Authentic Spanish Cooking Class in Valencia with a Local Chef

Meet Jose

Jose is a passionate, native Valencian chef with over a decade of experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants in London and Valencia. After exploring cuisines from around the world he is excited to get back to his roots to share the culinary traditions of his hometown Valencia. His favorite dish to cook is rice - the Arabs brought rice to Valencia centuries ago and Jose is excited to the share different ways that Valencians have adapted rice into their cuisine. Paella is typically eaten with friends and family on Sundays but Jose believes everyday is a Sunday and is excited to share with you how to cook a traditional Valencia paella if your experience is during the day. Most importantly, Jose's goal is to create unforgettable gastronomic experiences that evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression. Jose is looking forward to learning about other people's cultures and teaching his guests how to cook and enjoy traditional Valencian cuisine while sharing culinary tips and techniques.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Cooking experience (1 - 6 guests) Meet your host Jose, a local, Michelin-star trained chef at the entrance to the IVAM Museum. During your 10-minute walk to his home, enjoy a guided tour of Valencia's old town, the Turia river and Jose's neighborhood. Walk up to Jose's second-floor apartment and immerse yourself in a Valencian culinary experience in José's kitchen. Begin your culinary adventure by taking either a traditional vermouth, a Valencian beer, or a soft drink, and accompanying it with a Gilda spherification, an innovative molecular gastronomy technique! Next, craft a unique and refreshing sangria with Jose. After, delve into the world of rice and paella (its history, culture, and tradition), learning the secrets and tricks that will not only help you master paella but also cook any rice dish you desire at home. Paella is typically eaten with friends and family on Sundays in Valencia - Jose believes that every day is a Sunday and is excited to share with you how to cook a traditional Valencian paella (a delicious combination of rice and meat)! He also offers three other traditional paella options to choose from instead of a Valenican paella - vegetarian paella, seafood paella, and paella with duck, asparagus, and mushrooms. Let Jose know when making your booking if you prefer one of these alternatives. While your paella cooks, skewer a pintxo such as the humble gilda (briny olives with pickled peppers and anchovies) and learn to make two tapas from scratch. After cooking, enjoy the meal you helped prepare with Jose at the dining table. Your meal concludes with a creamy mousse for dessert as well as cremaet, considered a Valencian must-try for coffee lovers! Leave with delicious memories and personal recipe book created by Jose with a selection of paellas, tapas, and typical drinks from Valencia and Spain. Jose can accommodate dietary restrictions including vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free and gluten-free; please include your dietary preferences when creating your booking.

PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW

A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

Jose's passion for Valencian cuisine is simply wonderful! It is a unique opportunity to learn to cook from a fun and native Valencian trained at the Michelin-starred restaurant El Poblet in Valencia.

AV, Traveling Spoon Ambassador

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