FAQ
Dash of Soy is Seattle’s highest-rated Asian cooking school, with 5.0 stars from 190+ Google reviews. Here are answers to the questions we hear most.
About Dash of Soy
What is Dash of Soy Culinary School?
Dash of Soy is a cooking school in Georgetown, Seattle, teaching authentic Asian cooking through small-group, hands-on classes. Founded in 2019 by head chef Elaine Sher, it is run by an all-women, all-Asian team of chefs who inherited these recipes across generations. Classes span Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Lao, and Asian bakery cuisines.
Is it a demo, or do I actually cook?
You actually cook. Dash of Soy classes are not just demos. Every student preps and cooks during the class. If you wish, you can volunteer for special tasks when requested. At the end of class, we share the meal together.
How big are the classes?
Dash of Soy public classes are capped at 6 students, so the chef can coach every person directly. Private in-person events accommodate up to 8-10 guests.
Do I need cooking experience?
No. Every Dash of Soy class is designed for all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced home cooks. The chef walks you through each technique step by step.
Where are you located, and is there parking?
Dash of Soy is at 6726B Corson Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, in the Georgetown neighborhood, about 10 minutes from downtown Seattle. Free street parking is available. The primary bus routes serving the Georgetown neighborhood in Seattle are King County Metro routes 60, 124, 107, 131, and 132.
Is a cooking class a good thing to do when visiting Seattle?
Yes. A Dash of Soy class is a hands-on Seattle experience for couples, friends, and families: you cook a full Asian meal with a local chef in Georgetown and leave with recipes to make at home.
Is Dash of Soy wheelchair accessible?
We regret that the Dash of Soy classroom is not wheelchair accessible. There is a step at the entrance, cooking is done at counter height, and the bathroom is up a flight of stairs.
Booking & policies
How much do classes cost?
Dash of Soy public classes are priced per seat and vary by class. See current pricing on each class page or the class calendar.
What is the cancellation policy?
All Dash of Soy class sales are final: there are no refunds unless we cancel the class or are able to resell your seat. If you can’t make it, you are welcome to transfer your seat to a friend or family member — just email us their name before class by clicking reply on the confirmation email. See our Terms & Conditions.
What happens if Dash of Soy cancels a class?
Occasionally, we have to cancel a class if, for example, the chef is sick, or if we don’t have enough students signed up. If a class is cancelled, we will give customers a choice to either postpone it, transfer to another class, or receive a full refund.
What if no dates work for me?
You can pre-register for any Dash of Soy class for free, and we’ll email you when new dates open. Pre-register on any class page or at the pre-registration page.
What if I’m sick on class day?
Please stay home if you’re sick. You can transfer your seat to someone else so your ticket isn’t wasted.
In the kitchen
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?
Some classes can be modified per student or for a private class. Dash of Soy also offers vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, seafood-free, nut-free, and dairy-free menus. These menu options are labeled on the class calendar. Please make sure to tell us about any food allergies or dietary needs before class by replying to the class confirmation email.
If you have a severe allergy, please talk to us before booking. Our kitchen handles common allergens, including soy, wheat, dairy, sesame, shellfish, fish, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts. Every class is taught in the same kitchen, so trace contact is possible. We cannot guarantee any dish is completely free of allergens.
What’s included, and what should I bring?
Every Dash of Soy class includes all the ingredients and equipment required to make the recipes. Recipes will be provided via email after class. There are no shoes in the cooking studio so bring indoor shoes or thick socks, or use the ones provided here. There are no guarantees but feel free to bring some to-go containers in case we have leftovers.
Can kids take classes?
Yes, ages 8 and up. For anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign our waiver at check-in, or in advance.
Regular public classes: Age 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult who also joins the class as a paying student. Age 17 can join on their own; just reply to your confirmation email to let us know.
Kid-specific classes, e.g., summer camp: Ages 8-16 can join on their own.
Private lessons & corporate events
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes. Dash of Soy offers coaching 1:1 or 1:2. These lessons are developed as a progressive series of weekly classes and take place over 6 weeks of private instruction. We currently offer an Intro to Cantonese and Intro to Japanese private coaching series. Reach out to us on the private/hybrid page.
Do you host private events and team building?
Yes. Dash of Soy hosts private cooking classes for team building, birthdays, and family gatherings. We can host up to 8-10 guests in person in our Georgetown location, up to 20 online, or a hybrid mix of both. For larger events at your location, we can travel and bring the class to you. Request a date on the private/hybrid page.
Gifts & online classes
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. A Dash of Soy gift certificate can be applied to any online or in-person class, and any unused balance carries over to your next purchase. Gift certificates do not have expiry dates. Purchase a gift certificate.
What if I’m not in Seattle?
Dash of Soy offers live, online classes that make it easy for you to learn how to cook in your own kitchen with your own equipment.