Portugal: Bacalhau Cooking Class

Contents show

Portugal: Bacalhau Cooking Class Review

Imagine spending a few hours in Lisbon mastering the art of preparing Portugal’s most iconic dish, bacalhau (salted cod). This hands-on cooking class offers more than just recipe instructions — it’s a chance to connect with Portuguese culinary traditions, learn from friendly instructors, and walk away with skills you can impress friends with back home.

What we love about this experience? First, the focus on authentic ingredients and traditional recipes ensures you’re learning genuine techniques. Second, the small group setting makes it more interactive and personal. Third, the inclusion of cultural insights about bacalhau’s history adds depth to the cooking.

A possible consideration is that this class isn’t suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with food allergies, so it’s best suited for meat-eaters and seafood lovers. Plus, transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so plan your arrival accordingly.

This class appeals most to travelers eager to dive into Portuguese cuisine, especially those who appreciate hands-on experiences and want to bring home practical culinary skills.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Recipes & Techniques: Learn to cook classic dishes like Bacalhau à Brás with fresh ingredients.
Cultural Context: Discover the history and significance of bacalhau in Portugal’s culinary identity.
Hands-On Learning: Enjoy a practical, interactive experience suitable for all skill levels.
Small Group Format: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized guidance.
Inclusive Experience: All ingredients and equipment are provided, along with recipes and tastings.
Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now with pay later options.

Feeling inspired to cook? Check out these other hands-on experiences in Lisbon

What to Expect from the Bacalhau Cooking Class

This 3-hour session starts at the Cooks Store in Lisbon, a cozy and well-equipped space where culinary enthusiasm is contagious. The class is designed to be engaging, informative, and fun, whether you’re a kitchen novice or an experienced home cook.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Introduction & Cultural Context
Your instructor kicks off with an overview of bacalhau’s importance in Portuguese cuisine, sharing stories about its historical roots and how it became a national staple. Expect to hear insights that turn a simple recipe into a cultural tradition, which adds a layer of appreciation to the cooking process.

Preparation of Salted Cod
Preparing bacalhau properly is key to authentic flavor, and you’ll learn the best methods for desalinating salted cod, which can be a bit of a patience game. The instructor emphasizes using fresh, high-quality ingredients, making all the difference in the final dishes. Reviewers mention that the instructor is clear and helpful, guiding even beginners through the steps confidently.

Cooking Traditional Dishes
You’ll master several recipes, most notably Bacalhau à Brás, a beloved dish combining salted cod, eggs, potatoes, and herbs. Other popular recipes include Bacalhau com Natas and Gomes de Sá, which you can choose depending on your skill level and interest. The hands-on approach means you’ll be actively involved in each step, from chopping to seasoning, turning a recipe into a culinary creation you can re-create at home.

Tasting & Sharing
Once your dishes are ready, it’s time to sample your own handiwork. All the dishes prepared during the class will be served for tasting, allowing you to appreciate the flavors and textures that define Portuguese cod dishes. Many reviewers have noted how satisfying it is to taste the results of your effort, often commenting that the recipes are straightforward but flavorful.

The Learning Environment

The class is held in a small, intimate setting with a maximum of 10 participants, which facilitates personalized instruction. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly atmosphere and the instructor’s approachable style. This setup ensures you get plenty of attention and can ask questions freely.

More Great Tours Nearby

What’s Included & What’s Not

All ingredients and equipment are provided, so you don’t need to bring anything but your enthusiasm. Recipes and tasting portions are included, making this a great value for those eager to learn authentic Portuguese cuisine.

However, transportation to the meeting point at the Cooks Store is not included, so plan your route accordingly. The activity is not suitable for children under 6, vegans, vegetarians, or people with food allergies, aligning with the focus on seafood and traditional dishes.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Lisbon

Practical Tips

Check the availability in advance since starting times vary.
If you have dietary restrictions, inform the organizers at least 72 hours prior.
This experience is perfect for those who love cooking, food, culture, or all three.
Remember that it’s a 3-hour activity, so arrive ready to cook and learn.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

The authenticity of the ingredients, the expert guidance, and the culinary insights provided make this class worth the cost, especially for food lovers. The recipes you learn—like Bacalhau à Brás—are traditional for a reason, and you’ll leave with skills to recreate them in your own kitchen.

The small-group size fosters a relaxed environment where questions are encouraged, and everyone can participate actively. Plus, the tasting component means you get to enjoy all the dishes you’ve prepared, providing a delicious reward for your efforts.

If you’re someone who relishes hands-on learning and wants to deepen their understanding of Portuguese cuisine beyond just tasting, this class will satisfy both curiosity and appetite. The fact that you walk away with recipes, skills, and a greater appreciation for bacalhau’s cultural role makes this experience more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a mini culture.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This class is ideal for travelers interested in authentic culinary experiences, especially those eager to master a key Portuguese dish. It’s perfect for foodies, home cooks, or anyone wanting a memorable activity that combines learning with tasting.

It’s less suited for vegetarians, vegans, or those with food allergies, given the focus on salted cod and seafood. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or require wheelchair accessibility, you’ll want to plan accordingly, as the activity isn’t designed for those groups.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation to the Cooks Store is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own arrival.

What languages are the classes offered in?
The classes are conducted in both English and Portuguese, making them accessible to most travelers.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Are ingredients provided?
Yes, all cooking ingredients and equipment are included in the price.

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as the focus is on salted cod and seafood dishes.

How many people are in each group?
The class is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Will I get recipes to take home?
Absolutely. You’ll receive recipes for the traditional Portuguese cod dishes prepared during the class.

Final Thoughts

Opting for the Portugal Bacalhau Cooking Class offers a genuine chance to connect with Portugal’s culinary soul. It’s a practical, engaging, and delicious activity that goes beyond just following recipes — it’s about understanding a dish that has been a part of Portuguese life for generations.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious traveler, you’ll appreciate the hands-on approach, friendly atmosphere, and the delicious rewards at the end. This experience suits those eager to learn authentic techniques, savor homemade dishes, and gain insight into Portugal’s food culture.

For anyone wanting to add a meaningful, tasty, and educational activity to their Lisbon trip, this class provides excellent value and memorable moments that truly showcase the country’s love for bacalhau.