Join local Chef Gaspar Dalay-On for this hands-on course on the art of fruit and vegetable carving. You will learn how to create garnishes and centrepieces out of readily available fruits and vegetables which will greatly elevate your food presentation. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience. Carving tools and safety gloves will be provided for use during the class. Ingredients included in price. Students will take home their creations.

The Art of Fruit and Vegetable Carving

Course Description

Discover how simple fruits and vegetables can be transformed into beautiful, eye-catching works of edible art. 

In this interactive session, participants will be guided through the techniques used to create decorative garnishes and striking centrepieces that elevate everyday food presentation. 

Using readily available produce, you’ll learn how thoughtful carving can turn plates, platters, and buffets into visual highlights.

Suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience, this hands-on workshop focuses on creativity, precision, and safe carving techniques. 

With expert guidance and plenty of practice time, you’ll build confidence while creating pieces you can proudly take home. 

Whether for entertaining, special occasions, or personal enjoyment, this course offers a rewarding blend of artistry and culinary skill.

Carving tools and safety gloves will be provided for use during the class. Ingredients are included in the course fee and students will take their creations home.

Course Structure

The session begins with an introduction to fruit and vegetable carving, including safety guidance and an overview of tools and techniques. 

Participants are then guided step by step through carving basic shapes and motifs, such as flowers, leaves, and butterflies, using common vegetables and fruits. 

Demonstrations are followed by supported practice, allowing students to work at their own pace while receiving individual feedback. 

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on presentation, creativity, and developing techniques that can be easily repeated at home.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Use basic carving tools safely and confidently
• Create decorative carvings from common fruits and vegetables
• Carve simple designs such as flowers, leaves, and butterflies
• Apply carving techniques to enhance food presentation
• Develop confidence to practise and refine carving skills at home.

Your Tutor is Gaspar Dalay-on

Gaspar Dalay-on has been teaching at WEA since 2026. 

Gaspar is a retired chef with more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a lifelong passion for the art of fruit and vegetable carving. He began his culinary career at the Hyatt Baguio in the Philippines, where he first learned traditional carving techniques used to decorate buffets and special events.

In 2000, Gaspar was sponsored to work in Australia by renowned Mildura chef and author Stefano de Pieri (A Gondola on the Murray). He went on to work in a range of pubs and restaurants across Adelaide before retiring in 2025. During the COVID period, Gaspar reimmersed himself in fruit and vegetable carving, dedicating many hours each week to refining his skills and learning from international carving artists.

Guided by his motto, “Learn and Share,” Gaspar creates a welcoming and encouraging learning environment where students can develop practical skills, creativity, and confidence.