Lucia is such an interesting woman, passionate about history and gastronomy, about Mexico. It is a pleasure listening to her and talking with her about her cooking memories and secrets.
The cooking experience at Lucia's feels like escaping from hectic Mexico City for a while. Her house is quiet, her garden an oasis of calm and her spacious kitchen is a very practical place to cook together. She is passionate about both Mexican history and gastronomy and can tell you the story and secrets of any dish. Lucy is attached to the authenticity of Mexican gastronomy and taste. Far from the traditional guacamole, quesadillas and tacos, she knows local recipes that will not disappoint you!
If you like cooking (or if you want to learn more about cooking) this experience is perfect. Margarita taught us how to make homemade tortillas, chili rellenos, and green salsa, among many other things (I'm just listing my favorites). My husband and I love to cook and bake, and this class provides something that a cookbook can not - a hands on approach. We learned what the texture of the masa/water ratio should feel like to make tortillas and the technique to roasting, peeling, and removing the veins and seeds from the poblano peppers before stuffing them for the chili rellenos . We were most excited at the opportunity to join Margarita in her home for the class. I think that is what makes it extra authentic, to be able to learn and cook in the same kitchen Margarita makes meals for her family and friends. The duration of our visit felt like spending time with a friend. We made appetizers, then enjoyed them in the garden with hibiscus tea and beer. Then we returned to the kitchen to complete the main course, before heading back out to the patio to eat, talk and drink wine. Her sweet dog Lola enjoyed laying in the sunshine and getting pets from me too!Come hungry and be prepared to leave full and satisfied.
Sofia did an incredible job of introducing me to both Mayan and Yucatecan cuisine. Every dish we made was steeped in tradition and history. I loved making my own tortilla chips and dips, as well as trying lesser-known dishes like spiced fish steamed in banana leaves. Everything we made was mouth watering, and Sofia offered cooking tricks and tips every step of the way. She truly loves Yucatecan culture, and is always happy to talk about its history, its traditions and, best of all, its food!
Incredible cooking class with Isabel - HIGHLIGHT of trip to San Miguel! The cooking class with Isabel was ABSOLUTELY amazing and was our highlight of the trip! I went with three of my friends in March 2024 and we still can’t stop talking about how wonderful Isabel is, how welcoming she was, and how much we learned. Prior to the class, Isabel was great to correspond with via email to set the car pick up time as well as the yummy menu. She picked us up in her car promptly from our AirBnB and we headed to her beautiful home where we were greeted with an amazing spread of vegetables and then headed to her garden to gather some additional vegetables we would use in the class. This garden was so serene and Isabel even let us cut the chard from its stem that we would later use - so fun! We then began cooking and Isabel is so knowledgeable - she taught us how to properly slice and dice veggies and how to charr a poblano pepper and properly peel. We made a vegetable soup, guacamole, chicken with tomatillo sauce and tamales and everything was INCREDIBLE. We even got to make some tortillas to snack on on the side. Isabel let us do the cooking and was a great instructor the whole way through. While the food cooked in the oven, we spent some time with Isabel in her backyard talking about life advice and learning about her family - it was one of the most impactful conversations any one of us had had in a while and we are so grateful for her medical background and general wisdom. We then all enjoyed a meal together at Isabel’s beautiful table and headed back to the city. From the four of us novice chefs, we cannot recommend Isabel enough! We were so thrilled, so safe the entire time, English speaking was impeccable, drinking water and bathrooms were very clean and she even accommodated our vegetarian friend and sent us all home with a treat for the road. Please book this tour, you will not regret it! Isabel - thank you!! You and your story are amazing!
This was the second time we have booked a cooking class with Manuel. We brought friends along so we had a party of 4. A brief chat about our likes and dislikes was followed by an introduction to the local market where we bought Parrot-Fish, Steak and fresh vegetables for the Ceviche and Volcan Crispy Tortillas that were to follow. Manuel is a sociable host, and we met Max his lovely dog, and sat drinking wine, chatting about food and watching a chef at work. The food was incredibly tasty - with a couple of salsas for us to complement the food. I really enjoyed the Ceiche and the Steak/Cheese mix on the Volcan was very tasty. A great experience and a wonderful morning had by all. Top Notch. Highly Recommended.
We felt like two more Mexico downtown residents during the time we spent with Alex and his wife Ale. First in the exotic market of San Juan, where Alex invited us to try some gourmet baguettes (mascarpone, honey, strawberry and pecan nuts) before showing us the most typical stands there (which include tiger and crocodile meat!), then while cooking enmoladas and philosophizing about gastronomy and Mexico, sipping mezcal.
We arrived early, not knowing how long it would take to get from the Malecon to the cooking class and she was ready for us. She was very welcoming, friendly, and her home is lovely. We made guacamole, and it was exactly the same way. I made it at home, so of course I liked it. Then we made a chocolate avocado mousse, which I never had before, and I will definitely have again. That was followed by chicken enchiladas, which were very simple that were very delicious. We were served a Palermo upon arrival which my husband loved more than I did, but I don’t like 7-Up. And she had a lovely glass of either white or red wine for us while we waited for the enchiladas to cook. Her new puppy Howie was adorable and he entertained his while we waited for the enchiladas to cook. Overall, it was a lovely experience, and I would highly recommend it.
This was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had in Cancún. Chef Alberto and his lovely mom Lili welcomed us with so much warmth — it truly felt like home. We didn’t just learn how to cook; we discovered the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine through their stories, flavors, and love. Every dish was delicious and made with care. If you’re visiting Cancún, don’t miss this. It’s an unforgettable and heartfelt experience. 100% recommended!
Meet your friendly, English-speaking guide in downtown Merida and walk together for 10 minutes to Mercado Lucas de Galvez. The iconic Mercado Lucas de Gálvez is one of the main markets in Merida. Almost everything you can think of is on offer - fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, condiments, clothes, local handicrafts etc. Walk around the market with your guide and be introduced to local, seasonal produce while you interact with the vendors and learn about the gastronomy of the region. Taste a few local fruits and buy a few ingredients from the market, before you catch the local bus (public transportation) to Leo’s modest home, for your shared Merida cooking class. Leo’s home is 25 minutes from the market in a small village. Upon arrival she will welcome you to her home kitchen, where you will cook a traditional Yucatecan meal together.
In you 2-hour Yucatecan cooking class in Merida, learn to make three dishes from scratch. This is a hands-on cooking class where you will master traditional cooking techniques and transform fresh ingredients into delightful preparations. Leo will guide you every step of the way, while the guide shares stories and cultural insights that bring the history behind each dish to life. The three dishes that you will learn to cook in your Merida cooking class are an appetizer, empanadas or guacamole or sikil pak (roasted tomato and pumpkin seed dip); a main dish, pollo pibil (pibil style chicken) or papadzules (similar to enchiladas) or calabaza frita (fried pumpkin) and dessert, coconut cream. After cooking, sit down at the dining table to share the meal you helped prepare, which will be served with water, lemonade or horchata (refreshing Mexican drink made with ground rice, milk and cinnamon) or pineapple juice or beer.
Please note the menu may change, it is seasonal and depends on the availability of ingredients at the market, it is also pre-selected by Leo based on your dietary restrictions. At the end of the experience, your guide will accompany you by taxi or local bus back to the meeting location (Hotel Caribe), a 20 minute journey.
Travel inland from the port in Progreso and immerse yourself in Mexican culture through food with a hands-on cooking class in Mérida hosted in a local home. This Merida shore excursion offers an authentic taste of Yucatán cuisine and a unique opportunity to learn directly from a passionate local. Step into the home of Sofia, who delights in sharing her cooking, culture, and traditions. There’s no better way to discover the flavors and stories of the region than with a host who loves what she does—you’ll remember this experience forever. In your Mérida cooking class, you’ll work side by side with Sofia in her kitchen to prepare traditional Yucatecan dishes from scratch. Dishes may include sikilpak (ground pumpkin seed dip), codzitos (Yucatecan appetizers), empanadas de chaya, panuchos, salbutes (tortillas with shredded chicken, lettuce, and onion), or tacos al pastor. No lesson in Yucatecan cuisine would be complete without the famous fiery habanero salsa. Once the dishes are ready, sit down and enjoy the meal you helped create, accompanied by a local Yucatán beer. Sofia is happy to accommodate vegetarian diets—please inform her when you book so she can prepare accordingly. Her home is also a homestay, so while your Traveling Spoon experience is private, there may be other guests present. Please note that Sofia’s home does not have air-conditioning, so it may be warm during the summer months.
Join Claudia for an unforgettable culinary experience in Valladolid, where you'll immerse yourself in the local food and culture. Begin your adventure with a visit to the vibrant Valladolid market, where you'll hand-pick fresh ingredients for your cooking class and sample delicious antojitos (snacks). Inside the bustling market, you'll find vendors selling fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, handicrafts, and kitchen utensils. See how the locals shop, interact with the vendors, learn about regional produce, and take in the sights, sounds, and smells—truly an unmissable experience in Valladolid.
After the market tour, enjoy a 10-minute drive to the cooking studio to start your Mexican cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Yucatán dishes. Claudia will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking 5-6 local dishes, including traditional salsas and homemade tortillas. This 5-6 hour food experience in Valladolid includes a guided market tour, hands-on cooking class, all the ingredients, recipes to take home, and refreshing drinks. After cooking, sit down to share the meal you helped prepare, served with aguas frescas, 2 beers, and 1 tequila drink.
Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey with Lucy and her family in the heart of a traditional Mayan community near Coba, Mexico. After being picked up from your Tulum hotel, you'll travel for an hour to this ancient Maya city, where you'll gain a genuine glimpse into rural life. Lucy, a master of Mayan smoke cooking, will guide you through the art of the 'pibil' technique, sharing the secrets behind its unique flavors. Participate in a hands-on cooking experience, preparing traditional Mayan dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As you cook, you'll learn about the cultural significance of each dish and connect with Lucy’s family, hearing their stories and experiencing their warm hospitality.
After cooking, sit down to share the delicious Mayan meal you've helped prepare. A few dishes you may enjoy include chayitas with sikil pak salsa (a traditional dish made with corn dough mixed with chopped chaya leaves, folded and fried until golden and crispy, served with a flavorful dip), pollo pibil (chicken smothered in achiote paste, orange juice, and spices) or brazo de reina tamales (a traditional dish dating back to prehistoric times, made with corn, chaya leaves, hard-boiled eggs, ground pumpkin seeds, and topped with a spicy tomato sauce, cooked in banana leaves), and habanero salsa with handmade corn tortillas, served with hibiscus flower cold tea, local beers, and seasonal fruit.
This immersive cooking class offers a rare opportunity to step off the beaten path, discover the true essence of Mayan culture, and leave with a deeper appreciation for its culinary traditions. A true taste of Yucatán's rich culinary heritage!
Join Chef Alejandra at her cooking studio in Puerto Morelos for an unforgettable cooking experience! Learn to cook traditional Mexican dishes with a professional chef in a hands-on, immersive class. Start your culinary journey with a delicious chocolate and coffee tasting, followed by a visit to the organic garden. Then, roll up your sleeves and cook a Mexican feast; you will learn to make 5-6 dishes from scratch in a 5-hour class. You’ll have the chance to choose from five menus: Yucatan, Mexican Delights, Best of Mexico, Coastal, or Mexican Antojitos (small bites). The experience includes snacks, a souvenir apron, and the opportunity to create a variety of authentic, flavorful dishes. Perfect for food lovers wanting to explore the rich culinary traditions of Mexico in Puerto Morelos!
Martha and Arturo are fantastic hosts and conversationalists. They have lived all over the world, and can connect with people very easily. We had a great time cooking and enjoying margaritas together. I felt like an old, dear friend being welcomed into their home as we talked about our travels, plus what we loved about Mexico and its cuisine. All of the food was nice, great dishes - and a LOT of food :) Their home is like a living museum, with little treasures from their time around the world, each one with an interesting story. I genuinely feel like I made two new friends through this experience! I highly recommend it for fellow travelers who want to learn more about Mexican cuisine and culture, and are looking to connect with other worldly, like-minded people.
Traveling Spoon knocks it out of the park again. This time we ventured to the gorgeous San Angel neighborhood of Mexico City. The neighborhood is best known for their very lively Sábado Mercado, we went on a sleepy Tuesday! Mariana and Geraldine invited us into their stunning home filled with artwork and a back garden filled with shade and birds. We started our time together at the market. They were immensely helpful educating us on mole pastes, powders, chilis and spices. After buying provisions, we headed home to cook. Finally got a good handle on making sopas. Also made salsa, red rice and pibil. They broke the steps down and explained the rationale for various tasks. Highly recommend their class and shopping around the plaza.
Theresa was very engaging and patient as we prepared our ingredients and walked us step by step through the process. She kept checking to make sure everyone was good before we got to the next step. Food came out so delicious!
Amazing way to taste exquisite food alongside great company! We had the most amazing private dinner with Luis and Jose. They cooked a delicious multi course meal. It was all phenomenal! We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner with them and found the experience absolutely singular! Absolutely recommend.
What a wonderful experience to really learn the secrets of making mole. Lorena taught us by having us do the actually cooking. She is patient and an excellent instructor. We had a translator but honestly so much was gained just watching her. The lesson was at her home in a special building built for classes set right in their garden/yard. After we cookend, we all enjoyed a meal together including her husband. Such as incredible experience and so much better than many cooking classes held in "institutional settings." Lorena is part of a group of 100 women who are preserving the traditions of Oaxacan cooking.
we honestly had the best tour guides for both outings…well informed, engaging and not just speaking at us. very professional and organized…highly recommend.
