Cook in Cuenca

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Join a spirited Ecuadorian cooking class in a charming Cuenca home!

Immerse yourself in the legacy of the southern Andes as you learn to cook eight traditional recipes that reflect Cuenca’s proud culinary heritage. Under the guidance of a dedicated local chef, you’ll prepare classics like comforting locro de papas, airy empanadas de viento, and a tangy ceviche serrano, finishing with a spicy dulce de higo with cheeses for dessert. Along the way, savor modern twists on canelazo or Andean fruit coolers, and indulge in a curated chocolate tasting featuring Ecuador’s renowned cacao. Over the course of four entertaining hours, you’ll master family-tested techniques, gaining not only a hearty feast but also a deeper connection to Cuenca’s culture and plenty of new dishes to share once you’re home.

Savor Ecuadorian Flavors and Traditions

Dive into the heritage of Ecuador’s southern Andes with a hands-on cooking class led by a passionate Cuenca chef.

For those interested, the adventure begins at a lively local market, where you can gather just-harvested vegetables, Andean grains, and perhaps sample Cuenca’s iconic bread or an irresistible slice of roasted pork.

Then, tie on your apron and prepare seven authentic recipes, picture steaming locro de papas, golden empanadas de viento, and a tangy serrano ceviche. End on a sweet note with a refreshing maracuyá mousse or a taste of Ecuador’s finest chocolate.

Along the way, your chef will reveal culinary secrets, family anecdotes, and historical tidbits that bring each dish to life. By the time you’re done, you won’t just have a feast to remember, you’ll also walk away with insider knowledge and the enthusiasm to share Cuenca’s most cherished flavors wherever you go.

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1. Empanadas de Viento

Light, airy pastries dusted with sugar and stuffed with molten cheese—a sweet-savory delight to kick off the meal.

2. Tortillas de Choclo

Slightly sweet corn pancakes made from fresh choclo, often served hot off the griddle for a simple yet comforting bite.

3. Locro de Papas

A creamy potato soup particular to Cuenca’s style, garnished with cheese and slices of ripe avocado.

4. Ceviche Serrano

Trout or tilapia marinated in citrus juice, featuring Andean herbs and a gentle spicy note fresh and vibrant as a first course.

5. Seco de Pollo

Chicken slowly braised with naranjilla juice, onions, and spices, balancing tangy and savory flavors that define southern Andean home cooking.

6. Mote Pillo

Hominy sautéed with onions, garlic, and achiote oil, then combined with scrambled eggs for a satisfying, hearty main dish.

7. Dulce de higo

A classic Ecuadorian dessert where tender figs are simmered in a lightly spiced syrup until luxuriously soft, then paired with chunks of fresh cheese. The gentle sweetness of the figs is perfectly balanced by the creamy, tangy notes of the cheese for an unforgettable bite.

What Drink Will You Make?

Horchata Lojana
A fragrant, ruby-hued infusion brewed from local herbs and flowers, cherished for its soothing floral undertones.

Canelazo
A warming blend of sugarcane liquor, cinnamon, and fruit juice (like naranjilla), enjoyed hot, perfect for Quito’s mountain climate.

Pricing

$85 USD per adult

$70 USD per child (ages 5–17)

What's included?

◽ Freshly made Horchata Lojana and Canelazo drinks

◽ Bottled water and soda

◽ All ingredients and guidance to create 7 authentic Ecuadorian dishes including drinks and a dessert.

◽ Cooking class led by a skilled local chef

What’s Excluded

◽ Hotel pickup and drop-off

◽ Gratuities

We're food restriction-friendly:

◽ None of our dishes contain pork!

◽ We can make virgin drinks for non-alcoholic drinkers.

◽ Vegan and vegetarian alternatives available upon request (please specify when booking).

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Chef Vanessa

Meet Chef Vanessa, your local culinary host in Cuenca! With deep roots in Ecuador and a passion for authentic Andean flavors, Chef invites you to uncover hidden foodie gems, and bring new cooking techniques to life.

Get ready to taste and create Cuenca's most delicious traditions, guided by a chef who knows them inside and out.

Book here!

Dates and times

We can accommodate any day of the week, but please check with us first.

Class times: 7.30pm to 10pm

Please contact us via Whatsapp for the correct meeting point, as we have two possible kitchen studios.

Contact us

Or Call us at +55 21 92043-5408

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