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!
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.
