Lima: Peruvian Cooking Class, Market Tour & Exotic Fruits

Explore the vibrant flavors of Peru with a captivating culinary adventure in Lima. Dive into the dynamic Surquillo Market, where you’ll uncover a treasure trove of exotic ingredients. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll master the art of preparing time-honored Peruvian dishes. From the bright citrus notes of ceviche to the rich, savory essence of lomo saltado, this hands-on experience promises to awaken your senses. But the journey doesn’t end there – savor the tropical delights of Peru’s diverse fruits, a true taste of the country’s bountiful riches.

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Key Points

Immersive hands-on Peruvian cooking class led by a professional chef, featuring traditional dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado.
Guided tour of the local Surquillo market to explore the vibrant produce, spices, and seafood that define Peruvian cuisine.
Opportunity to prepare popular Peruvian dishes, with options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Tasting of exotic Peruvian fruits, including granadilla, cherimoya, lúcuma, and pitaya, after the cooking experience.
Focus on celebrating the fusion of indigenous Andean flavors, Spanish influences, and global culinary trends in Peruvian gastronomy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

About the Cooking Class and Market Tour

The cooking class and market tour provides an immersive experience into Peruvian cuisine and culture.

Participants visit a local market in Surquillo to learn about traditional ingredients and produce.

Then, they head to a kitchen in Miraflores to prepare popular Peruvian dishes under the guidance of a professional chef.

The class offers three options for the starter and main course, catering to dietary restrictions.

The class offers options for the starter and main course to accommodate dietary needs.

Participants will taste authentic flavors and discover the vibrant food culture of Peru.

The experience includes snacks, exotic fruit tastings, and non-alcoholic drinks.

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Peruvian Culinary Delights

Peruvian cuisine is a tantalizing fusion of indigenous Andean flavors, Spanish influences, and global culinary trends.

From the classic ceviche, a fresh seafood dish "cooked" in citrus, to the hearty lomo saltado, a flavorful stir-fried beef dish, the cooking class offers a delightful immersion into Peru’s diverse culinary landscape.

Participants will also have the opportunity to prepare causa, a vibrant potato-based appetizer, and the creamy ají de pollo, a chicken stew in a spicy, creamy sauce.

With hands-on guidance from expert chefs, guests can indulge in the authentic tastes of Peru, crafted with care and precision.

Discovering Surquillo Market

Where does one begin to unravel the vibrant tapestry of Peruvian cuisine? The answer lies in the bustling Surquillo Market, a culinary epicenter that serves as the heart and soul of the Lima cooking class experience.

Participants are whisked away on a guided tour, seeing the sights, sounds, and aromas that define Peruvian food culture.

The tour highlights four key aspects of the market:

Vibrant produce stalls bursting with exotic fruits and vegetables
Fragrant spice vendors offering an array of Andean flavors
Lively seafood counters showcasing the ocean’s bounty
Centuries-old traditions passed down through generations of Peruvian cooks

This intimate connection with the market sets the stage for an unforgettable cooking class, where you will craft beloved dishes and savor the authentic tastes of Peru.

Preparing Ceviche and Pescado a La Chorrillana

After exploring the vibrant Surquillo Market, participants now embark on the hands-on cooking experience.

They’ll prepare two classic Peruvian dishes – ceviche and pescado a la chorrillana.

First, they’ll learn the secrets to making the perfect ceviche, marinating the fresh fish in a tangy citrus-based marinade.

Discover the secrets to crafting the perfect ceviche – marinating fresh fish in a tangy citrus-based marinade.

Next, they’ll sauté tender white fish fillets in a flavorful sauce of onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Throughout the cooking process, the chef provides step-by-step guidance, sharing culinary insights and techniques.

The end result is a delectable feast of Peruvian flavors, ready to be savored.

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Mastering Papa Rellena and Lomo Saltado

Next, participants dive into preparing another beloved Peruvian dish – papa rellena. This stuffed potato delicacy involves:

Mashing and seasoning potatoes to form a dough-like base.
Crafting a savory filling of ground meat, onions, and spices.
Carefully shaping the potato dough around the filling to create a pocket.
Frying the stuffed potato balls until golden brown.

With the papa rellena complete, the class moves on to mastering lomo saltado, a stir-fried beef dish.

Tender strips of beef sizzle with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of Peruvian spices, served alongside crispy fries for a truly satisfying main course.

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Crafting Causa and Ají De Pollo

With the savory lomo saltado now complete, the class turns its attention to crafting causa, a unique layered potato dish. Next up, Chef Karina demonstrates how to assemble this Peruvian classic.

| Ingredient | Amount |

| — | — |

| Potatoes | 2 lbs |

| Lime Juice | 1/4 cup |

| Aji Amarillo Paste | 2 tbsp |

| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |

| Chicken or Tuna | 1 cup shredded |

After mashing the seasoned potatoes, the class layers them with the flavorful fillings, creating a vibrant, texture-rich dish. The final touch is ají de pollo, a creamy chicken stew, which the group happily plates and savors.

Indulging in Exotic Fruits

What better way to conclude the culinary adventure than by indulging in Peru’s vibrant array of exotic fruits?

From the creamy, custard-like lucuma to the tangy, grape-like aguaymanto, the tasting experience is a true delight for the senses. Guests are invited to sample:

Granadilla – A passionfruit-like fruit with a gelatinous, sweet-tart interior.
Cherimoya – A heart-shaped fruit with a soft, custard-like flesh and a subtle vanilla-pineapple flavor.
Lúcuma – A subtropical fruit with a unique caramel-like taste and a dense, sweet flesh.
Pitaya – Also known as the dragon fruit, this vibrant pink fruit offers a refreshing, slightly crunchy texture.

Customer Testimonials and Ratings

Guests who’ve experienced the Peruvian Cooking Class and Market Tour have overwhelmingly praised the exceptional quality of the experience.

The activity boasts an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 214 reviews. Reviewers highlight the professionalism of the chef and guide, the deliciousness of the prepared dishes, and the immersive cultural experience.

As one reviewer from South Africa remarked, "The food we cooked was delicious. Chef Karina and guide Gaby are amazing."

Another guest from the US stated, "Wonderful experience. Paula was an amazing guide."

Travelers consistently report high value for money and a truly authentic Peruvian culinary adventure.

Things To Know

Can I Customize the Menu Selection?

Yes, the cooking class allows you to customize the menu selection. You can choose from three options for the starter and main dish to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Do I Need Any Prior Cooking Experience?

No prior cooking experience is necessary. The cooking class is designed for beginners and includes a guided market tour and hands-on instruction from a professional chef. Even if you’ve never cooked before, you’ll learn to prepare authentic Peruvian dishes.

Is the Class Suitable for Children?

The class is suitable for children. They’ll enjoy the interactive market tour, preparing authentic Peruvian dishes, and tasting exotic fruits. The child-friendly curriculum ensures an engaging and educational experience for all ages.

Can the Class Be Done in a Private Group?

The class can accommodate private groups. Bookings for private groups are available, allowing you to enjoy the cooking experience in a more intimate setting with your own party.

Are Any Vegetarian or Vegan Options Available?

Yes, the cooking class offers vegetarian and vegan options. Dietary restrictions are accommodated, so participants can choose to cook plant-based starter and main dishes that fit their dietary needs.

Sum Up

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Peru through this hands-on cooking class and market tour in Lima. Guided by an expert chef, you’ll learn to prepare iconic Peruvian dishes and discover the diverse, exotic produce that defines the country’s rich culinary heritage. This culinary adventure offers an authentic taste of Peruvian culture that’ll leave you craving more.

You can check availability for your dates here: