Thessaloniki: Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch

Thessaloniki’s Greek Cooking Class offers a delightful culinary adventure. Visitors begin by exploring a vibrant local market, interacting with friendly vendors and discovering the region’s fresh produce and spices. Over three captivating hours, they’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like dolmadakia and gemista, mastering essential techniques. Savoring the creations alongside a glass of wine or beer, participants enjoy Greece’s rich culinary traditions. This experience promises to leave taste buds tantalized and minds eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• A 3-hour Greek cooking class in Thessaloniki that includes a visit to a local market, hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, and a full-course lunch with wine.
• Exploration of a vibrant local market in Thessaloniki, allowing participants to interact with vendors and select fresh ingredients for the cooking class.
• Hands-on preparation of classic Greek dishes, including dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), Greek salad, gemista (stuffed vegetables), and chocolate salami dessert.
• Instruction on making tzatziki, a traditional Greek yogurt-based dip, and rolling dolmadakia, with emphasis on cultural exchange during the cooking process.
• A relaxed dining experience where participants savor the prepared Greek dishes, accompanied by a glass of wine or beer, in a convivial atmosphere.

Overview of the Cooking Class

The cooking class takes place in Thessaloniki, Greece, offering participants an immersive experience in traditional Greek cuisine.

Thessaloniki, Greece hosts a cooking class immersing travelers in the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine.

Led by the team at Active Thess Holidays, the 3-hour class begins at 11:30 AM and welcomes a maximum of 16 travelers.

Guests will visit a local market, learn to prepare classic Greek dishes, and enjoy a homemade lunch complete with a glass of wine or beer.

The class is priced from $94.14 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Accessibility features include stroller access and infant seats, though the experience isn’t wheelchair-friendly.

Exploring the Local Market

After learning about the cooking class, participants embark on a visit to the local market in Thessaloniki.

They enjoy the bustling atmosphere, exploring stalls brimming with vibrant produce, aromatic spices, and freshly caught seafood.

The guide shares insights into traditional Greek ingredients and culinary practices.

Participants wander through the aisles, interacting with friendly vendors and selecting the freshest items for their upcoming cooking adventure.

This market visit not only provides a glimpse into the local food culture but also allows participants to gather ingredients that will be used in the hands-on cooking class.

Preparing the Traditional Greek Dishes

Participants don the aprons provided and eagerly gather around the hands-on cooking station. The instructor demonstrates each step for preparing the day’s traditional Greek dishes.

First, they learn to assemble the savory dolmadakia – stuffed grape leaves with fresh herbs and rice. Next, they dive into the classic Greek salad, chopping crisp vegetables and tossing them in a tangy dressing.

The highlight is learning to make gemista, the traditional stuffed vegetables baked with potatoes in a tomato sauce. Finally, they craft the decadent chocolate salami dessert, marveling at its unique texture and flavor.

Throughout, the group shares laughs and cultural exchange.

Tzatziki and Dolmadakia: A Taste of Greek Appetizers

Tzatziki, the cool and refreshing Greek yogurt-based dip, kicks off the cooking class. The chef demonstrates how to prepare this classic appetizer, explaining the key ingredients:

1. Greek yogurt

2. Cucumber

3. Garlic

4. Lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill

Guests eagerly watch as the chef deftly combines these simple, yet flavor-packed components.

Next, the class tackles dolmadakia, the beloved stuffed grape leaves. They learn the art of rolling the rice, herbs, and olive oil filling into the tender grape leaves.

With these two starters mastered, the class is primed to dive into the main course.

Gemista: The Stuffed Vegetable Delight

As the class moves on from the appetizers, the chef turns their attention to the centerpiece of the meal: gemista, the traditional Greek stuffed vegetables.

Gemista are usually hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. The chef demonstrates how to prepare the filling and carefully stuff the vegetables.

The class learns that the stuffed gemista are then baked in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

Served with a side of roasted potatoes, gemista is a beloved Greek comfort food.

Chocolate Salami (Kormos): A Decadent Dessert

Finally, the class turns its attention to the decadent dessert known as Chocolate Salami (Kormos).

This unique treat is named for its resemblance to a log of salami. It’s made by combining crushed cookies, cocoa powder, butter, and liquor or rum. The mixture is then shaped into a log, chilled, and sliced to reveal a mosaic-like pattern. The flavor is rich, chocolatey, and slightly boozy.

Guests can enjoy this indulgent dessert in the following ways:

1. As a sweet accompaniment to a strong coffee or Greek coffee.

2. Paired with a glass of chilled ouzo or Metaxa.

3. Served with fresh seasonal fruit for a balanced dessert.

4. On its own as a standalone treat.

Enjoying the Meal and the Beverages

After preparing the delectable Greek dishes, participants can look forward to savoring the meal alongside the included beverages.

A glass of wine or beer per person (for those 18 and above) is served with the lunch, complementing the flavors of the authentic Greek cuisine. Bottled water is also provided to keep everyone hydrated throughout the experience.

The relaxed setting allows travelers to fully enjoy the culinary traditions of Thessaloniki as they enjoy the fruits of their cooking efforts.

The meal and beverages create a convivial atmosphere, making this a truly memorable Greek dining experience.

Ask Away

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Option Available for the Cooking Class?

Yes, the Greek cooking class offers vegetarian and vegan options for the menu. The stuffed vegetables dish, Gemista, can be made without meat, and there are also other plant-based starters and desserts available.

Can I Bring My Own Bottle of Wine or Beer to the Class?

No, guests cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages to the cooking class. The class includes a glass of wine or beer per person aged 18 and above, as part of the lunch service. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Cooking Equipment or Utensils?

No, you don’t need to bring any special cooking equipment or utensils. The cooking class provides all the necessary tools and ingredients. Just come prepared to learn and enjoy the experience of making traditional Greek dishes.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Class as Part of a Group?

The class doesn’t offer group discounts. However, the maximum group size is 16 travelers, so booking with friends could make for a more fun and engaging experience. Prices start at $94.14 per person regardless of group size.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Cooking Class?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the cooking class. However, it’s best to check with the instructor beforehand to ensure there are no restrictions or privacy concerns. Most providers welcome capturing the experience.

Final Words

This Greek cooking class in Thessaloniki offers a wonderful opportunity to take in the rich culinary traditions of Greece. From the vibrant market visit to the hands-on preparation of beloved dishes, you will gain insights into the flavors and techniques that define Greek cuisine. The satisfying meal, paired with local beverages, provides the perfect conclusion to this delightful cultural experience.