Ostuni: Cook Pasta With Local Family in the Countryside!

Travelers seeking an authentic taste of Puglia can join a local family in the countryside of Ostuni for a hands-on cooking class, where they'll learn to prepare traditional dishes using seasonal produce from the family's garden.

Ostuni, a picturesque town in southern Italy, beckons visitors to enjoy its rich culinary heritage. Travelers can now experience the charm of the region by joining a local family in the countryside for a hands-on cooking class. Over the course of three hours, you will learn to prepare traditional Puglian dishes, harvesting seasonal produce from the family’s garden and sipping on Fiano or Primitivo wine. This culinary adventure promises to transport guests into the heart of Ostuni’s vibrant food culture.

Key Points

  • Immerse in a 3-hour cooking experience with a local Puglian family, limited to 10 participants, and learn to make traditional dishes like handmade orecchiette pasta.
  • Enjoy a menu featuring regional specialties such as fried sage, baked vegetables, Acquasala, and dessert options like tiramisu or almond cookies.
  • Savor Fiano white wine or Primitivo rosé/red wine, as well as non-alcoholic options, all included in the €135 per person cost.
  • Located approximately 3.7 km from Ostuni, with transportation services available for an additional fee.
  • Accommodate dietary restrictions upon booking, with separate options for vegetarians and those with gluten or dairy allergies.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

Although the experience lasts 3 hours, you will have the opportunity to cook traditional recipes from Puglia’s countryside with a local family.

The group size is limited to 10 people, and the experience is offered in English and Italian.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The cost of the experience starts at €135.00 per person.

Cooking Details

Participants will learn to make handmade pasta, appetizers, and desserts during the cooking class.

The menu includes:

  • Appetizer: Fried sage, baked seasonal vegetables, and Acquasala.

  • Main course: Handmade orecchiette pasta.

  • Dessert: Tiramisu or almond cookies.

Guests may have the opportunity to harvest seasonal produce from the on-site garden to incorporate into the dishes.

At the end of the class, you will receive the recipes to recreate the traditional Puglian specialties at home.

Beverage Options

During the cooking class, guests can enjoy a bottle of Fiano white wine or Primitivo rosé/red wine from Produttori di Manduria for every two people.

These local wines complement the traditional Puglian dishes perfectly. For those under 18, the non-alcoholic option is Fanta.

The beverages are included in the overall price of the experience, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the culinary traditions of the region without worrying about added costs.

Whether you prefer red, white, or non-alcoholic, the beverage selection enhances the authentic cooking class experience.

Meeting Point and Transportation

The location for the cooking class is approximately 3.7 km from Ostuni (BR). A transportation service is available for an additional fee to get to and from Ostuni.

Participants have three options for transportation:

Participants have three options for transportation: arrange their own, request a service, or coordinate group rides.

  1. Arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.

  2. Request the transportation service to/from Ostuni.

  3. Coordinate with the group to share rides or use public transportation.

The class takes place at a local family’s home, so having your own means of getting there is recommended.

The transportation service provides a convenient option for those who need it.

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Food Intolerances and Allergies

Does the cooking class accommodate those with food intolerances and allergies?

Yes, guests can specify any dietary restrictions when booking the experience. The hosts are happy to accommodate a range of needs, from vegetarians to those with gluten or dairy allergies.

Just let them know in advance, and they’ll adjust the menu accordingly. This ensures everyone can enjoy the authentic home-cooked Puglian dishes without worry.

With advance notice, the hosts can substitute ingredients or prepare separate options to cater to individual preferences. Providing this flexibility makes the cooking class welcoming for all participants.

Cat Presence

A key consideration for those booking the cooking class is the presence of a cat on the premises.

While the cat is generally well-behaved, it’s important for participants to be aware of its presence, especially those with cat allergies or phobias.

The cooking class organizers take the following precautions:

The cooking class organizers take precautions to ensure the cat’s presence does not disrupt the class experience.

  1. The cat is kept away from the cooking area during the class.

  2. The home is thoroughly cleaned before each session to minimize any residual cat hair or dander.

  3. Participants are advised to inform the organizers of any concerns about the cat’s presence before booking the class.

Booking Options

Although participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment, they’ll need to pay the full amount at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled cooking class. This allows for flexibility in booking, while ensuring the class is confirmed.

Customers can select either a lunch or dinner session, with availability from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm or 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. To secure a spot, visitors simply need to provide any dietary restrictions or allergies during the booking process.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this cooking experience offers a convenient and customizable option for travelers.

Cooking Schedule

The cooking class takes place either during the day from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm or in the evening from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, allowing participants to choose the most convenient timing.

During this 3-hour experience, guests will:

  1. Learn to make handmade pasta, such as traditional orecchiette.

  2. Prepare appetizers like fried sage, baked seasonal vegetables, and Acquasala.

  3. Create a classic Italian dessert, either tiramisu or almond cookies.

Recipes for the dishes will be provided at the end of the class, enabling participants to recreate the delicious flavors of Puglia at home.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Puglia by joining a local family for a delightful cooking class in the Ostuni countryside. Learn to prepare authentic dishes like handmade orecchiette, gage the seasonal produce, and savor Fiano or Primitivo wine. This small-group experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture and flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here: