Chef Led Porto Market Tour & Portuguese Tapas Class + Wine

Set out on a culinary adventure with the Chef Led Porto Market Tour & Portuguese Tapas Class. An expert guide will lead you through the vibrant Bolhao Market, renowned for its fresh ingredients. Learn to craft traditional ‘petiscos’ like grilled sardines and codfish fritters during a hands-on cooking class. Savor the flavors of the Douro Valley wine as you learn about Porto’s rich culinary culture. Depart with recipes and a unique souvenir, eager to recreate the experience at home.

Good To Know

• Immersive guided tour of Bolhao Market, Porto’s renowned culinary hub, offering insights into traditional Portuguese ingredients and cuisine.
• Hands-on preparation of authentic Portuguese tapas (petiscos) under the guidance of an expert chef.
• Opportunity to learn cooking techniques and discover the cultural significance of the tapas dishes.
• Enjoyment of the prepared tapas paired with Douro Valley wine.
• Takeaway recipes and a culinary souvenir to continue exploring Portuguese cuisine at home.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Iconic Bolhao Market

As participants embark on the Porto Market Tour, they’ll first explore the renowned Bolhao Market, a bustling hub that’s been at the heart of the city’s culinary culture for over a century.

Guided by a knowledgeable chef, they’ll navigate the stalls, seeing the sights, sounds, and aromas of this iconic marketplace.

A knowledgeable chef guides participants through the bustling Bolhao Market, immersing them in its sights, sounds, and aromas.

From vibrant produce to fresh seafood, you will learn about the market’s history and the ingredients that form the foundation of traditional Portuguese cuisine.

This hands-on experience sets the stage for the hands-on cooking class to follow.

Discovering the Art of Portuguese Tapas

Following the guided tour of the Bolhao Market, participants dive into the hands-on preparation of traditional Portuguese tapas, known as ‘petiscos’.

Under the expert tutelage of the chef, guests learn the secrets to crafting these small, flavourful dishes. From classic Sardinha Assada (grilled sardines) to Pasteis de Bacalhau (codfish fritters), each tapas is made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

The class emphasizes technique and cultural significance, providing participants with the knowledge to recreate these beloved Portuguese specialities at home.

As the cooking concludes, guests savour the fruits of their labour, paired with a glass of Douro Valley wine.

Getting Hands-on in the Cooking Class

After the market tour, participants head to the kitchen to begin the hands-on cooking class.

Under the chef’s guidance, they’ll learn how to prepare traditional Portuguese tapas. The chef demonstrates each dish, then participants recreate them, chopping ingredients, mixing, and assembling the tapas.

Under the chef’s expert tutelage, participants craft authentic Portuguese tapas, chopping, mixing, and assembling each traditional dish.

As they cook, the aroma of sizzling prawns, roasted peppers, and aromatic spices fills the air.

Once the tapas are ready, everyone sits down to enjoy the fruits of their labor, savoring each bite paired with a glass of Douro wine.

It’s a delightful immersion in Portuguese culinary traditions.

Savoring the Flavors of the Douro Valley

With the hands-on tapas preparation complete, it’s time to savor the flavors of the Douro Valley. Participants are served the dishes they created, accompanied by a glass of rich, full-bodied Douro wine.

The menu features:

1. Flavorful Portuguese Tapas (Tapiscos)

2. A selection of locally-sourced ingredients transformed into delectable small plates

3. The opportunity to pair the culinary creations with the renowned wines of the Douro region

As they enjoy the meal, guests can reflect on the cultural insights and cooking techniques they’ve acquired during the market tour and hands-on class.

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Collecting Recipes and Culinary Souvenirs

Participants receive a special goodie bag as they conclude the Porto Market Tour and Portuguese Tapas Class.

Inside, they find the recipes they learned during the hands-on cooking session, allowing them to recreate the authentic Portuguese tapas at home.

Plus, the bag contains a travel-friendly bottle of Aguardente, a traditional Portuguese spirit.

This culinary souvenir serves as a memento of the experience, enabling participants to continue exploring Portuguese cuisine long after their trip.

The goodie bag helps cement the lessons learned, empowering travelers to expand their culinary horizons and impress friends and family with their newfound Portuguese cooking skills.

Experiencing the Hospitality of Porto

As the cooking class concludes, participants are immersed in the warm hospitality that defines the Porto experience. They savor the flavorful tapas they’ve prepared, accompanied by a glass of rich Douro wine.

The chef’s hospitality shines through in three key ways:

1. Sharing local food traditions and history with genuine enthusiasm.

2. Guiding participants with patience and care, ensuring they feel confident in the kitchen.

3. Fostering a convivial atmosphere where strangers become new friends over a shared love of Portuguese cuisine.

This intimate, hands-on culinary journey leaves participants with a newfound appreciation for the hospitality at the heart of Porto’s vibrant food culture.

Preparing for the Tour and Class

Travelers preparing for the Porto Market Tour & Portuguese Tapas Class will want to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. This ensures they don’t miss any important instructions or the start of the guided market tour.

The meeting point is the corner of Manteigaria and Leitaria Quinta do Paço, where the chef will be wearing a distinctive chef’s hat. Participants should dress appropriately, as no open-toed shoes are allowed for hygiene reasons.

The walk from the market to the kitchen takes about 10 minutes, so bringing an umbrella is recommended if rain is expected. The class provides aprons for the cooking portion.

Reviewing the Exceptional Customer Feedback

The outstanding customer reviews for the Porto Market Tour & Portuguese Tapas Class highlight the exceptional experience travelers have had.

Travelers rave about the exceptional experience of the Porto Market Tour & Portuguese Tapas Class.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and engaging Chef Nicolle, who guided them through the iconic Bolhao Market and taught them to prepare authentic Portuguese tapas.

As one traveler noted, "The market visit was a highlight."

Another commented, "The food was amazing and easy to replicate at home."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Menu Option Available?

While the activity overview does not explicitly mention vegetarian or vegan options, the description notes the cooking class involves preparing Portuguese tapas. Participants should inquire with the provider about accommodating dietary restrictions when booking.

Can the Tour and Class Accommodate Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?

The tour and class can accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions. Guests should notify the provider in advance so they can plan accordingly and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.

What Is the Minimum/Maximum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour and class don’t have any age restrictions, so participants of all ages are welcome. However, young children may require parental supervision during the cooking portion of the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Experience Beyond the 4-Hour Duration?

The activity overview doesn’t specify a minimum or maximum age for participants. As for extending the experience, the details provided don’t indicate an option to do so beyond the 4-hour duration.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Listed Price?

No additional fees or taxes are mentioned beyond the listed price of $142.29 per person. The price covers the 4-hour experience, including the market tour, cooking class, lunch, and a glass of wine.

The Sum Up

The Chef Led Porto Market Tour & Portuguese Tapas Class offers a captivating culinary journey. Guests explore the vibrant Bolhao Market, learn to craft traditional Portuguese tapas, and savor the flavors of the Douro Valley. With hands-on cooking, expert guidance, and a charming souvenir, this experience immerses participants in Porto’s rich culinary culture, leaving them with cherished memories and newfound cooking skills.

You can check availability for your dates here: