s great to work alongside. Those of us here who are lucky enough to have taught with him always admire his professional and passionate approach. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jamie! Leith's School of Food & Wine

Be inspired – everything is possible

Every meal we prepare and every ingredient we choose holds the power to impact our health, our communities, and the planet. The way we eat shapes not just our own well-being, but also the world around us.

At The Holistic Chef Academy, we recognize that everyone’s journey is unique. Whether you're taking your first steps into plant-based cooking or refining your skills, this experience is an investment in your health, happiness, and future.

Why join us?

Empower yourself with lifelong culinary skills: Gain the confidence to create nourishing, flavorful meals.
Transform your relationship with food: Learn to cook with intention, sustainability, and creativity.
Be part of a supportive community: Learn alongside like-minded individuals passionate about plant-based living.

We’re excited to mentor and support you on this transformative journey - helping you become a competent, confident, and inspired vegan cook!