Cooking Class in Quito With Chef, Market Tour and Transportation

Quito’s vibrant culinary scene beckons travelers to enjoy its flavors. This hands-on cooking class promises an intimate experience, guiding participants through the bustling Central Market to select fresh produce before returning to a charming colonial kitchen. There, they’ll prepare three traditional Ecuadorian dishes under the tutelage of a local chef. With a 98% traveler recommendation, this class offers a chance to dive into the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Key Points

• Immersive cooking class in Quito’s historic colonial setting, including a market tour and transportation for a comprehensive Ecuadorian culinary experience.
• Hands-on preparation of three traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as locro de papa, shrimp ceviche, and empanadas, under the guidance of local chefs.
• Exploration of Quito’s Central Market to discover diverse Ecuadorian produce, fruits, and medicinal ingredients with an informative guide.
• Positive reviews highlighting the class’s educational aspect, food quality, and the friendly and informative nature of the instructors.
• Convenient logistics, including private tour format, wheelchair accessibility, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, starting at $88.00 per person.

Overview of Cooking Class Experience

The cooking class experience in Quito includes a market tour and transportation, offering travelers a comprehensive introduction to Ecuadorian cuisine.

With 170 reviews and a 98% traveler recommendation, the class has earned a Badge of Excellence. The morning start time allows for evening plans.

The market tour highlights diverse Ecuadorian produce, including exotic fruits and medicinal ingredients, with an informative guide sharing stories about local ingredients.

At the colonial cooking school, participants learn to prepare three traditional Ecuadorian dishes, including starters, mains, and desserts, taking home the recipes.

Market Tour Highlights

During the market tour, participants explore Quito’s Central Market to select fresh produce. The guide introduces them to the diverse Ecuadorian fruits and medicinal ingredients that fill the vibrant stalls.

Participants enjoy:

• Sampling local juices and exotic fruits, savoring the unique flavors.

• Learning stories about the ingredients from the knowledgeable guide.

• Feeling immersed in the bustling atmosphere of the lively market.

This insightful market tour sets the stage for the hands-on cooking class, providing participants with a deeper appreciation for the local cuisine.

Cooking Class Details

The cooking class takes place in a colonial building located in historic Quito. Participants learn to prepare three traditional Ecuadorian dishes, including a starter, main course, and dessert.

The menu may include locro de papa (potato cheese soup), quito shrimp ceviche, chicken or veggie tamales, empanadas, encocado de pescado (coconut fish dish), and either chocolate soup or quimbolito quiteño (fluffy cake in a leaf).

Participants receive an apron, chef hat, and beverages. The class emphasizes hands-on learning, though the chefs do most of the cooking, sharing valuable insights along the way.

Participant Feedback

Participants praised the friendly and informative instructors, highlighting the engaging market tour and cooking experience.

Reviews emphasize the educational aspect, quality of food, and the enjoyable atmosphere. Some noted the class was less hands-on than expected, with chefs doing most cooking but still providing valuable insights.

• "We learned so much about Ecuadorian ingredients and cooking techniques."

• "The food was incredibly fresh and flavorful. A true culinary adventure!"

• "The instructors made the experience fun and interactive, even with limited hands-on time."

Logistics and Additional Information

Transportation from urban Quito hotels is available for the cooking class.

The private tour format ensures only your group participates, making it an intimate experience. The class is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families.

The price starts at $88.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirmation is received at booking, providing convenience and peace of mind.

Whether you’re seeking an educational culinary adventure or a memorable group activity, this cooking class in Quito offers a well-rounded exploration of Ecuadorian cuisine and culture.

Exploring Quito’s Central Market

What excites travelers most about the cooking class experience in Quito is the opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant Central Market.

During the market tour, guests are introduced to a diverse array of Ecuadorian fruits and medicinal ingredients, along with sampling local juices and exotic produce. The informative guide shares captivating stories about the market’s history and the significance of these ingredients in traditional cuisine.

The market visit provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing participants to:

• Handpick fresh produce for the cooking class

• Discover unique Ecuadorian fruits and herbs

• Engage with local vendors and learn about their wares

Traditional Ecuadorian Dishes Mastered

The cooking class in Quito offers participants the opportunity to master three traditional Ecuadorian dishes under the guidance of a professional chef.

The menu includes a starter like the classic Locro de Papa (Potato Cheese Soup) or Quinoa Soup, followed by a main course selection such as the traditional Quito Shrimp Ceviche, Chicken or Veggie Tamales, Empanadas, or Encocado de Pescado (Coconut Fish Dish).

For dessert, guests can indulge in Chocolate Soup or the fluffy Quimbolito Quiteño cake.

The hands-on cooking experience allows participants to learn authentic recipes and techniques to recreate these Ecuadorian specialties at home.

Immersive Culinary Journey in Quito

Quito’s vibrant Central Market serves as the starting point for this immersive culinary journey. Guests embark on a guided tour, discovering the diverse produce, exotic fruits, and medicinal ingredients that shape Ecuadorian cuisine.

The informative guide’s stories captivate the senses, setting the stage for the hands-on cooking class ahead.

• The aroma of simmering spices and sizzling seafood fills the air, whetting the appetite.

• Lively interactions with the local chef foster a deeper understanding of time-honored recipes and traditional techniques.

• A sense of accomplishment radiates as participants savor the flavors of their homemade Ecuadorian dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for the Cooking Class?

The cooking class is a private tour format, which means the group size is limited to only the participants in your party. The class size is not specified, allowing for a personalized experience.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol to the Cooking Class?

The cooking class does not allow participants to bring their own alcohol. However, the class provides beverages such as soda and local fruit juices for participants to enjoy during the experience.

Are Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options Available?

Yes, the cooking class offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu includes a vegetable tamale and participants with dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Can I Customize the Menu for the Cooking Class?

You can customize the menu for the cooking class. The chefs are accommodating and will work with you to design a menu that fits your dietary preferences and interests. Just let them know your requirements when booking.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment to the Cooking Class?

No, participants don’t need to bring any special equipment to the cooking class. All necessary tools and appliances are provided, allowing participants to focus on the cooking experience without worrying about bringing their own gear.

The Sum Up

This cooking class offers an immersive culinary experience in Quito. Participants get to explore the vibrant Central Market, select fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare authentic Ecuadorian dishes under the guidance of a local chef. With high traveler satisfaction and recognition, this class promises an educational and delicious way to discover Quito’s rich food culture.