A Corporate Cooking Event that Actually Brings Teams Together

Looking for a team building experience in Melbourne that is engaging, practical and genuinely enjoyable? Planning a team event shouldn’t feel like another project on your to-do list.

If you’re organising a team building day, incentive event or end-of-year celebration, you’re probably looking for something that feels engaging without being awkward, structured without being rigid and memorable without being over the top.

That’s exactly what this experience is designed to deliver.

Why Cooking Works for Corporate Teams

In a cooking location, titles disappear.

Managers chop next to interns. Finance collaborates with Marketing. Conversations happen naturally because everyone is working toward the same goal: creating something delicious together.

There’s communication. There’s coordination. There’s a little bit of pressure. And there are tons of laughter.

It’s not forced fun. It’s shared achievement.

By the time your team sits down to eat, something has shifted – people feel more connected.

Designed with Event Planners in Mind

If you’re planning an event for your team. you don’t just need a fun event. 

You need:

• Clear communication
• A smooth run sheet
• Transparent pricing
• Dietary needs handled properly
• A reliable team
• No last-minute surprises

We understand that your reputation is attached to the events you organise.

From the first enquiry to the final clean-up, our team works closely with you to ensure everything runs seamlessly. You brief us on your goals, numbers and timing. We handle the rest.

What the Experience Feels Like

Your group arrives to a welcoming cooking studio in Melbourne. Aprons on. Quick introduction. A bit of energy in the room.

The chefs guide the group through a structured cooking format – sometimes collaborative, sometimes lightly competitive, depending on what suits your team dynamic.

There’s movement and hands-on activity. There’s teamwork. There’s friendly pressure. And then there’s the moment everyone gathers around the table to enjoy the results.

It feels social, not staged. Professional, but relaxed.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• A natural, hands-on way to bring people together — whether you’re hosting 10 or 150 guests.
• Your team works alongside dedicated chefs, learning the fundamentals of fresh ingredients, balanced flavours and practical cooking techniques in a structured but relaxed environment.
• Together, you’ll prepare a selection of quick, healthy and authentic Asian or international dishes, with useful tips and techniques that can be recreated at home.
• Refreshments are served throughout the experience, including two complimentary glasses of wine or beer per guest. Optional beverage packages are available to suit your event (no BYO).
• Your booking includes exclusive use of our venue, with both indoor and outdoor function spaces available depending on group size and budget.

ON THE DAY

• Guests are welcomed with a complimentary refresher as they arrive.
• We begin with a guided preparation session, followed by collaborative cooking where everyone plays a part. The atmosphere is lively but structured, chefs guide the process while your team works together to bring each dish to life.
• Once everything is ready, the group gathers around a large shared table to enjoy the meal. It’s the moment where the energy shifts – conversations flow more easily, people relax and the shared effort becomes something tangible.
• We manage the logistics so you can focus on your guests.
• This isn’t a passive cooking demonstration. There are no slide decks or lectures. It’s active, engaging and designed to encourage collaboration through doing – slicing, mixing, rolling, tasting and refining together.
• The result is simple: real interaction, shared achievement and memorable food.

MENU OPTIONS

VIETNAMESE COOKING 

• Banh Xeo-| Crispy Turmeric Pancakes 
• Cha Gio | Vietnamese Spring Rolls 
• Ba La Lot | Lemongrass Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves 
• Add Banh Beo | Steamed Tapioca Dumplings (for 3 hour class) 

THAI COOKING

• Nam Tok Neua | ‘Waterfall’ beef or prawn salad 
• Tom Kha | Fragrant Chicken and Coconut Soup 
  
• Pad Thai | Prawn, Chicken or Tofu 
• Add Kaeng Lueang | Yellow curry (for 3 hour class) 

JAPANESE COOKING

• Temaki or Makizushi | Sushi Handrolls with Seasonal Fish and Vegetables
• Okonomiyaki- Cabbage and Pork Pancakes 
• Miso Shiru | soup with a selection of toppings
• Add enoki-niku maki | mushroom and beef rolls (for 3 hour class) 

ITALIAN COOKING

• Neapolitan wood-fired pizza
• Seasonal Anti-pasti 
• Add Seasonal insalata or primi (for 3 hour class)

KOREAN COOKING 

• Yangnyeom | KFC Korean Fried Chicken, lettuce wraps and herbs
  
• Banchan |  Assorted Pickles and Kimchi
• Bulgolgi | Thinly Sliced Beef in Tare Sauce 
• Add Tteokbokki- Spicy Stewed Rice Cakes (for 3 hour class) 

MEXICAN COOKING

• Fresh Tortilla 
• Tacos- Tinga De Pollo- Braised Chicken 
• Tacos- Guisado De Res- Braised Beef 
• Salsa Verde 
• Salsa Rojo 
• Add ceviche (for 3 hour class)

SPANISH COOKING

• Pinxtos- Jamon y Manchego 
• Salsa Romesco 
• Paella Valenciana- Chicken or Seafood 
• Add kingfish fish, olives, (for 3 hour class)

CHINESE DUMPLINGS

• Pork, Chicken, and Prawn Dumplings 
• Wontons 
• Black Vinegar and Chilli Sauce 
• Sichuan Sesame Sauce 
• Yuzu Ponzu Sauce 
• Miso Soup 
• Add Okonomiyaki – Savoury Japanese Pancake (for 3 hours class)
  

COOKING WITH BUSH FOODS 

• Damper Bread with Samphire Bush Paste, and whipped goats cheese 
• Smoked Kangaroo or Fish with Taro Potatoes, and Davidson Plum 
• Add steamed fish in banana leaves (for 3 hour class)

INDIAN COOKING

• Naan Bread-
• Mint Raita- Cucumber Yoghurt Sauce 
• Murgh Makhani or Paneer Makhani- Butter Chicken or Butter Paneer 

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

• We’re pleased to accommodate most dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and Halal options. 
• Simply let us know when booking or provide at least 10 days’ notice so our team can prepare everything properly and ensure a seamless experience for your guests.
  

BOOKING TERMS

• For the event listed above, a minimum of 10 participants or a minimum spend of $1,650 (whichever is greater) is required.
  
• Full payment is needed at the time of booking to secure your session for up to 12 guests (2-hour session) or 10 guests (3-hour session), provided the booking is made within 14 days of the event date. Payment can be made via credit/debit card, bank transfer, or cash.
• For groups larger than 12 or 10 guests respectively, the date can be secured with a 50% deposit. The remaining balance is due three (3) weeks before the event, along with final guest numbers and dietary requirements.
• Cancellations made more than 14 days before the event are eligible for a 50% refund of the deposit. For cancellations within 14 days, no refund will be issued and the minimum spend will still apply. No refund will be given for no-shows or early departures on the day.
• Final numbers and dietary requirements must be confirmed at least 14 days before your session. This allows us to pre-order ingredients and allocate staff accordingly.
• If you wish to add more participants after this time, please email us at hello@otaokitchen.com.au. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

REVIEWS

Jackie Mates • May 2025

“Much better than expected. No elements were pre-made so we learnt how to do every step using stuff we prob already have at home. The teacher was friendly and welcoming and the venue I felt was the perfect size and setting. They were generous with ingredients for those wanting to try different things. Would recommend.”

Paul – REA GROUP • Mar 2025

“The menu was tasty, fresh and great variation across sushi, soup and okonomiyaki. I left feeling fully nourished and with some leftovers in tow which is always a great sign! Dylan was fantastic. He has a wonderful calm style, is always willing to answer any Q’s from the group and is incredibly knowledgeable. I love the combination of his knowledge sharing, demo cooking and helping us with our own preparation. I also love his ‘inside knowledge’ and tips on best places to find authentic ingredients. Will be coming back and have already recommended to others”