Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class and Meal With a Modern Twist

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica with a modern twist. This hands-on cooking class led by Chef Melissa in Playa Jaco promises an immersive culinary adventure. Prepare 2-3 authentic dishes, including the classic Casado and refreshing Ceviche, using fresh local ingredients. After the lesson, savor a delicious home-cooked meal accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re a food lover or seeking dietary accommodations, this class offers an unforgettable experience that’ll have you craving more.

About Your Stay

• Immersive 2-hour private cooking class with Chef Melissa in Playa Jaco, focusing on traditional Costa Rican dishes with a modern twist.
• Opportunity to prepare 2-3 authentic dishes, including classic Casado (chicken in salsa with rice and beans) and refreshing Ceviche.
• Learn to make vibrant mango and avocado salsa, as well as cooked sweet plantains, using fresh local ingredients.
• Flexible start times and options for afternoon or evening classes, with a home-cooked meal and non-alcoholic beverages served afterward.
• Accommodations for diverse dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options, to ensure an inclusive culinary experience.

Overview of the Cooking Class

Although a traditional Costa Rican cooking class, this experience offers a modern twist.

Located in Playa Jaco, the 2-hour private lesson with Chef Melissa allows guests to prepare 2-3 authentic dishes using fresh local ingredients.

A 2-hour private lesson with Chef Melissa in Playa Jaco allows guests to prepare 2-3 authentic dishes using fresh local ingredients.

The class start times are flexible, with afternoon and evening options available.

Travelers will enjoy a home-cooked meal afterward, complete with non-alcoholic beverages, in a warm, welcoming environment.

This cooking experience provides an educational and immersive opportunity to learn about traditional Costa Rican cuisine with a contemporary flair.

Cuisine and Dishes Offered

The class offers guests the opportunity to prepare 2-3 traditional Costa Rican dishes, including the classic casado, a savory chicken dish in salsa served with rice and black beans.

Plus, participants can learn to make:

1. Ceviche, a refreshing seafood dish with fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices.

2. Mango and avocado salsa, a vibrant and flavorful condiment.

3. Picadillo, a fragrant stew.

To end the meal on a sweet note, guests will also learn how to prepare cooked sweet plantains.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, ensuring a diverse and inclusive culinary experience.

Sample Menu and Dietary Accommodations

The cooking class menu showcases a delightful array of traditional Costa Rican dishes. Guests can expect to prepare 2-3 signature recipes, including the hearty Casado (chicken in salsa, rice, black beans) and the refreshing Ceviche (raw fish cured in citrus juices).

A vibrant Mango and Avocado Salsa and the fragrant Picadillo stew round out the menu. For dessert, guests will learn to make cooked sweet plantains.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy the authentic home-cooked experience. With a focus on fresh local ingredients, this class offers a modern take on classic Costa Rican cuisine.

Cooking Experience Details

During the traditional Costa Rican cooking class, guests actively participate in preparing 2-3 authentic dishes under the guidance of Chef Melissa.

The menu may include:

• Casado – a classic Costa Rican dish of chicken in salsa, rice, and black beans

• Ceviche – a refreshing seafood dish with fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices

• Picadillo – a fragrant stew

Guests will also learn to make mango and avocado salsa, as well as cooked sweet plantains for dessert.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, providing a truly immersive culinary experience.

Meal and Dining Experience

How does the meal and dining experience unfold during the traditional Costa Rican cooking class?

After the cooking lesson, guests enjoy a home-cooked lunch or dinner with the host and her family. The meal includes non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, coffee, and/or tea.

Guests savor the traditional dishes they’ve just prepared, such as Casado, ceviche, and sweet plantains, in a warm, welcoming environment.

This intimate setting allows for an educational and cultural exchange as guests learn about Costa Rican cuisine and customs.

The home-cooked meal experience provides a genuine taste of local life in Playa Jaco.

Pricing and Booking Information

The price for the traditional Costa Rican cooking class starts from $136.00 per person.

The traditional Costa Rican cooking class is priced from $136.00 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 2 days in advance. Booking confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The class includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, coffee, and/or tea

• A home-cooked meal experience in a local home

The class takes place at Playa Jaco in the Puntarenas Province.

Guests can choose from afternoon or evening start times for the 2-hour private cooking lesson and meal experience with Chef Melissa.

Logistics and Pickup/Drop-off

The cooking class includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

Meeting at Jaco Beach in the Puntarenas Province, guests are transported to the local home where the cooking lesson and meal take place.

After the 2-hour private class, guests are returned to their original meeting point.

This convenient arrangement allows travelers to fully enjoy the traditional Costa Rican cooking experience without the hassle of transportation.

The class is confirmed within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, and offers free cancellation up to 2 days in advance.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Though limited in number, the available reviews for the traditional Costa Rican cooking class paint a highly positive picture of the overall experience.

A single 5-star review by Chad_C praised the meal as the "best of the trip" and expressed an intent to return.

Key highlights from the feedback include:

1. A welcoming environment and beautiful home setting.

2. An educational experience with unfamiliar ingredients.

3. An overall enjoyable and memorable home-cooked meal.

Given the overwhelmingly positive nature of the lone review, the traditional Costa Rican cooking class appears to offer a truly authentic and immersive culinary experience.

Questions About Your Stay

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Children?

The cooking class is suitable for children, as the menu includes family-friendly dishes and the host is willing to accommodate vegetarian and vegan options. The 2-hour duration and private setting make it an engaging experience for all ages.

Can I Take Home the Recipes Afterwards?

Yes, the chef provides guests with the recipes used during the cooking class so they can recreate the traditional Costa Rican dishes at home. This allows participants to continue their culinary journey even after the class ends.

Is the Cooking Class Offered in Other Languages?

The cooking class is offered in English. According to the information provided, the host, Chef Melissa, leads the private 2-hour cooking lesson and meal experience. Attendees can request vegetarian or vegan options as well.

Are There Any Additional Gratuities or Fees?

The cooking class doesn’t mention any additional gratuities or fees. The price provided is the total cost per person, which includes the 2-hour private lesson, prepared meal, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Can I Request a Specific Dish to Be Taught?

Yes, guests can request a specific dish to be taught during the cooking class. The host, Chef Melissa, is happy to accommodate dietary preferences and tailor the menu to the group’s interests within the traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This traditional Costa Rican cooking class offers an immersive culinary experience with a modern twist. Participants will actively prepare authentic dishes like Casado and Ceviche, using fresh local ingredients. The hands-on lesson is followed by a delicious home-cooked meal, making it a great option for food lovers seeking dietary accommodations. With vibrant flavors and an engaging cooking experience, this class provides an excellent introduction to the vibrant cuisine of Costa Rica.