Craving a taste of Peru? Look no further than this hands-on cooking class in Miraflores, Lima. Under the guidance of experienced chefs, you’ll uncover the secrets behind two of the country’s most iconic dishes – ceviche and the Pisco sour. From sourcing the freshest seafood to mastering the perfect balance of flavors, this interactive 2-hour session promises an immersive culinary journey. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, you’re in for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

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Key Points

Learn to prepare authentic Peruvian ceviche, a national dish featuring fresh seafood marinated in citrus and Andean chili flavors.
Master the art of crafting the iconic Peruvian Pisco sour cocktail, made with pisco, lime juice, egg white, and sugar syrup.
Gain insights into the history and unique preparation techniques of these beloved Peruvian specialties from expert chefs.
Participate in an engaging, hands-on cooking experience that fosters camaraderie among travelers as they work together.
Enjoy dietary accommodations and personalized attention in a class size limited to 14 participants for a more personalized experience.

Overview of the Cooking Class

The cooking class takes place in Miraflores, a vibrant neighborhood in Lima, Peru.

During this 2-hour experience, you will learn to prepare authentic Peruvian ceviche and Pisco sour. The class is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, ensuring a personalized and interactive atmosphere.

Over the course of a 2-hour class, participants learn to craft authentic Peruvian ceviche and Pisco sour in an intimate, interactive setting limited to 14 guests.

Priced from $35 per person, the class offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Led by professional chefs, you will explore the history and techniques behind these beloved Peruvian dishes.

At the end, they’ll receive a 14-page recipe book to continue their culinary journey.

Looking for more options in Lima? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Ceviche: The Essence of Peruvian Cuisine

Ceviche lies at the heart of Peruvian cuisine, showcasing the country’s bountiful seafood and vibrant flavors. This iconic dish features fresh, raw fish marinated in zesty lime juice, mixing with aromatic onions, and occasionally complemented by fiery Andean chilis.

The citrus "cooks" the fish, creating a delightfully tangy and refreshing result. Ceviche‘s versatility allows chefs to experiment with different types of seafood and garnishes, reflecting Peru’s diverse culinary heritage.

As a signature national dish, ceviche embodies the spirit of Peruvian gastronomy – fresh, bold, and bursting with personality.

Pisco Sour: The National Cocktail of Peru

Pisco, the quintessential Peruvian brandy, takes center stage in the nation’s iconic cocktail – the Pisco Sour.

This refreshing libation combines the distinctive flavor of pisco with the zesty tang of lime juice, the velvety richness of egg white, and the sweetness of sugar syrup. The result is a perfectly balanced cocktail that embodies the spirit of Peru.

Professional chefs guide participants through the step-by-step process of crafting this beloved national drink, sharing insights into its history and unique preparation techniques.

The Pisco Sour class offers a delightful opportunity to savor a taste of Peruvian culture.

Hands-on Cooking Experience

Although the class is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, participants can expect a highly engaging and interactive hands-on cooking experience.

Led by a professional chef, the class delves into the history and preparation of ceviche and Pisco sour. Participants receive a 14-page recipe book with additional Peruvian dishes, allowing them to recreate the flavors at home.

The fun and lively atmosphere fosters camaraderie, as travelers work together to prepare the authentic dishes.

With positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable chefs and delicious results, this cooking class offers an immersive way to learn about Peruvian cuisine.

Culinary History and Traditions

Peru’s rich culinary history is deeply intertwined with the preparation of ceviche and the Pisco sour.

Peru’s rich culinary history is deeply intertwined with the preparation of ceviche and the Pisco sour.

These iconic Peruvian dishes have evolved over centuries, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural influences:

Ceviche’s origins trace back to the Moche and Inca civilizations, who used citrus to "cook" seafood.
Pisco, the base spirit for the sour, was first distilled by Spanish settlers in the 16th century.
Signature ingredients like aji amarillo peppers and purple corn bring bold Andean flavors to these national specialties.
Mastering the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and savory is a point of national pride for Peruvian chefs.

There's plenty more to explore in Lima

Dietary Accommodations and Preferences

The cooking class offers a vegetarian option for participants who request it, ensuring a flexible and inclusive experience for all dietary preferences.

The ceviche can be prepared with or without Andean hot chilis, catering to different spice tolerance levels. For the Pisco sour, the egg white is optional, accommodating those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

The class also provides all necessary ingredients, simplifying the cooking process for attendees. With these thoughtful modifications, the cooking class caters to a diverse range of tastes and needs, creating an enjoyable and accessible experience for everyone.

What to Expect on the Day

What can participants expect on the day of the cooking class? Participants can look forward to a hands-on, interactive experience led by a professional chef.

Participants can look forward to a hands-on, interactive experience led by a professional chef on the day of the cooking class.

The class begins with a warm welcome and introduction to Peruvian cuisine and the day’s menu. Guests will:

Assist in preparing the classic Peruvian dishes of ceviche and Pisco sour from start to finish.
Learn about the history, ingredients, and techniques behind these iconic Peruvian specialties.
Receive a 14-page recipe book to take home, providing additional Peruvian recipes to recreate the experience.
Enjoy the fruits of their labor by savoring the freshly prepared ceviche and Pisco sour in a fun, social setting.

Booking and Logistics

Booking the cooking class is a straightforward process. The class can be booked online or by email, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

The class is held in Miraflores, Lima, just a short walk from Kennedy Park. Getting there’s easy, with the location being wheelchair and stroller accessible, and near public transportation.

Participants should dress comfortably and be at least 18 years old to enjoy the included Pisco sour. The class size is limited to 14 travelers, ensuring an intimate and interactive experience with the professional chef.

All necessary ingredients are provided, including a vegetarian option upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

The class has a casual dress code. The website recommends wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, so participants can move around freely during the hands-on cooking experience.

Can I Bring Additional Guests Not Booked for the Class?

Participants can bring additional guests not booked for the class, but they must pay the full per-person rate. The class size is limited to 14 travelers, so extra guests may not be accommodated if the class is full.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Pisco Sour Tasting?

The class has a minimum drinking age of 18 years. Children are welcome to attend but won’t be served the Pisco sour. Participants must be of legal drinking age to sample the Pisco sour during the cooking class.

Can I Take Home the Leftover Food I Prepare?

The cooking class doesn’t allow participants to take home leftover food they prepare. The focus is on the hands-on cooking experience and learning about Peruvian cuisine. Any extra food will be consumed during the class.

Is There a Way to Extend the Length of the Class?

The class length cannot be extended. It’s a fixed 2-hour experience. However, participants can book multiple cooking classes on different days if they’d like to spend more time learning Peruvian cuisine.

The Sum Up

Join this interactive cooking class in Miraflores, Lima, and master the art of authentic Peruvian ceviche and Pisco sour. Under the guidance of professional chefs, you’ll dive into the history and techniques behind these beloved dishes. With hands-on participation and personalized attention, you’ll savor the vibrant flavors of fresh seafood and discover the perfect balance of ingredients in your Pisco sour.