Get ready to prepare an exquisite array of Ecuadorian highland dishes in a hands-on culinary experience that celebrates the depth and warmth of Quito’s traditional flavors. Guided by a passionate local chef, you’ll create nine thoughtfully selected recipes from the comfort of a welcoming kitchen steeped in Andean heritage.
Begin with a delicate vegetable broth, infused with seasonal produce and native herbs for a restorative start. Discover the secrets behind fritada, slow-cooked pork finished to golden crisp perfection, and master the art of encebollado, Ecuador’s iconic fish soup layered with red onions, citrus, and fresh herbs. You’ll also sear albacore tuna with a subtle blend of lemon and local seasonings, and prepare fried plantains—caramelized slices that strike the perfect balance between sweetness and crunch. Learn to shape llapingachos, golden potato patties paired with velvety peanut sauce and lightly pickled vegetables, and cook mote, the hearty Andean hominy that completes many traditional meals.
To round out the savory journey, you’ll enjoy juicy fried pork bites, followed by a comforting glass of canelazo, a warm cinnamon-spiced sugarcane liquor that captures the spirit of the Andes.
Throughout this four-hour experience, you'll explore techniques passed down through generations, taste the essence of Ecuadorian hospitality, and walk away with a deeper connection to the culinary roots of Quito and a repertoire of unforgettable dishes to recreate at home!
Immerse yourself in the tastes and customs of the Andean highlands with this engaging cooking class, guided by a local Quito chef.
Begin with an optional stroll through one of the city’s vibrant markets, where you’ll explore fragrant herbs, seasonal produce, and beloved regional flavors, perhaps sampling fresh plantains or a sip of canelazo.
Then, step into the kitchen to prepare a carefully curated selection of nine Ecuadorian classics, from a restorative vegetable broth and golden llapingachos to emblematic dishes like encebollado and crisp, tender fritada.
You’ll also learn the secrets behind juicy fried pork, gently seared albacore, and traditional mote, all culminating in a warm glass of spiced canelazo to close the meal.
Your chef will share personal stories, ancestral techniques, and cultural insights, ensuring you leave with more than just recipes: you’ll gain a profound connection to Quito’s culinary identity. It’s an experience that promises lasting memories, local expertise, and the inspiration to bring Ecuador’s rich flavors into your own kitchen.
Crafted potato patties with a crisp outer layer and soft center, served with a refined peanut sauce and a side of lightly pickled vegetables.
Crisp, caramelized plantain slices that marry natural sweetness with a refined, crunchy texture.
A classic fish soup prepared with red onions, citrus, and fresh herbs, elegantly finished with a medley of pickled vegetables.
Andean hominy prepared in the traditional style, offering a hearty, satisfying accompaniment.
Pork slow-cooked to tender perfection then crisped, meticulously seasoned with traditional spices.
Golden pork bites prepared to retain a juicy interior with a well-seasoned, crisp exterior.
A gently seared albacore tuna fillet, accentuated with a squeeze of lemon and a subtle touch of local herbs.
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.
$85 USD per adult
$70 USD per child (ages 5–17)
◽ Freshly made Horchata Lojana and Canelazo drinks
◽ Bottled water and soda
◽ All ingredients and guidance to create 7 authentic Ecuadorian dishes including appetizers, 2 main courses 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).
Meet Chef Juan "Pancho" ! Your local culinary host in Quito! 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 Quito's most delicious traditions, guided by a chef who knows them inside and out.