Group Cooking Class at Marcelo Batata in Cusco

Tucked away in the vibrant city of Cusco, the Group Cooking Class at Marcelo Batata offers travelers an immersive culinary adventure. Participants dive into the art of Peruvian cuisine, learning to prepare classic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. With a focus on hands-on learning and local flavors, this 4.5-hour experience promises a delightful blend of culture, cuisine, and camaraderie. But the real question is, what secrets will these professional chefs unveil as they guide you through the flavors of Peru?

Key Points

• Marcelo Batata offers a group cooking class in Cusco, Peru, focusing on classic Peruvian dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sours.
• The 4.5-hour class is limited to 12 participants and includes tasting local fruits, potatoes, pisco, and small bites made with alpaca and guinea pig.
• Participants learn hands-on cooking techniques from professional chefs and enjoy a multiple-course dinner paired with a pisco sour.
• The class covers the diversity of Peruvian cuisine and culture, with a visit to a private market for fresh ingredient sourcing.
• The class has earned a 97% recommendation rating from travelers with an average rating of 4.9 out of 192 reviews.

Overview and Experience

The group cooking class at Marcelo Batata in Cusco, Peru, offers a captivating culinary experience. Rated 97% recommended by travelers, the 4.5-hour class is limited to 12 participants for a personalized touch.

Guests dive into the vibrant Peruvian culture, learning to prepare classic dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sours from professional chefs. The experience includes tasting local fruits, potatoes, and pisco, as well as sampling small bites made with alpaca and guinea pig.

With a multiple-course dinner and beverages, the class provides an immersive, educational journey suitable for all cooking abilities.

Culinary Highlights

Hands-on cooking of typical Peruvian dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sours takes center stage during this immersive class.

Participants also enjoy a multiple-course dinner paired with pisco sour. The culinary experience doesn’t stop there – tasting sessions introduce guests to a variety of local fruits, different types of potatoes, and pisco.

Small-bite appetizers made from alpaca and guinea pig add an extra layer of cultural discovery. Throughout the class, professional chefs guide participants, sharing cooking techniques and insights into Peruvian cuisine and culture.

It’s an educational and delicious adventure from start to finish.

Class Structure

Participants begin the class with a fruit tasting, which helps them understand the geography and diversity of Peru.

Next, the group visits a private market to gather fresh ingredients for their Peruvian dishes.

Under the guidance of professional chefs, they learn various cooking techniques:

Guided by seasoned chefs, participants master Peruvian cooking techniques like preparing ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sour.

1. Preparing the classic ceviche

2. Mastering the art of lomo saltado

3. Crafting the iconic pisco sour

4. Assembling small-bite appetizers from alpaca and guinea pig

The hands-on, educational experience caters to all cooking abilities, ensuring a fun, informative class suitable for both novice and experienced home cooks.

Inclusions

The class includes professional chef guidance throughout the experience, ensuring participants receive personalized instruction and support.

A two-course dinner and snacks are provided, allowing guests to savor the flavors of Peru. Beverages, including bottled water and alcoholic drinks like pisco sours, are all included. Gratuities are also covered, so there are no hidden costs.

Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off services are offered for convenience. The class caters to various dietary needs, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant options available.

Reviews and Feedback

With an average rating of 4.9 based on 192 reviews, the Group Cooking Class at Marcelo Batata has earned a Badge of Excellence from travelers.

Participants praised the fun, informative atmosphere and culinary education, highlighting:

Participants highlighted the fun, informative atmosphere and culinary education provided in the Peruvian cooking class.

• Learning about Peruvian culture and cooking techniques

• Tasting high-quality, authentic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado

• Desire to practice the skills learned at home

• Plans to revisit Marcelo Batata restaurant after the class

Many expressed gratitude for the personalized experience and professional guidance from the chefs, making the class suitable for all cooking abilities.

Exploring the Local Market

As part of the cooking class, participants head to the private market to source the fresh ingredients needed for the day’s menu.

The bustling market is a sensory delight, with vibrant produce, fragrant spices, and the sounds of haggling vendors.

Guided by the chefs, guests weave through the stalls, selecting the finest cuts of meat, the ripest tomatoes, and the most aromatic herbs.

They learn about the origins and cultural significance of the ingredients, gaining a deeper appreciation for Peruvian cuisine.

This immersive experience sets the stage for the hands-on cooking that follows, infusing the class with a true taste of Cusco.

Learning From Professional Chefs

Upon entering the kitchen, participants are immediately immersed in the culinary expertise of the professional chefs.

The chefs guide the class with clear, step-by-step instructions, teaching effective techniques for:

1. Expertly preparing the fresh ingredients gathered from the local market.

2. Skillfully executing the cooking methods required for each Peruvian dish.

3. Artfully plating the vibrant, flavorful meals.

4. Confidently mixing the classic pisco sour cocktail.

The chefs’ personalized attention and deep knowledge ensure participants feel empowered to recreate the dishes at home, bringing the flavors of Peru into their own kitchens.

Savoring the Peruvian Feast

After mastering the cooking techniques, participants savor the fruits of their labor.

They sit down to a multi-course feast, starting with a vibrant ceviche made from the freshest seafood and citrus.

Next, they dive into the hearty lomo saltado, a delicious stir-fry of beef, onions, and peppers.

To complement the savory dishes, they sip on refreshing pisco sours, the national cocktail of Peru.

The meal concludes with a sampling of local fruits and a tasting of various potato varieties, reinforcing the diverse agricultural landscape of the region.

Surrounded by new friends, participants bask in the joyful, convivial atmosphere, having gained newfound appreciation for Peruvian cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Provided to and From the Class Location?

The class includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing convenient transportation to and from the cooking session. This eliminates the hassle of finding the location and allows participants to fully enjoy the culinary experience.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Meal?

Yes, the cooking class accommodates various dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose intolerant diners can all be catered for, ensuring everyone enjoys the multi-course meal and tasting experiences.

What Is the Cancellation/Refund Policy for the Class?

The cancellation/refund policy is flexible – customers can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours before the class start time. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees, but the provider aims to accommodate changes where possible.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Cooking Class?

Yes, Marcelo Batata offers a private cooking class option for those seeking a more personalized experience. Guests can book a private session with flexible scheduling and tailored menus to suit their culinary interests and dietary needs.

Can Guests Take Home the Recipes Learned During the Class?

Participants can take home the recipes learned during the class, allowing them to recreate the delicious Peruvian dishes they mastered. This gives them the opportunity to continue exploring the flavors and techniques they discovered.

The Sum Up

The Group Cooking Class at Marcelo Batata offers an exceptional culinary adventure. Travelers get to enjoy Peruvian culture, explore the local market, and learn from skilled chefs. With hands-on cooking, tasting unique local ingredients, and savoring a delicious Peruvian feast, it’s no wonder this class is highly rated by visitors. It’s the perfect blend of fun, culture, and exceptional dining.