Lima: Market Tour and Cooking Class With Pisco Sour

Set out on a culinary journey through the heart of Lima’s vibrant Surquillo Market. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere as you discover the unique flavors and cultural significance of Peruvian fruits like lucuma and cherimoya. Engage with local vendors, then explore a hands-on cooking class to master the art of ceviche, causa rellena, and the iconic pisco sour. This immersive experience promises to unveil the rich depths of Peru’s gastronomic heritage.

Good To Know

• Explore the vibrant Surquillo Market, engaging with vendors and learning about the origins of fresh Peruvian produce, meats, and seafood.
• Discover the cultural significance of four unique Peruvian fruits, including lucuma, cherimoya, granadilla, and tuna.
• Gain insights into the local food system through engaging with market vendors and understanding their stories and partnerships.
• Participate in a hands-on cooking class where you’ll prepare classic Peruvian dishes like ceviche and causa rellena, as well as the national cocktail, pisco sour.
• Savor the prepared dishes and desserts, engaging in conversations with the local chef to deepen your understanding of Peruvian culinary traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Surquillo Market: A Culinary Adventure

As the tour begins, participants are guided through the bustling Surquillo Market, a vibrant hub of local flavors and culinary traditions.

They’ll meet market vendors and learn about the origins of the fresh produce, meats, and seafood on display.

Four unique Peruvian fruits with cultural significance are sampled, allowing attendees to explore the diverse flavors that define Peruvian cuisine.

Attendees sample four unique Peruvian fruits, seeing the diverse flavors that define the country’s vibrant culinary landscape.

The guide shares insights into the market’s role in the local community and the importance of supporting small-scale producers.

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

Discovering Peruvian Fruits and Their Cultural Significance

During the market tour, participants have the opportunity to sample four unique Peruvian fruits that hold profound cultural significance. From the vibrant, heart-shaped lucuma to the enigmatic cherimoya, each fruit offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Peruvian culinary heritage.

| Fruit | Cultural Significance |

|——–|———————-|

| Lucuma | Regarded as the "Gold of the Incas," this sweet fruit is a staple in Peruvian desserts. |

| Cherimoya | Also known as the "fruit of the angels," its creamy texture and tropical flavor have captivated Peruvians for centuries. |

| Granadilla | This passion fruit variety is a symbol of fertility and abundance in Peruvian culture. |

| Tuna | The prickly pear fruit is deeply connected to Inca traditions, often used in ceremonial offerings. |

Engaging With Market Vendors and Learning About Their Origins

Participants engage directly with market vendors, gaining valuable insights into the origins and traditions behind the diverse array of produce on display.

They learn about the cultural significance of various fruits and vegetables, many of which have been cultivated for centuries across Peru’s varied landscapes.

The vendors share stories of their family farms, co-ops, and trading partnerships, providing a deeper understanding of the local food system.

This immersive experience allows guests to connect with the people who bring these ingredients to market, fostering an appreciation for the rich culinary heritage of Peru.

Hands-On Cooking Class With a Local Chef

After exploring the vibrant Surquillo Market and learning about the origins of its diverse produce, participants move on to the hands-on cooking class led by a local chef.

During the class, they will:

• Prepare the classic Peruvian ceviche, featuring fresh fish marinated in citrus juices and spices.

• Assemble the layers of the traditional causa rellena, a potato-based dish with avocado and flavorful fillings.

• Mix and shake the national cocktail, the pisco sour, made with the signature Peruvian brandy, lime, egg white, and bitters.

The class is suitable for all skill levels, allowing participants to enjoy the art of Peruvian cuisine.

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Preparing Ceviche, Causa Rellena, and the Iconic Pisco Sour

As the cooking class commences, the participants learn to prepare some of Peru’s most iconic dishes. Under the guidance of the local chef, they begin crafting ceviche – fresh fish marinated in a zesty citrus blend, infused with aromatic spices.

Next, they layer mashed potatoes with avocado and a savory filling to create the beloved causa rellena.

Layers of mashed potatoes, avocado, and a savory filling come together in the beloved Peruvian dish, causa rellena.

The grand finale is the preparation of the pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail, featuring the distinctive pisco brandy, lime, egg white, and bitters.

The class culminates in enjoying the flavorful dishes and a traditional Peruvian dessert.

Savoring the Dishes and Indulging in a Traditional Peruvian Dessert

With the cooking complete, participants savor the flavorful dishes they’ve prepared. The fresh ceviche, tangy and bright, is a highlight. The layers of the causa rellena, creamy potatoes and savory fillings, delight the palate.

And the pisco sour, frothy and balanced, is the perfect refreshing accompaniment. As they indulge, participants also enjoy:

• A traditional Peruvian dessert, such as the rich and creamy arroz con leche or the warm and sweet picarones drizzled in chancaca syrup.

• Engaging conversations with the local chef, learning more about Peruvian culinary traditions.

• A newfound appreciation for the vibrant flavors and techniques of Peruvian cuisine.

Important Information and Considerations

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for cooking and standing during the class.

Comfortable clothing and suitable shoes are recommended for the cooking class to ensure a pleasant experience.

A hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended to enhance the market tour experience.

Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance.

Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and individuals with food allergies can’t be accommodated due to safety concerns.

The meeting point is outside the main entrance of the Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores, where a guide with a red lanyard and the Exquisito Peru logo will be waiting.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for this experience is located outside the main entrance of the Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores.

Look for the guide with a red lanyard and the Exquisito Peru logo.

This tour isn’t suitable for:

• Pregnant women

• Wheelchair users

• Individuals with food allergies

The guide will be present to welcome participants and ensure a smooth start to the market tour and cooking class.

Participants are advised to arrive on time to make the most of this immersive culinary experience in the heart of Lima.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The activity doesn’t specifically state if it’s suitable for vegetarians or vegans. It’s best to notify the provider in advance of any dietary restrictions or preferences to ensure the cooking class can accommodate them.

Can the Class Be Customized for Private or Larger Group Bookings?

The activity can be customized for private or larger group bookings. Exquisito Peru offers flexible options to accommodate special requests, ensuring an engaging and personalized experience for groups of any size.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Child Participants?

There are no age restrictions for child participants, but the activity is not recommended for children under 12 as it involves hands-on cooking and sampling of alcoholic beverages like the pisco sour.

Is Transportation to and From the Meeting Point Included in the Price?

No, transportation to and from the meeting point is not included in the price. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the designated meeting location outside the Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores.

Can the Class Accommodate Participants With Physical Disabilities or Mobility Limitations?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women due to the physical nature of the cooking class. Participants with other physical disabilities or mobility limitations should notify the provider in advance to determine if accommodations can be made.

The Sum Up

The "Lima: Market Tour and Cooking Class With Pisco Sour" offers a comprehensive introduction to Peru’s vibrant culinary heritage. Participants explore Surquillo Market, engage with local vendors, and learn about Peruvian fruits. The hands-on cooking class allows attendees to prepare traditional dishes like ceviche and causa rellena, complemented by the iconic pisco sour, creating an immersive and delightful experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: