Taste Barcelona: A Market to Table Cooking Class

Wouldn’t it be nice to leave Barcelona with more than just a few extra kilos on the waistline? What about an actual skill to impress your pals back home? Enter this Spanish group cooking class, where - under the helm of a local chef - you’ll learn to whip up some of the region’s beloved tapas and paella dishes. This three-hour workshop involves a trip to one of Europe’s largest and most exciting food markets, a hands-on cooking class with like-minded foodies, and, of course, much eating and drinking. Beyond the practical skills you’ll pick up, this experience gives travellers a taste - both literally and figuratively - of Barcelona’s food culture, and the traditions that have been passed down here through generations. Also an added bonus - the team have kindly slotted this class into an evening spot, meaning you can drink as much sangria as you like without fear of judgement. Let the good times roll.

About your guide

Put simply: if you sign up to a Stoke Travel experience, expect to have a ball. Their tours are perfect for travellers keen on experiencing enlightening cultural activities without sidestepping fun.

Here’s the plan…

Meet your group and chef-guide at the listed meeting point. From there, you’ll follow your chef-guide through the streets of La Rambla to your first stop.

Normally these sorts of experiences are run solely from a kitchen. Instead, this cooking class takes to the streets (specifically the markets), where patrons are taught how to shop Barcelona-style. The group visits La Boqueria food market to pick up fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit and other bits and bobs needed for the evening’s cooking. Here, you’ll learn how to spot fresh ingredients from the average ones, find out more about Spain’s locally grown produce, and chat to local vendors. If, for whatever reason, La Boqueria is a no-go on your chosen day, you’ll head to the Santa Caterina Market in El Born (a port of call for foodies since 1845) to pick up all the essentials.

It’s time cook up a storm. The industry kitchen sits beside a cool little bar, which is kept private for you and the group. Your class starts with some simple tapas recipes that you’ll whip up and scoff quite quickly - things like Spanish-style toast with fresh tomato. Then, the main event: cooking seafood paella (and meat-free paella for vegetarians). Your chef runs through a few demonstrations, but on the whole this cooking class is hands-on, so you’ll be an active participant in creating what you’ll be devouring. Throughout the class, your pro chef reveals some handy cooking tips and tricks that you can apply to other dishes too (if you’ve ever wondered how to chop onions without crying than you’re in for a treat). Those who fancy it will also enjoy a crash course in mixing the perfect sangria, run by a local bartender onsite.

After the class, you’ll sit down with the group and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Your tour ends on this culinary high. Ditch the apron and get back to sightseeing, stat.