Cooking Class in Quito With Chef, Market Tour and Transportation

Optimize your culinary exploration of Ecuador's vibrant culture with a hands-on cooking class in Quito, including a market tour and transportation.

Explore the vibrant culinary culture of Ecuador through a hands-on cooking class in Quito. This immersive experience takes travelers to the bustling Central Market, where they’ll select fresh ingredients and sample local delicacies. Under the guidance of friendly chefs, you will learn to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes like Locro de Papa and Quito Shrimp Ceviche in a charming colonial setting. With transportation included, this class promises a delicious cultural adventure that’s sure to delight the senses.

Key Points

  • Comprehensive cooking class experience in Quito includes a market tour, hands-on cooking, and expert instruction.
  • Morning start time provides flexibility for other plans, and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.
  • The cooking class is held in a colonial building in historic Quito, where participants learn to make three traditional Ecuadorian dishes.
  • The chefs are noted for their friendly and informative approach, creating an educational and enjoyable experience.
  • The cooking class includes lunch, an apron, a chef hat, soda/pop, local fruit juice, and recipes.

Overview and Experience

Although this cooking class in Quito offers a comprehensive experience, it’s the combination of the market tour, hands-on cooking, and expert instruction that truly sets it apart.

With a highly-rated reputation, this class takes participants on a culinary journey through the vibrant culture of Ecuador. The morning start time allows flexibility for other plans, while the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior provides added convenience.

Priced competitively at $88 per person, this private tour ensures a personalized experience for each group. Participants can expect an immersive and educational cooking adventure in the historic heart of Quito.

Market Tour Details

What does the market tour entail? Participants will explore Quito’s bustling Central Market, picking up fresh produce to use in the upcoming cooking class.

Participants will explore Quito’s bustling Central Market, picking up fresh produce to use in the upcoming cooking class.

They’ll sample local fruits and juices, learning about Ecuador’s diverse ingredients, including medicinal ones, from the knowledgeable guide.

The market visit provides insight into the local food culture:

  • Tour Quito’s Central Market to pick up fresh produce.

  • Sample local fruits and juices during the market visit.

  • Learn about Ecuador’s diverse fruits and medicinal ingredients.

This immersive experience sets the stage for the hands-on cooking class to follow.

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Cooking Class Highlights

Cooking Class in Quito With Chef, Market Tour and Transportation - Cooking Class Highlights

The cooking class is held in a colonial building in the heart of historic Quito.

Participants learn to make three traditional Ecuadorian dishes, including starters like Locro de Papa and Quinoa Soup, main dishes such as Quito Shrimp Ceviche, Chicken or Veggie Tamales, Empanadas, and Encocado de Pescado, and desserts like Chocolate Soup and Quimbolito Quiteño.

The class includes lunch, an apron, a chef hat, soda/pop, local fruit juice, and recipes to take home.

Reviewers praise the quality of food and the welcoming atmosphere created by the friendly and informative chefs, despite some noting it was less hands-on than expected.

Traditional Ecuadorian Dishes

The cooking class in Quito focuses on preparing several traditional Ecuadorian dishes, each with its own unique flavors and cultural significance.

The cooking class in Quito explores traditional Ecuadorian dishes with unique flavors and cultural significance.

The menu includes:

  • Locro de Papa, a comforting potato and cheese soup

  • Quito Shrimp Ceviche, a refreshing citrus-cured seafood dish

  • Encocado de Pescado, a coconut-based fish stew

Participants also learn to make tamales, empanadas, and the Quimbolito Quiteño, a fluffy cake wrapped in a leaf.

The hands-on cooking experience allows guests to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Ecuador, while enjoying a delicious and educational meal.

Hands-On Cooking Experience

Although the cooking class includes a market tour and presentation of ingredients, the hands-on cooking experience is the highlight for many participants.

During the class, aspiring chefs learn to prepare three traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as shrimp ceviche, tamales, and empanadas. Under the guidance of the experienced chef, they chop, mix, and assemble each recipe.

The interactive nature of the class allows participants to fully enjoy the cooking process and gain practical skills they can apply at home.

Many reviewers praised the welcoming atmosphere and the valuable hands-on training provided during the class.

Chef and Atmosphere

Chefs at the cooking class are noted for their friendly and informative approach, creating a welcoming atmosphere that puts participants at ease.

The chefs’ expertise and passion for Ecuadorian cuisine shine through, as they guide participants step-by-step through the cooking process.

Reviewers highlight several aspects of the class:

  • The chefs’ ability to make the experience both educational and enjoyable

  • Their willingness to answer questions and provide insights into local food culture

  • The comfortable, relaxed setting that encourages hands-on participation and group interaction

This combination of knowledgeable instruction and a convivial atmosphere leaves participants with a newfound appreciation for Ecuadorian cuisine and a memorable cooking experience.

Participant Feedback

Participants consistently rave about the highly-rated cooking class experiences in Quito. Reviewers praise the friendly and informative chefs who create a welcoming atmosphere.

Many highlight the hands-on aspect of the cooking process, though some note it’s less hands-on than expected. Participants enjoy learning traditional recipes with a gourmet twist and sampling local ingredients like diverse fruits and medicinal herbs.

The quality of the food also receives glowing reviews, with dishes like Quito shrimp ceviche and coconut fish impressing. The cooking classes earn high marks for their focus on fun and education.

Booking and Accessibility

The cooking class in Quito offers convenient pickup from hotels in urban areas or designated meeting points.

The class is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. However, infants must sit on laps.

To summarize the booking and accessibility details:

  • Confirmation is received at the time of booking, with a Lowest Price Guarantee.

  • This is a private tour, so only your group will participate.

  • The class is held in a colonial building in the heart of historic Quito, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Dietary Accommodation?

Yes, you can request specific dietary accommodations. The cooking class is able to cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, if communicated in advance when booking the experience.

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Children?

The cooking class is suitable for children. The class is hands-on and includes activities like sampling local fruits and juices, making traditional dishes, and enjoying a lunch with the group. Children are welcome to participate with their families.

How Much Free Time Is Available Before/After the Class?

The morning start time leaves plenty of free time in the evenings for other plans. The cooking class runs for around 3-4 hours, allowing participants to enjoy the rest of their day after the class concludes.

Is the Transportation Provided Round-Trip or One-Way?

The provided transportation is round-trip, picking up participants from their hotels or designated meeting points and returning them after the cooking class and market tour is completed. This convenient service is included in the tour price.

Can I Purchase Additional Ingredients or Souvenirs at the Market?

Participants can purchase additional local ingredients or souvenirs at the central market during the tour. The guide provides insights into the market’s produce, allowing visitors to explore and shop beyond the cooking class items.

The Sum Up

This immersive cooking class in Quito offers an authentic taste of Ecuador’s vibrant culinary culture. Guests explore the bustling Central Market, select fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of friendly chefs. With hands-on cooking and a convivial atmosphere, this experience promises delicious food, cultural insights, and an unforgettable culinary adventure.