Cooking Classes in Madrid

Spanish food has long been the envy of the world, with everything from gazpacho to tapas on the menu. The unique Mediterranean flavors come from Italian, Moorish and Jewish influences, with regional twists giving the cuisine a little extra fanfare.

During cooking classes in Madrid, you’ll learn how to rustle up perfect paellas and delicious dishes of tapas. The best bit is getting to eat it all afterward!

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, some of the most delightful gastronomic experiences in Madrid.

What are the best cooking classes in Madrid?

Small group cooking workshop

Madrid cooking lessons take place on a small group basis, which means plenty of personal attention from the professional chef. If you don’t understand something or need a bit of extra help, just ask. There is usually a maximum of 10 – 20 participants in each class.

During the course, you’ll learn how to cook several dishes – paella, tortilla and gazpacho are popular options. The menu varies between providers so check the details carefully if there’s something in particular you would like to make.

Some classes focus on tapas, which means you’ll get to create around 10 different platters.

As you cook up a storm in the kitchen, the chef will teach you about Spain’s culinary traditions. Discover how each region has its own specialty food, and how flavors have developed through the ages. Learning about food is one of the best ways to enjoy a bit of cultural immersion.

You will sit down together after the class to enjoy eating your mouthwatering masterpieces. A glass of sangria is often provided to wash it all down – sometimes you’ll get to make it yourself! Some classes offer wine pairing instead for a refined dining experience.

Cooking class with a local market visit

Longer culinary workshops in Madrid include a visit to one of the city markets where you can select your ingredients. This usually takes place in the morning while the produce is at its freshest. Exploring the market with a guide gives a true insight into local life and food culture.

You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the market, stopping at stalls to discover new and unusual products that are popular in Spanish cuisine. Depending on the tour, there may be time for a little tasting too.

After finishing up at the market, you’ll head to the cooking venue, which will be a restaurant or a purpose-built kitchen workshop. Your chef will introduce the menu you’ll be cooking, and then it’s time to roll up those sleeves.

Following the demonstrations and recipes, you’ll rustle up several dishes – sometimes there are three courses on the menu. When all the chopping, mixing and cooking is complete, you’ll eat the fruits of your labor with your fellow classmates. It’s an experience that’s both sociable and delicious.

What will be experienced?

Cooking traditional Spanish cuisine

Spanish cuisine isn’t all about chorizo and churros, although they often top the list of traveler favorites. During Madrid cooking workshops you’ll learn how to create multiple dishes – the precise line-up varies between providers. Common options include authentic Spanish tortilla, Valencian paella and bruschetta from Catalonia.

Many classes will give you step-by-step instructions on how to prepare up to 10 different plates of delicious tapas in Madrid. Popular choices are Madrid Iberian ham, cheese croquettes and of course the famous patatas bravas. Gilda anchovy skewers and Spanish pizza are also sometimes on offer as well as tomatoey ajoarriero cod.

Visiting a local market

If you’ve been on a walking tour in Madrid, you may already have visited a local market. Yet knowing that you’ll soon be cooking with some of the produce on display makes it all the more special.

During a guided excursion of the market, you’ll choose your cooking ingredients and learn about the essential elements of Spanish gastronomy.

The markets are usually historic, and some have been attracting traders and buyers for over a century. At the end of your market visit, you can tuck into cheese and olives, with a dash of vermouth for good measure. Then it's onward to the workshop.

How much do cooking classes in Madrid cost?

Cooking lessons in Madrid are an affordable way to learn about Spanish culture while feasting at the same time. The price varies according to the lesson length, and whether a visit to the local market is included. All classes are run in a small group setting, with up to 20 participants in each session.

Expect to pay €70 per person for a 2.5-hour class, cooking either paella and tortilla or tapas. This is solely for the workshop, without a trip to the market.

Longer, 4-hour cooking experiences in Madrid cost €80 per person. These include a guided tour of the local market to shop for ingredients as well as the lesson back at the workshop.

The culinary classes that offer wine pairing with the meal are €100 per diner. This is a 3.5-hour experience with multiple courses, some of which are prepared by the chef. It’s a good option if you fancy a gourmet evening out.

What is included?

Cooking classes in Madrid include instruction from a professional chef and all the fresh produce required to make your dishes. You’ll have use of a fully equipped kitchen. Many lessons also come with a free recipe book, apron and a glass of sangria.

Some Madrid cookery courses also include a visit to the local market where you will select your ingredients.

Hotel pickups are not typically provided so you will need to travel to the venue independently.

Where does it start?

There are several different cooking venues across the city. Popular locations include Cooking Point on Calle de Moratín and Punto Cooking School on Calle de la Farmacia in central Madrid. All are easily accessed by public transport.

Some Madrid cooking classes begin at the local market where you’ll shop for ingredients. For these tours, you’ll meet your guide in the Plazuela Anton Martin.

How long does it last?

Most cooking workshops in Madrid last between 2.5 and 4 hours, including eating time at the end. If your experience incorporates a visit to the local market, you’ll need to join one of the 4-hour tours.

Classes are never longer than half a day, leaving you time to fit in another excursion. Wine tasting tours in Madrid are the ideal accompaniment.

When is the best time for a cooking class in Madrid?

Cooking classes in Madrid take place throughout the day. Morning classes usually start at around 10 AM, with evening ones beginning at 5:30 PM. These are perfectly timed so you can treat your culinary creations as either lunch or dinner.

If you want to enjoy as many Madrid sightseeing tours as possible during the day, it’s best to book an evening cooking session.

Travel tips

• Go with an empty stomach so you can fully enjoy eating your dishes at the end.
• Madrid cooking classes are popular so try and book your slot as early as you can.
• If you have any dietary restrictions, remember to communicate this at the time of booking. Note that some workshops are not suitable for vegans.