Authentic Mexican Cooking in Puerto Vallarta with a Local Chef

"We had a delicious meal that Manu prepared from scratch with consisting of sea bass, shrimp, and various sauces. He was very accommodating in making a non-seafood dish (gorditas) for my daughters. Manu is very personal, a good conversationalist, and an experienced chef. I would highly recommend this activity. It was one of the highlights of our stay in Puerto Vallarta!"

"This.Was.Amazing. Manu is such a kind, gracious host! It’s evident that all the locals we encountered at the market know and love him..and now we know why. We learned new skills and interesting things about Mexican cuisine. The food he prepared for us was full of so many different flavors and levels of heat. It was perfecto, especially if you’re looking for something different from a food tour. Highly recommended and worth the money🍴🌶️"

"Had a fantastic time exploring the food and fish market. Manu is extremely knowledgeable about selecting fruits and vegetables that enhance the flavors of the fish we selected to have. It’s a unique and up close experience with a professional chef. We’re doing it a second time whike we’re here."

"What a wonderful experience! Manu was warm, patient, and generous with his knowledge. He guided me through every step of preparing authentic cheese enchiladas, sharing the little techniques that make all the difference. The highlight was learning his family’s recipe for salsa verde—fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious. Cooking in Manu’s welcoming kitchen felt less like a class and more like spending an afternoon with an old friend who loves food and storytelling. I left with new skills, a full stomach, and a deep appreciation for traditional Mexican cooking. Highly recommended!"

"Wow! What an incredible experience! Manu is a fantastic host, guide, and chef! I totally recommend this experience for anyone curious about a local food market shopping trip and having a private cooking class/meal. This was so fabulous that my husband and I did it twice in one week because we just had to bring along another couple while we were vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. I should also mention that we were staying at an all-inclusive resort with plenty of amenities and food options. I am so glad we made the decisions to have an immersive, tasty, informative, and personal experience with Manu. Yummy!"

"Excellent food and service. Victor Manuel is like family. Charming and a true professional. We've been coming back for a long time."

"I just realized we never posted an awesome review! My apologies! One of the best cooking classes we’ve taken anywhere! The chef was incredible, patient, sweet & very kind!"

"We did this excursion at the beginning of our trip and are so glad we did! Manu was an incredible introduction to PV and an amazing host. Not only did he do a great job of showing us around the market and talking about the selections for our meal, he also gave us amazing bar and restaurant recommendations. Food, hospitality, and overall experience was the highlight of our trip. We'll definitely do this again!"

"OMG! This was the best thing we have ever done (not just in PV, but EVER). My husband and I booked this with his brother and his wife (2 over 50 couples). Manu met us at the market and gave us menu options. Once we decided (we did a ceviche and some shrimp deliciousness) he took us through the market. He explained not only what we were getting and why, but other local produce and how it can be used in the kitchen. He answered our questions and had the most relaxed and pleasant personality. Once our shopping was complete (items included in the price of the adventure), he drove us (in his car) to his place and walked us through the whole process. We got to watch his masterful style while sampling as he cooked. I got an extra special upgrade. His dog, Max, decided my lap was good for observing the process. So I not only got to enjoy the culinary experience, but had canine therapy as well. Once we finished our meal, we took an Uber back to our hotel and sat in food coma in the pool. It was perfection."

"The best excursion we did on our trip!! He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the food including its history and the importance of each ingredient. He gave us choices of what we would like prepared and then we shopped for what was needed. He prepared the best Ceviche we had ever tasted, and oh the shrimp. Yum!!!! My mouth waters thinking of it."

"Five Stars! Our experience with Manu was outstanding. This was our first experience of a private cooking class. Manu was very friendly and we had an excellent time shopping on the 5 de diciembre market. The food he prepared was delicious and catered to our individual tastes—that was very special. Overall, it was one of the highlights of our trip. We highly recommend you treating yourself and loved ones to Manu wonderful culinary talents."

"Outstanding cooking lesson - this was our third event with Manu. He is equally charming, intelligent and patient and is always open to our suggestions and food preferences to prepare an amazing meal. It's not hands on - it's all demonstration but we always come away with awesome recipes having had a delicious meal."

"Chef Manu was fantastic. He is an easygoing guy so his teaching style is very casual and relaxed. We learned a lot about cooking local style and the food was amazing. Highly recommended!"

"Chef Manu was friendly, funny, informative, and an excellent host and chef. We went to the market and he explained the food options, kinds of fish, local vegetables that were in season, and we tasted some homemade tortillas! Then we went back to his house for the class and tasting. We had a great time and learned a ton. Next time We are in Puerto we are taking this class again!"

"Such a great experience! The blend of spices, peppers and other fresh ingredients made it a fantastic experience. Locally fresh caught fish and shrimp were so delicious. Chef Manu has fantastic knife skills too!"

"Manu is an amazing chef! His creativity was skillfully demonstrated- Ceviche was delicious with fruits and herbs- savory and sweet! Manu taught us an amazing tomatillo green sauce for a shrimp enchilada dish! Above my expectations ✨⭐️🤩"

"The most fantastic food. I feel confident I can go home and recreate this. Manu is very knowledgeable and a great host The fish was so fresh and the chilies perfect for flavor"

"What a fantastic experience! Manu was so personable and knowledgeable and fun. I thought I knew Mexican cooking, but I learned so so much."

"Chef Manu took us to his favorite market, where he selected the fish, chiles and vegetables he would use. It was so instructive! He took us to his home, where we sat in his kitchen, drinking his local beer, while he walked us through his versions to of ceviche and shrimp with chiles. We learned new ways of using familiar ingredients, and he introduced us to some new ones. This was the highlight of our time in PV. Thank you Chef Manu!"

"Fantastic experience. Manu met us at the market and explained every ingredient we used for our fantastic meal. He had an initial discussion to choose the menu the. We proceeded to buy the ingredients. He drove us to his home where he skillfully explained and prepared each dish. A memorable experience."

"I have to say, I was skeptical about doing an activity that was outside my ‘neighborhood’. BUT I was so happy to have been hosted by Manu! He was courteous, friendly and just a nice and knowledgeable food artist. He was patient and answered all of our questions and he was effective when explaining what he was doing. He inspired me to want to try his recipes. Honestly, I was so impressed with him and I highly recommend taking his ‘tour’. He exceeded my expectations and I would do another session with him without any hesitation. Please join him! A total joy."

"We took the market tour and private cooking class with Manuel. We had a truly great time. We particularly enjoyed the market tour, as he showed us the best produce and fresh fish. The cooking demonstration and meal were wonderful as well. We had ceviche, volcanes with shrimp, and a taste of his mezcal. The food, drink, and conversation were all delightful! We did think that we would be more involved in the cooking (it’s really more of an interactive cooking show). Nevertheless, we feel like we got a lot of good information and cooking tips, and Manuel said he would send us all the recipes. Also, we really appreciated his recommendations of other places in PV to try for tacos and dessert. Our biggest regret was not booking this class earlier in our stay, as it would have been nice to work through all his recommendations. Overall, a highly recommended experience!"

"We took the market tour and private cooking class with Manuel. We had a truly great time. We particularly enjoyed the market tour, as he showed us the best produce and fresh fish. The cooking demonstration and meal were wonderful as well. We had ceviche, volcanes with shrimp, and a taste of his mezcal. The food, drink, and conversation were all delightful! We did think that we would be more involved in the cooking (it’s really more of an interactive cooking show). Nevertheless, we feel like we got a lot of good information and cooking tips, and Manuel said he would send us all the recipes. Also, we really appreciated his recommendations of other places in PV to try for tacos and dessert. Our biggest regret was not booking this class earlier in our stay, as it would have been nice to work through all his recommendations. Overall, a highly recommended experience!"

"When in PV go with Manu and let him then cook for you. Great fun, delicious delightful food. I learned cooking ideas as well "

"This was one of the nicest experiences we have enjoyed anywhere. Began at a local market that had a variety of fresh daily catch seafood. We chose the sea bass and octopus. Also a variety of local fresh fruits and vegetables at the market. Then Manu took us to his home where he demonstrated his skill in preparing the food with instructions of how and why he prepped the food as he did. It was delicious and insightful experience. Note…The taxi from the pier will cost double or triple instead walk another few steps to the street and hail one there."

"This was one of the nicest experiences we have enjoyed anywhere. Began at a local market that had a variety of fresh daily catch seafood. We chose the sea bass and octopus. Also a variety of local fresh fruits and vegetables at the market. Then Manu took us to his home where he demonstrated his skill in preparing the food with instructions of how and why he prepped the food as he did. It was delicious and insightful experience. Note…The taxi from the pier will cost double or triple instead walk another few steps to the street and hail one there."

"The market was such a wonderful experience! Watching Manu interact with the shopkeepers and discussing the fresh fish for our ceviche was very cool. The lesson on the peppers was much appreciated. Food was great, we plan on booking with Manu again, next year."

"The market was such a wonderful experience! Watching Manu interact with the shopkeepers and discussing the fresh fish for our ceviche was very cool. The lesson on the peppers was much appreciated. Food was great, we plan on booking with Manu again, next year."

"Loved the recipes and thoroughly enjoyed the shopping experience. Never seen so much fish and saw fruits, vegetables and peppers that were new to me. Manu very knowledgeable and fun to be with."

"We had a great time on our tour. We learned about how to pick certain foods from the market and the preparation of everything. The food was delicious and we had a great repport with Manuel. Loved his wry sense of humor. Thank you very much.💝 We had a very pleasant yummy experience."

"Bon chef! Très animé et compétent nous avons beaucoup appris. Rien de stressant! Et le repas était délicieux!"

"We highly recommend this cooking and market experience with Manu. He met us at the market and and we shopped for the fresh fish, shrimp, veggies and fruits we needed to prepare the meal. We then went to his home where he showcased his creativity as a chef. We loved watching his techniques and the end products super exceeded our expectations. I would absolutely do it again."

"My husband and I had a great time shopping, cooking and dining with Manu. He cheerfully and patiently helped us plan a traditional Mexican meal. He then led us through the market, showing us how to select the best ingredients. We then went to his home, where he cooked the dinner, explaining each step of the preparation. Each dish was delicious and Manu was a gracious host. My husband and I hope to reconnect with Manu for another great lesson and dinner next year when we return to PV."

"We highly recommend this cooking and market experience with Manu. He met us at the market and and we shopped for the fresh fish, shrimp, veggies and fruits we needed to prepare the meal. We then went to his home where he showcased his creativity as a chef. We loved watching his techniques and the end products super exceeded our expectations. I would absolutely do it again."

"We had a lovely, enriching experience with Manu. We enjoyed visiting the market and being able to tailor our food menu - we chose ceviche & enchiladas- for the day. He is an excellent chef and host. We look forward to our next visit!"

"Manu took us through the seafood and produce stalls and then back to his kitchen for a truly wonderful market-to-table experience"

"Manu was awesome! The market experience was helpful and the meal was amazing! He tailored the experience to our taste and allowed us to try something new. Also, Max (the dog) was very fun to have around!"

"Do this course! It exceeded our expectations. I like to try cooking courses when I travel internationally, and this one was near the top of my favorites if not my favorite. The market experience made it extra special. This is not a shared class, so when you sign up you will be with your party only-this gives a nice intimate feel. We met at the local market and Manu asked about and dietary restrictions or aversions. He then gave us multiple choices for what to cook and we picked our two favorite choices. I was very interested in how to cook octopus correctly, so I chose an octopus dish and my daughter chose ceviche. We shopped around the market for our ingredients, everything there was very fresh and locally sourced. My favorite part was seeing the fish market, where all the seafood is brought in daily and the fish is cleaned for you right on the spot. Manu also showed us how to pick the best fruits and showed me herbs I have never seen before. I learned a lot of valuable information from this. After we gathered our supplies we went back to Manu’s home to cook the dishes. Manu does most of the cooking, but lets you be involved with preparation as much as you like. Both dishes tasted amazing and were beautifully plated! The ceviche so fresh and bright, the passion fruit citrus dressing hit so good. The octopus was fantastic, super tender and so much flavor. Both dishes felt authentically Mexican but with an upscale flare. We left this class full and satisfied, and with a new love and appreciation for Puerto Vallarta and all the beautiful flavors it has to offer. I will definitely be taking another course from Manu when we return so that my partner can also enjoy this experience. Thank you for such a wonderful experience Manu!"

"I'm a Signature Network travel advisor and tried Manu's experience with my wife. We had an amazing experience! From beginning to end, Manu was very intuitive to our food tastes and made it a very memorable experience. He also shared his knowledge of great restaurants to try. We may be headed back in March with a group of friends and if so, we plan on another dinner."

"Chef Manuel shops based on your desired menu. Be prepared to share with the chef what culinary creation you would like him to prepare. After that, its shopping time at the market. I have taken several cooking classes/demonstrations. This was BY FAR, the best experience I have had. Manuel is an amazing person and just as amazing of a chef. I enjoyed watching him create, I learn a Sh#t Ton and the food was beyond restaurant quality. I WILL BE BACK! It will be one of the reasons I want to go back to PV."

"Manu was very kind and knowledgeable. He taught us about all of the ingredients and was open to answering all of our questions. The trip to the markets was awesome and we learned about what fruits and vegetables are native to the area and got to try a tortilla hot off the press. The food he prepared was incredible! Simple ingredients with flavours that pack a punch. His pet Max stole the show and snuggled with us as we visited with Manu. I would recommend this to anyone!"

"My friend and I booked this tour and met up with Manu at the fresh market. He knew so many people who warmly greeted him throughout the shopping portion. We chose 3 dishes for him to prepare. On to his lovely home, met by Max his smiling dog. We had drinks as we watched him do his magic with his knives! The cleanliness, Fabulous food, and instruction was tremendous. So many tips that I will incorporate in my meal preps. He was a great teacher and charming from greeting to departure; as he spoke perfect English! It was fun to enjoy a morning with my friend while learning and enjoying unforgettable dishes."

"Excellent and very tasty food, taught by a very hospitable host and chef. Manuel automatically made us feel welcome and was very thorough in his explanations of what he was doing and why. He started by giving us several options of what we could make, taking care to make sure we didn’t have any allergies he needed to watch out for. Once we decided the two courses we went shopping for the freshest of ingredients in the market. Didn’t see another tourist there, and the fish was so fresh. Can’t wait to go home and to try replicate the dishes. Highly recommend."

"Manuel first introduced us to the local market, which was a unique and enriching experience. After that, we watched him prepare some incredible homemade Mexican dishes right before our eyes. As he cooked, he shared fascinating stories about the history of the ingredients and provided insights into Mexican culture and cuisine that I had never encountered before. The food was absolutely excellent, and the overall social experience turned out to be one of the highlights of our entire trip to Vallarta. I highly recommend Manuel for anyone who loves Mexican food and is looking for a relaxing yet informative time. Five stars!"

"Manu helped two culinary inept guys understand flavors profiles, spice levels and cooking methodologies. We learned that you can have spicy flavors without blowing your palate. The picking of seafood and groceries was one of the highlights. Manu was fun to learn from and showcased the real life of Puerto Vallartans. We would do it again."

"I highly recommend this cooking lesson! My wife and I were visiting PV on our honeymoon and really enjoyed spending time outside of the touristy spots, and with this tour, Manu gets to show you a local side of PV. The market you visit is the same market many of the restaurants use to get their ingredients. Manu is very nice and knowledgeable and has great recommendations on where else to eat like a local. Manu's cooking is fantastic! He's flexible and will help bring your food ideas to life. He presents his cooking in a way that inspires confidence in my own cooking - however it's unlikely I'll be able to get my cooking as good as his! Thanks Manu!"

"We met Manuel at the fish market. We connected earlier on what’s app and he helped me figure out the time to leave from Vidanta the day before. At the beginning when we met we talked about preferences. This is where you come together to decide what to make. Our kids (8 & 6) loved the market. They were his helpers in carrying the produce. They loved the fresh tortillas from the tortilla factory. They were so, so good. After you get all your ingredients he drove us back to his beautiful home where he went through each step with us on preparing. It was a great time to ask him about his knives and see his whole setup. I’ve got some room for improvement at home! The kids played with Max, his dog, while we watched. Our first dish was a ceviche made with yellow belly snapper, key lime and some mandarin juice for the citrus. He also made a chili oil that was to die for to go on top. The kids crushed the small bites of fresh frijoles with cheese and tortilla chips. Lastly the final dish was a chicken Gordita. We had to err on the side of being safe because of our kids palates. Our son ate 3 or 4 of these. 😂. We caught an Uber back to Vidanta. This was a highlight of our trip and will connect with Manu to see if maybe we can do a walking and eating tour with him! He has lots of suggestions on what to do in the area. Thank you again for hosting us in your wonderful home."

"My husband and I had so much fun going to the market and learning from Manuel! Everyone at the market loved Manuel and greeted us with a smile. Max, his dog, was precious too! We enjoyed our time and of course the food!"

"Amazing experience. Manu was a fantastic chef and the food was delicious. Felt very comfortable and had many laughs and stories to share. Highly recommended!!! "

"A great immersion into the culture here in PV! A fun market experience, with Manu asking us plenty of questions so we could have a fabulous meal. An intimate visit to his home while we were the only guests! He is friendly, instructive, and a great chef! We had a wonderful time."

"Private class for 3 Canadians who were amazed by Manu's culinary skills and flavourful creations. We will be back next year for sure ! !"

"Wow! What a great experience from the very start! Manuel took us to his go-to fresh food market where we bought freshly butchered pork and beef, fresh vegetables and dried chiles, cheese, and freshly made tortillas made with the best corn in PV, delicious hot and fresh from the tortilla press! His home is in a quaint and colorful neighborhood and his doggy Max was a hit! He showed us how to make a salsa verde, salsa roja and -- our absolute favorite -- AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS! We learned how to make carne asada and pork al pastor. Delicious, vibrant, fresh and the flavors were WOW! We can't wait to entertain family and friends with our new culinary knowledge!"

"This was the most enjoyable and educational cooking class I have ever taken anywhere. Manual exudes passion for his craft and is an excellent host, educator and entertainer. His instruction will forever change my cooking. And the food he served us was the best I have ever eaten in Mexico. He taught us simple techniques that make all the difference."

"Best ceviche ever! This is our first trip to PV and we wanted to learn how to make a few authentic Mexican dishes. The market tour was great. I wish we had a similar market at home. The ceviche, chilli sauce and enchiladas Manu made for us were amazing. The ceviche was the best I have ever eaten. I highly recommend this tour/cooking class."

"Super good experience! I love the fusion of flavors and creativity of each dish... It reminds me of my mom's food but with a touch of cilantro 😋"

"Extraordinary experience - Manu was the perfect host. He was so attentive from shopping in the local market and choosing our dinner to going back to his house to prep and make the meal. Manu was incredibly sensitive to our food issues and preferences. The food was so good - and the tastes were so much more subtle than what we've been used to in USA Mexican restaurants. Clearly what we've tasted till now falls far short of "real" Mexican food. A must for a total Puerta Vallarta experience. I can't recommended this tour enough."

"Very informative and friendly chef that has a lot of experience. Made us feel at home at his house watching him prepare the dishes. The only reason for 4 stars opposed to 5 was the price. We thought it was very pricy for what was provided for lunch. However Manu was great"

"Manu was the ultimate host - he was very very attentive to our needs to prepare the evening's meal. We loved shopping the market with him and picking out ingredients - his home was perfectly set up for us to watch and chat and ask questions while he explained and proceeded with the menu. The food was amazing - it gave us more of an appreciation for the subtleties of Mexican cooking than whatever we've had at USA restaurants. It is a don't miss experience if you want to appreciate the finer points of Mexican cuisine, or if you only want to eat well. He followed up with all the recipes we prepared. He could not have been more charming"

"This was the best cooking class I’ve ever experienced! Manu is an amazing tour guide and chef with extensive knowledge of Puerto Vallarta’s history and culinary traditions. I throughly enjoyed picking up fresh fish and vegetables from the market and watching him prepare the dishes in his home. I learned so much about the food and cooking techniques that will help me level-up my cooking game. And his restaurant recommendations were spot on. Highly recommend taking a class with Manu!"

"Manual made the best food we’ve had here in PVR! Bar none! Excellent tour with him in the market and the food couldn’t have been more fresh and tasty! Excellent!!"

"Chef Manuel was amazing. From choosing the menu to shopping at the market and then watching him prepare the food was a memorable experience. We really wanted a local market and cooking experience and this did not disappoint!"

"One of the highlights. It was authentic. Market experience, his home, his cooking and tips were so enjoyable. I can still picture the experience."

"I loved visiting the market which was like nothing I have ever seen before. Our chef was knowledgeable and entertaining. We were very lucky to meet his great dog Max and his whole beautiful family. The food was out of this world and I am inspired to start cooking again"

"I learned some techniques I did not know so will be more adventurous with chilies in the future. It was very enjoyable. Learned a new enchilada sauce, verde sauce and how to make a white fish civiche."

"I learned some techniques I did not know so will be more adventurous with chilies in the future. It was very enjoyable. Learned a new enchilada sauce, verde sauce and how to make a white fish civiche."

"Manuel was so gracious and informative during our evening with him. I will definitely be trying to emulate his enchiladas!"

"This was so fun and we learned so much from Manu. He made things comfortable and showed us tricks of the trade. We also learned about the produce not available in the states. I highly recommend this activity if you are in PV."

"Manuel was excellent, really enjoyed our experience. Food he prepared was so delicious and we learned so much on its preparation."

"Delightful experience. From going to the market, food preparations, advice, and oh the meal was delicious. The highlight of our trip to Puerto Vallarta."

"The chef explained his culture and the history of the cuisine very well. And the food he prepared was delicious. Nice experience if you wish to sample authentic Mexican food without participating in the preparation. Informative and enjoyable."

"We do a food experience everytime we travel throughout the world and this was arguably the best so far. We learned about the local produce and fish at the market where nearly all of the major restaurateurs shop for their restaurants. After that, we went to Manu’s beautiful home to eat some amazing food and learn more about him and the Mexican culture through food. Manu was kind, professional, and a wonderful chef. He taught us about the food as well as techniques on how to cook it."

"We really enjoyed the market visit and cooking class. The menu was taylored to what we wanted to try. Manuel explained how to select the best fish and vegtables. When he cooked he explained what he was doing and why. The food was so good I certainly over ate."

"We spent an excellent afternoon with Manu yesterday. The trip to the local market in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood was excellent. We chose our fish, our cheese and produce each from local vendors with the freshest ingredients possible. We then went back to Manu‘s house where we watched him prepare fantastic ceviche with the yellow bellied snapper that we purchased and cheese enchiladas that were the best we have ever had. Manu was an excellent host and meeting his dog Max was an added bonus. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone!"

"What a fun and amazing experience. Highly recommend it. My wife really enjoyed going to the market and talking with the locals. Cooking with Manuel and Max the dog was a lot of fun and, the food was delicious. Learned a few cool tricks ."

"Manuel was amazing! He was personable friendly and so knowledgeable about food and the area! It was so fun and enjoyable. I would highly recommend this to anyone! I wish we would have met him at the beginning of our trip and taken his taco tour also!!!"

"This was a fantastic experience! As my 13 year old daughter said, “it was like we visited a family friend.” Manu was charming, professional, funny, and communicative about the whole process. It was catered very specifically to us and our menu choices. I have to be gluten free, and he made that easy. The market visit felt authentic and welcoming. The food was fabulous and visually beautiful too. We would love to do this again on our next visit to PV. Highly recommend!"

"l love to cook, love Mexican cuisine and was hoping for a culinary experience with a chef from the area who could provide local knowledge and cultural history of the foods we prepared. Chef Manu delivered! We added the market experience to our tour and met Manu at the Farmer's Market Emiliano Zapata. Upon arrival, Manu assessed our food preferences and had a plan for different diets (vegetarian/ vegan, allergies, preferences, etc.) We are omnivores and selected ceviche, aguachile, salsa, and enchiladas with smoked marlin from the many options he provided. The market experience was amazing for someone who loves food. Manu knew the local venders and joked and visited with them as we selected our ingredients. He taught us how to shop like a local, introduced us to the family vendors, explained produce and ingredients only available in the area. We visited the pescaderia and selected from freshly caught fish (snapper, parrot, mahi mahi, etc), shrimp, clams. Our last market stop was the tortilaria. Manu explained the process of nixtamalization and how the tortillitas were distributed out to food stalls and restaurants across the city. We ate a freshly cooked corn tortilla while the vendor wrapped our order. I'm spoiled now and will resent the cardboard tortillas available stateside. Manu drove us to his home where my husband and I sat at the kitchen counter while Manu cooked. He shared great tips that are game changers for enhancing the flavor of Mexican cuisine (you'll have to take the class to find out!) I enjoyed being hands on, but this was not expected. Manu was gracious with all my questions and helped improve my knife skills. Throughout the class, he provided cultural insights about regional cuisine and pre-and post colonial culinary practices. He also helped us practice our Spanish. We ate dishes as they were ready, starting with a smoky tomatillo salsa and chips, followed by ceviche with parrot fish, aguachile with delicate tasting clams, and the enchiladas, filled with the local speciality, smoked marlin. Manu shared his experience as a chef working around the world from Norway to Toronto. He's a cool guy who also guides mountain biking tours and tacos tastings at PV street food vendors. I had my Shazam running to grab the killer music playing in the background. We felt very welcome in his home, were able to meet his lovely wife and cute pup. This experience was the perfect way to get into a PV state of mind. Manu is friendly, knowledgeable and fun to be with. This time was just me and my husband, but I can see coming back with friends or family. After the class, Manu emailed recipes and made hmisefl available for other travel tips as needed. I'm glad I scheduled this early in our time here because it gave me some confidence to shop for and prepare my own foods like a local. Gracias, Chef Manu. Buen probacio!"

"This was the second time we have booked a cooking class with Manuel. We brought friends along so we had a party of 4. A brief chat about our likes and dislikes was followed by an introduction to the local market where we bought Parrot-Fish, Steak and fresh vegetables for the Ceviche and Volcan Crispy Tortillas that were to follow. Manuel is a sociable host, and we met Max his lovely dog, and sat drinking wine, chatting about food and watching a chef at work. The food was incredibly tasty - with a couple of salsas for us to complement the food. I really enjoyed the Ceiche and the Steak/Cheese mix on the Volcan was very tasty. A great experience and a wonderful morning had by all. Top Notch. Highly Recommended."

"My husband and I had met Chef Manuel previously as our guide on a Taco Tour. His skill as a chef was fun to watch, and the results of his efforts amazing! The best fresh Ceviche we've ever had and the Panela Cheese Enchiladas along with his homemade pepper oil make it an explosion of flavor. Along with chatting and getting to know Manuel better, it was an enjoyable evening. We would do it again."

"We had an amazing time at this Market Visit and private Cooking Lesson experience. Our Host and Chef, Manu, was EXCELLENT!!! We had 3 couples in our group. Manu customized our menu based on foods we love, and then took us shopping at the Market to buy all the ingredients. He drove us to his beautiful home and taught us how to make some delicious salsas, an amazing ceviche with a special type of red snapper and lastly, delicious chicken enchiladas. As one of our friends said, "It was the best ceviche she has ever had!" Along with teaching us how to make these dishes, he also taught us knife cutting skills. We highly recommend this fun, delicious experience, especially if you can get Manu as your Host and Chef."

"It was a great experience, seeing these amazing markets, where all of the restaurants get their fresh fish. The food that was created in this lesson was outstanding, and I look forward to trying to re-create it at home. Great experience!"

"Manuel was a wealth of food knowledge. I especially enjoyed learning about cooking with smoked marlin and octopus; and being introduced to the range of peppers. His broad experience as a chef in a number of countries he applies to local foods and their ingredients - it is artistry! Manuel is a gracious welcoming human being without it was a pleasure to spend a part of my day."

"This was a fantastic experience. I learned so much and had a really wonderful meal. I did this as a solo traveler and it was a great part of my trip. Of course, this would also be a super fun group activity."

"Manuel is an amazing culinary guide and host. The food was perfection. Will book with him again. When I come down again in February."

"This was a great experience! Manu is a warm and engaging host. He toured us around the market to pick out fresh food while answering all our questions about local life. He welcomed us into his home and made an amazing meal catered to our preferences. You won’t actually cook, but you’ll be immersed in the process."

"Manu was awesome. Very patient with our 8 and 11 year olds. Accommodated all their pallets. We had shrimp tacos and enchiladas. We just loved the food and Manu. This was one of the highlights of our trip. We will do it again. Highly recommend it."

"Hands down this was my favorite experience while in Puerto Vallarta. Manu was so kind and patient. His knowledge and expertise taught us things we will continue to use. We appreciate he and his wife opening their home to us. Great learning experience!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEF! It is a pleasure to be able to remember the experience I would love to return to Puerto Vallarta and visit the typical places and enjoy their delicious food, next to their pleasant company, pleasant conversation and beautiful smile. That makes each experience an unforgettable moment a big hug"

"Travelling with family and friends, We were greeted for the start of our cooking class and market tour by Manu and his little dog Max. It just got better as Manu got to know us and our likes and dislikes. Together we planned a menu and headed to the nearby market to select fresh ingredients. Manu prepared a lovely meal, perfectly spiced and prepared from the heart. Very tasty and generous portions too. Would highly recommend this experience!! Thank you Manu! You made our trip very memorable."

"OH MY GOODNESS! Manuel and the class we took in his home was the highlight of our trip. If we go back, we will definitely book again. The market tour was amazing - we learned so much. I'm glad we did that as a part of the class. He took the time to learn about us and we chose the menu together, shopped together and created two wonderful dishes together. Experiencing the class in his own home was a bonus and we learned so much about the culture sharing the day with him. (and his dog is adorable!) If you're a foodie - or you like to cook - or eat, I would definitely get out of your pool chair and experience REAL Mexican food, prepared with expertise and love. The only problem is all food after his cooking didn't compare! He also sent us the recipes we prepared so we can TRY to duplicate it at home!"

"My sister and best friend and I booked an authentic cooking class with a market visit. What an amazing experience! It was the highlight of our time together in Puerto Vallarta! Manu was so knowledgeable about the market and its offerings... from seafood.. spices and produce..to the freshly made tortillas at the factory. The fare he created with us included a red snapper ceviche and shrimp enchillada! Amazing!! Best we've ever had! He is genuinely a friendly person with great skills. His little chihuahua Max was the cherry on top for us. Such a sweet pup! We will be back next time we are in PV Manu! Thank you"

"Manuel was amazing. The market tour should not be missed-we learned so much! Experiencing our class in his kitchen made for a very warm and personal experience. He tailored the class to our personal tastes as well. His knowledge of the cuisine and the food preparation was five stars! Looking forward to trying his recipes at home. We would go back to PV just for another class with him."

"OMG! What a fantastic day! Manuel was fantastic! Very interesting tour of the local market. Reviewed all the different local fish and grades of Red Snapper. Through a tortilla manufacturer and many grades of corn that are used. Back to his private Kitchen….. learned so much about knife handling….. amazing watching him julienne the vegetable. We prepared a fabulous ceviche Made with the local snapper we picked up from the market. Made a fabulous sauce for enchiladas. Extremely delicious lunch. Learned so much about local culture."

"Manuel was very patient with our kids (6-8), and the food was fantastic. Our tour of the market was fascinating and very memorable."

"We spent a delightful afternoon with Manuel, first going o the market and then back to his home where he prepared two dishes from scratch as we watched and learned. Our conversation was animated along multiple story lines. The care with which each dish was created became fully apparent when it was served. Delectable! We had the best ceviche I have ever tasted followed by enchiladas. The flavors stayed with me afterwards beautifully. We plan to return when back in Puerto Vallarta."

"Manuel is a great chef. I cook a lot but he taught me several techniques. The visit to the market with him was excellent. Highly recommend"

"Manu was a wonderful host & chef - we learned about local culture & cuisine and enjoyed a fabulous fresh dinner of ceviche and enchiladas. Delightful in every way! Hope we have a chance to do this again some time!"

"My wife and two kids (11 and 8) went on this experience. Manuel was an amazing host - so friendly, funny, and great with kids. We were able to talk and joke about everything. Manuel first chatted with us to get an idea of what we would like to cook with him. We learned that there is a huge difference between the Tex-Mex style enchiladas that we'd grown accustomed to seeing on menus in the US, and Mexican enchiladas which have much more variety. Manuel then brought us to a local market. This market was full of friendly merchants in a picturesque setting. We got to sample freshly made tortillas right out of the oven! Manuel taught us about many local ingredients. We then returned to his home where Manuel taught us the steps and techniques to making the sauce, preparing ingredients, and cooking the 2 dishes we agreed on: ceviche and shrimp/vegetable enchiladas. When we sat down to eat, the taste was absolutely heavenly. The 3 hours flew by and we left with full, happy stomachs and excitement that we discovered a new favorite activity. Because of the variety in Mexican cuisine, we'd love to do this again next time and hopefully see Manuel again!"

"We had an amazing culinary experience with Chef Manuel in his cozy kitchen as he prepared a delicious meal of red snapper ceviche and cheese enchiladas. He shared his tips for creating these extraordinary dishes while we had a great time getting to know each other. He also sent us his recipes via email so we could try them at home. To make the morning even more enjoyable, we also got to hang out with Manuel's young sidekick, Max Jr. Try this cooking class if you're looking for something a little different, but very special."

"Amazing experience. We met Manu at his home. We began by discussing food allergies and cooking experience. After that we walked to the market to buy fresh ingredients and came back home to cook. We made ceviche and seafood enchiladas. The food was delicious and manu was sweet and funny. His little puppy Max made the experience even more special."

"My wife, daughter and I agreed that this is one of the best "tour" events we've ever done. We met Manu at his home, relaxed and discussed menu options, then walked to a nearby market where he purchased ingredients for our selected lunch: ceviche and enchiladas. Manu introduced us to shopkeepers, explained various items at the stores, and selected what we needed. We returned to his home, where he showed us various cooking tips, and we learned to prepare our food, discussed various topics, and ultimately ate fantastic ceviche and enchiladas. Manu is very nice and open, and shared with us his training and work experiences in Mexico and globally -- we felt like welcomed guests in his home. We left his home feeling fantastic -- having enjoyed a tasty meal with a local expert, and learning to prepare authentic Mexican food when we returned home. We agreed the afternoon was worthwhile and that we would do it again."

"Chef Manu was not only a talented chef, but also a tremendous host. He paid special attention to my wife’s limited food preferences and then tailored the menu so that she could (and did!) enjoy it! Oh, and we have mention Max the number one fan!"

"My wife, daughter and I agreed that this is one of the best "tour" events we've ever done. We met Manu at his home, relaxed and discussed menu options, then walked to a nearby market where he purchased ingredients for our selected lunch: ceviche and enchiladas. Manu introduced us to shopkeepers, explained various items at the stores, and selected what we needed. We returned to his home, where he showed us various cooking tips, and we learned to prepare our food, discussed various topics, and ultimately ate fantastic ceviche and enchiladas. Manu is very nice and open, and shared with us his training and work experiences in Mexico and globally -- we felt like welcomed guests in his home. We left his home feeling fantastic -- having enjoyed a tasty meal with a local expert, and learning to prepare authentic Mexican food when we returned home. We agreed the afternoon was worthwhile and that we would do it again."

"We enjoyed our visit to the local market and private cooking class with Manu. He skillfully demonstrated how to transform the fresh ingredients into a delectable white fish ceviche. He is an excellent chef and we learned some useful food preparation techniques we can use in our own kitchens. Thanks to Manu to inviting us into his home for a great cooking experience and to little Max for the added entertainment."

"Chef Manu was not only a talented chef, but also a tremendous host. He paid special attention to my wife’s limited food preferences and then tailored the menu so that she could (and did!) enjoy it! Oh, and we have mention Max the number one fan!"

"We enjoyed our visit to the local market and private cooking class with Manu. He skillfully demonstrated how to transform the fresh ingredients into a delectable white fish ceviche. He is an excellent chef and we learned some useful food preparation techniques we can use in our own kitchens. Thanks to Manu to inviting us into his home for a great cooking experience and to little Max for the added entertainment."

"Manuel is an engaging teacher with an emphasis on technique which we enjoyed. The ceviche and enchiladas were lovely and the recipe easily replicated. An engaging afternoon activity that we would recommend. Thanks."

"Manuel is an engaging teacher with an emphasis on technique which we enjoyed. The ceviche and enchiladas were lovely and the recipe easily replicated. An engaging afternoon activity that we would recommend. Thanks."

"This was an amazing experience with Manuel and Chef Max. We enjoyed the market shopping, explanations of the unique foods purchased and the homey but detailed cooking presentation. This an absolute fantastic class. A must for all visiting Puerto Vallarta! 💕💕Leslie and Renee"

"This was an amazing experience with Manuel and Chef Max. We enjoyed the market shopping, explanations of the unique foods purchased and the homey but detailed cooking presentation. This an absolute fantastic class. A must for all visiting Puerto Vallarta! 💕💕Leslie and Renee"

"We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Manu. The market experience was eye-opening. We watched a freshly caught tuna get turned into beautiful fillets, which in Manu's skilled hands soon turned into the tastiest tuna ceviche we've ever had. He also patiently demonstrated new knife skills which we'll put into practice at home. We highly recommend this experience."

"We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Manu. The market experience was eye-opening. We watched a freshly caught tuna get turned into beautiful fillets, which in Manu's skilled hands soon turned into the tastiest tuna ceviche we've ever had. He also patiently demonstrated new knife skills which we'll put into practice at home. We highly recommend this experience."

"This was a fantastic experience. We’ve done a couple of cooking classes, and this experience was better, intimate and unique - a cut above the rest. In addition to a great conversationalist, and really great recipes (tailor made base on your preferences), he taught us a lot about specific skills (for example, 100% improvement on my knife technique). The thing that impressed us was how local, authentic, the experience was… a walk to the local market, a little bit of haggling, a lot of explanation; and who knew, he actually managed to negotiate the purchase of his beautiful young puppy a few months ago who from one of the local market vendors … You have to see this dog - he’s so sweet! So, the two dishes he taught us, were absolutely great in every way; but what I really loved was that he taught us the concepts behind the recipes, behind the techniques. He’s clearly a chef, who emphasize both local ingredients, fantastic tastes, and also the visual presentation of the food. TripAdvisor has never steered us wrong… As the collective wisdom of the users usually ends up being right, the experiences are often “out of a can.” For three hours, I felt like I was a local residence of Puerto Vallarta, shopping at the local market, and cooking a meal for my family."

"This was a fantastic experience. We’ve done a couple of cooking classes, and this experience was better, intimate and unique - a cut above the rest. In addition to a great conversationalist, and really great recipes (tailor made base on your preferences), he taught us a lot about specific skills (for example, 100% improvement on my knife technique). The thing that impressed us was how local, authentic, the experience was… a walk to the local market, a little bit of haggling, a lot of explanation; and who knew, he actually managed to negotiate the purchase of his beautiful young puppy a few months ago who from one of the local market vendors … You have to see this dog - he’s so sweet! So, the two dishes he taught us, were absolutely great in every way; but what I really loved was that he taught us the concepts behind the recipes, behind the techniques. He’s clearly a chef, who emphasize both local ingredients, fantastic tastes, and also the visual presentation of the food. TripAdvisor has never steered us wrong… As the collective wisdom of the users usually ends up being right, the experiences are often “out of a can.” For three hours, I felt like I was a local residence of Puerto Vallarta, shopping at the local market, and cooking a meal for my family. "

"What an amazing experience. Manuel is very easy going, teaching you the correct techniques, as you cook. He gets a feel, of what you would like to eat. He welcomes you, into his casa, and makes you feel welcome. Manuel is an excellent chef. I would recommend this experience . We ate some authentic Mexican food!"

"Great experience! Lunch option worked well for us. We enjoyed our market and lunch experience. We made really fresh red snapper ceviche and delicious enchiladas. Thanks Manu."

"This was one of the best and authentic Puerto Vallarta experiences. We met Manu at his home and talked for a bit before walking to the local market. Manu is truly loved at the market. We picked out our products and walked through the market while learning from Manu. We walked back to the house and watched Manu in action. We really leaned a lot about techniques and cooking tools. We had the best cerviche and enchiladas ever. I will crave them always. What a great time all around. Book this - you will love it."

"Best Food ever!! A great experience with Manuel and going to a market to choose food for our meal! He shows how to bring out the flavours with just a perfect spice/tang and how to properly cut with a knife. A wonderful experience!"

"Thank you Manuel for this excellent experience. We truly enjoyed your food and the visit to the market! Your knowledge and expertise in your culinary skills were amazing… Highly recommended!"

"Manu is an amazingly talented Chef. He is a master with his Japanese knife. The mahi mahi ceviche was possibly the best I have ever tasted. Not only is he talented, he is a people person. He warmly welcomed us into his home and we had a wonderful evening with him. If you want a truly lovely food inspired evening I highly suggest booking with Manu. Plus his little doggy Max was adorable. One of the best highlights in PV. We will be returning for his chili rellanos!!"

"Manu was very warm and lovely. His cooking skills and his food was delicious. His small home was comfortable and his little puppy Max was adorable. I highly recommend this and I would do it again ."

"It was a wonderful experience going to the market and purchasing our stuff to made. Mano was very personable and taught us lots about knife skills and cooking . Do not miss the market visit ."

"Wonderful experience! My host Manuel was so nice, and you could tell he really enjoyed sharing his time and knowledge. The market was fun and making lunch felt like sitting in the kitchen with your friend. I highly recommend this tour and will be booking it again, next time bringing more friends!"

"What an incredibly intimate experience! Manuel is so innovated, talented and generous! He shared his skillful techniques and his knowledge and passion for the local cuisine. The trip to the market, tortilla factory and finally the actual cooking and eating was gastronomic! I highly recommend this class for anyone who appreciates fine ingredients, a passionate chef and a memorable culinary event!! Stacy & Mark"

"We attended this cooking lesson as a group of four. We were all very impressed with Manuel's knowledge of local cuisine and his ability to explain everything as it was being done. It was all fascinating, the food was delicious and we certainly would do it again."

"Manuel gave us a very special experience. He took us to the market where we had an incredible choice of fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit. He then prepared incredible ceviche and enchiladas. While preparing the enchilada sauce and the ceviche he also taught us more about how to use our knives. We learned a terrific method to easily removing seeds from the chilies. it was a very relaxing, very personal, and delicious morning in his well equipped cozy kitchen. And all just for the two of us."

"What an amazing experience! Manu was the best and most gracious host. The market and his commentary were perfect. We picked the menu and he even emailed us the recipes. I would highly recommend this for any level of cook!!"

"Manu is a a great cook and host. Our son basically designed our menu with Manu and we walked to the local fish and vegetable market to get our ingredients and then back to his casa to begin preparation. It was really informative and casual and the food was amazing. We had Parrot fish Ceviche and burritos with shrimp and smoked Marlin along with freshly made salsa. It was a great experience and we highly recommend this experience on your visit to PV."

"Manuel was personable, engaging, and knowledgeable! What an awesome experience! From the start he was very welcoming and listened to our food preferences. From there we went to the local market where he introduced us personally to the local vendors. Everyone was so genuine and friendly! He taught us a lot about the different mexican cuisine from the fresh corn tortillas (which we ate right off the press) to the different chilis used in traditional Mexican food. From there we returned to his home and prepared ceviche and enchiladas. The food was spectacular and bursting with flavor! Thank you Manuel!"

"We thoroughly enjoyed this demonstration class. Manuel his knowledge while creating beautiful and absolutely delicious food. He is friendly and a master of his craft. It was a wonderful experience."

"Manuel is a charming and talented chef. The trip to the market to purchase food for the meal was both fun and really interesting. He's very knowledgeable about the foods on offer and has great relationships with many of the vendors. It was fascinating to watch a skilled chef work and have the opportunity to discuss technique with him. The end results were delicious."

"Manu was an excellent host, guide, and chef. I contacted him regarding my 87 year old mother and the amount of walking. He recommended we start at the market and walk back to his home which was perfect. We started the tour with a short discussion about our likes/dislikes. We agreed upon ceviche and shrimp enchiladas. At the market we viewed the tortilla factory and then to the fish stall where Manu picked the sawsail grouper which was fresh that morning. After picking up the produce, We inquired about a bakery and we made a quick stop at the panderia (hot bread and pastries yum). Back at the house Manu made a delicious red mole salsa and then the ceviche…it looked easy and it tasted so fresh. Finally ending with the best enchiladas I’ve ever had. Tortillas first dipped in the red salsa and then fried. Finally the shrimp and potato filling was added topped with a light tomato salsa, cotija, and radishes. It was not baked or over sauced. The meal was accompanied by cold Victoria beers."

"Chef was very knowledgeable, patient and genuinely interested in us having an amazing experience. Really great time. Food was amazing. Would highly recommend."

"Chef Manuel's teaching style was clear, supportive and entertaining. The ingredients where fresh and he she's his he sources them and why. "

"Absolutely amazing private cooking experience with Manu in his house. First a trip to nearby market to pick up ingredients, which today included fresh mahi mahi. I will definitely return!"

"Manu was amazing! He listened to what we wanted to learn and eat and then tailored the class just for us. Beautiful attitude and wonderful chef. Highly recommend!"

"We took Chef Manuel's cooking class while in Puerto Vallarta for vacation and cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed. One of the best vacation experiences ever. We met him at his home, chatted about what we liked and didn't like in terms of food and agreed on a menu. We then walked to the market with him, he picked out fish caught that day, showed us the tortilla factory and taught us how to pick out the different fruits and vegetables and also about each one and how they work. After picking out the ingredients we went back and Manu showed us how to prepare the dishes (for us Ceviche and Enchiladas). Both turned out fantastic The best part though was his manner and style. Very relaxed, it gave you the impression you were visiting with an old friend for an enjoyable afternoon. He was patient, easygoing but took a lot of time to explain things well. Cannot say enough how much we enjoyed it and highly recommend"

"My husband and I ate gloriously well for 9 days in PV, and this was by far our favorite meal and overall food experience. Chef Manuel is warm and welcoming and learning from him in his charming kitchen is an experience I’ll need to repeat again! He showed us how to make the tastiest ceviche of my ceviche-loving life and deliciously fresh and light Mexican style enchiladas."

"Fantastic experience combining expert knowledge of local produce and meat. Manuel teaches tremendously well with guests coming from various baseline cooking knowledge and interests. One of the best parts was how he taught us to make high heat peppers like Serranos more approachable in cooking. He maintains a very well equipped and clean home to host you in. I left feeling excited to try and practice more authentic Mexican cooking when I get back to the states."

"It was our honey moon. Spending the evening with Manuel was perfect. I love learning new techniques. How was simple and perfect."

"Hello All, My fiancé and I took Manu's cooking class in mid July. I recommend without reservations. We had little Manu welcomed us into his home with a warm demeanor. We started off with an introduction and got to know a little bit about each other. We went to the market and saw old town PV. Seeing Manu interact with his community was so cool. It was a little slice of Mexico. We got back and started cooking. Manu was able to make jokes to ease comfort and easily explain every step. My favorite memory of the day was Manu talking about Japanese knives, cutting, and relating it to his passion for samurai swords. 10/10"

"Thank you Manuel for your professionalism and hospitality. If want to learn about real Mexican cooking, this lesson is a must. Special experience visiting the local market and banter with the merchants."

"My family and I had a wonderful time! The market visit was great, and chef was a fantastic teacher and host. The food was amazing!! My daughter can’t wait to try to recreate the dishes we learned when we get home and practice her new knife skills (chef will send you the recipes!). We have done many excursions in PV over the last 10 years, and this was one of my favorites because it was authentic-a real PV experience."

"We had done a fish taco tour with Manu before and really enjoyed his knowledge of the area and the local food. When we saw he did a cooking class, we were excited to go! We met at his house, planned a menu and then did the short walk to the fish market, produce spot, tortilla factory and cheese shop so we could have really fresh ingredients. Manu explained some of the foreign items (to us) as well as showed us how to pick out the best stuff. Coming back to his home, we started the cooking class. Manu knows his food and is also great at explaining what he’s doing and why. Our meal consisted of smoked marlin tostadas and tasty cheese enchiladas that were so different (and so delicious) from anything we had had before. A couple of beers to accompany these and great conversation made the day just perfect. Thanks so much for a great adventure"

"My two granddaughters and I signed up for a class with Chef Manu. We visited a market, a tortilla factory and then went to Chef Manu’s home and prepared a ceviche and enchiladas. Chef Manu was very patient and we all had a lot of fun. Great experience!"

"Great experience!!! Manu was a gracious host and is a true artist at what he does. Recommending this to everyone who would like a real life experience."

"Outstanding morning at the market and cooking with Manuel. Knows the market vendors well and shopped for our food that morning. Best of all he decided what to make based on our conversation about what I liked and wanted to learn. Excellent experience. "

"Manu was the sweetest most down-to-earth Chef! Thank you for opening up your home and sharing your cooking skills with us. My 11 year old son loved it! I think Manu was surprised how much of his food he ate! Or how much we ALL ate for that matter. LOL. I have since cooked the enchilada and ceviche several times. I have yet to make the pulpo but only because I haven't been able to purchase one that didn't way over 10 lbs. I have told many of my friends of this wonderful experience and recommended that they enjoy a night cooking/eating with you. Gracias Manu! Next time we are in PV, we will be sure to come see you!"

"My group and I had an amazing time at Manu’s cooking class! The food was delicious and he gave us great personalized advice for when we cook at home. We can’t wait to try recreating the recipes at home! Manu was fun to talk to and gave us a ton of food recommendations for Puerto Vallarta. If we ever return to PV we will definitely be taking a class w him again, or signing up for one of his food tours!"

"We spent a wonderful day in Puerto Vallarta with Manuel coming from our cruise ship the island princess. We learned how to properly make ceviche and became a fan of this dish. The cheese enchiladas were wonderful with the local cheese and the simple red sauce Manuel shows you how to make. What a wonderful way to spend lunchtime in Puerto Vallarta. Would recommend this to all visitors"

"We spent a wonderful day in Puerto Vallarta with Manuel coming from our cruise ship the island princess. We learned how to properly make ceviche and became a fan of this dish. The cheese enchiladas were wonderful with the local cheese and the simple red sauce Manuel shows you how to make. What a wonderful way to spend lunchtime in Puerto Vallarta. Would recommend this to all visitors"

"We enjoyed our cooking lesson with Manu and the visit to the market. He shared the recipes with us and great tips for knife skills and cutting peppers. We can’t wait to give it a try at home."

"Such a wonderful afternoon spent with Manu! My husband and I have been all over the world and we take cooking classes wherever we go. This is by far the best class as it is private, just the two of us and Manu. No crowds. Up close and personal. The trip to the market was great and we learned about different fish and how to tell if they are fresh. We brought everything back to his house to the modest but highly efficient kitchen. Ceviche and enchiladas were on the menu and trust me when I say it was not like our Mexican “Tex-Mex in the states. Manu is personable and not bad to look at! Wowza! His knife skills were perfection and he taught us a couple of them. I will practice, practice and practice hoping I can try to do what he does with a knife. I highly recommend this class…..We will do it again when we return to Mexico in February."

"Manuel was a great host! It was a great private experience. And i now know how to make some amazing food!"

"One of our favorite experiences while in Puerto Vallarta- Manu taught us several cooking techniques and was a wonderful host! Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a beautiful meal and learn more about Mexican cooking! We appreciated the recommendations Manu made for our trip - he was spot on for finding the best culinary experiences!"

"What a great cooking class. Manuel was personable & very knowledgeable. The market tour was icing on the cake. I would certainly take another one of his classes."

"This was the highlight of our trip to Puerto Vallarta. Manu was so welcoming and had no problem accommodating our dietary restrictions (vegetarian, no eggs). The food we ended up making during our cooking class was one of the most memorable and delicious dishes I have eaten. We learned about knife-work and some true, authentic Mexican dishes. We even discovered some new ingredients, such as panela cheese that we can't wait to try. I highly recommend booking this experience!!!"

"One of the great highlights of our PV trip was the cooking experience and market tour with Manu! My partner and I both love Mexican food and learned many great tips from our host chef. Manu (handsome and charming) was very easy going and an excellent instructor of his craft. I would highly recommend this excursion and we plan to do this experience again upon our next trip to PV. I solicited Manu to make a cookbook to share more of his recipes :)"

"We had a blast with Chef Manuel! The market was very interesting and informative. Chef was fun, very easy to talk with, and taught us a lot about cooking. He made two different kinds of ceviche and authentic enchiladas. All fresh and tasty—some of the best food we had on our trip and we ate at some amazing restaurants. So glad we chose to do this activity and we will do it AGAIN when we return to PV."

"Manu was friendly and we enjoyed our visit with him, visit to the Market and our cooking class! Delicious Ceviche!"

"This was an A+ experience! Miguel is an excellent teacher and so knowledgeable! The food was so fresh and delicious. Miguel is an absolute delight to spend your time with if you love food, cooking, laughing! This is truly an authentic Mexican culinary experience!!🥰"

"Touring the market, purchasing fresh ingredients and then having Manu make our meal was fantastic! He shared so much information about the foods, cooking techniques and preparation. A wonderful experience, highly recommend this tour!!"

"Our experience with manual was a highlight of our trip. Not only did he prepare us a fantastic meal, he gave us restaurants recommendations and good cooking overall instruction. Definitely something that’s a must do when visiting Puerto Vallarta."

"Manu was fantastic and his food was even better! We started the afternoon with a walk to market where we purchased smoked marlin, fresh produce, and corn tortillas we watched them make. Then back to Manu's kitchen where he whipped up a tuna ceviche and taught us how to make chili relleno and enchiladas. I have always loved these foods. Manu set the bar high for the next restaurant that serves me any of these. I'm afraid nothing will ever be that delicious again. A great memory. Thank you, Manu!"

"Manuel is a fantastic and talented Chef, who invites you into an authentic Mexican experience in his own home. A short walk from our resort, we met Manu at his home kitchen and spent a few hours learning, while he demonstrated recipes for two amazing ceviche’s, and a recipe for traditional enchiladas. Of course it was eye-opening coming from the land of Tex-Mex to see the way these dishes are supposed to be prepared. The all fresh ingredients made for a meal we had to make ourselves stop eating. The conversation was as great as the food as we got to know Manu and shared our culinary, travel, and life experiences as he cooked and instructed. I took pictures and notes to help improve my own recipes when I get the chance to get back home and cook. This was easily the best meal will have in our week’s stay in Puerto Vallarta!"

"Manu was the most gracious host and amazing cook. We learned a great deal and ate splendidly. Being welcomed into someone’s home and having them cook for you is not an everyday occurrence. We were made to feel at home and after a discussion about what we liked to eat and what we might like to try Manu took us a short walk to buy the ingredients. Fresh shrimp, fish and veg were purchased and we were to see them prepared into the most tasty fish ceviche and shrimp enchiladas. Mouth watering freshness. En route we learned how to prep a chilli to retain the taste but lose the heat and we gained an insight into what it was like in PV during lockdown, when the tourist stopped coming, for those that remained. All in all we had the most enjoyable morning in Manu’s company. Ate extremely tasty and fresh Mexican food and learned to be a little less cautious when choosing what to eat. I couldn’t recommend this tour highly enough. We will definitely be back for a second helping when we return to Puerto Vallarta in the future."

"Manu is passionate about cooking with fresh ingredients. His dishes have lots of texture, colors, and tasty flavors! We enjoyed the market experience and will recommend this to our friends and family."

"Manu was personable and professional. He offered not only a tour but also some cultural information behind the market as well as the dishes that was prepared."

"We loved this cooking class! Manuel is so much fun, a generous host and a great teacher who loves to share his craft. After a discussion of what we would like to make, we went to the local market where he showed us how to pick out the freshest of ingredients. We then went back to his home where he showed us tricks of the trade and spent time with us so that we feel confident in our own ability to recreate these dishes at home. We were so impressed with his knowledge of blending flavors and textures to make such delicious food. We are already planning to do another class with him the next time I’ll we come to PV."

"The visit to the market was great! Chef Manuel was knowledgeable and had a relaxed manner that put us at ease. Chef shared several good tips both for recipes and cooking techniques. The food was fantastic. We will most likely be back and with more friends! We absolutely recommend this experience. "

"What a great way to learn how to cook authentic Mexican cuisine! Manu shared his extensive knowledge of cooking creativity, ingredients, knife handling and humor while making us feel completely at home. We would love to experience another class in the future."

"Warm, inviting, delicious Absolutely by far one of the most memorable experience’s in Puerto Vallarta!! Thank you Manuel so very much!"

"What a great experience! It was interesting to see the market and all the fresh seafood. There was a shop that made fresh, 100% white corn tortillas. He bought them right off of the machine. Manuel took the time to ask us our likes and dislikes and tailored the experience to accommodate us. He made mahi mahi ceviche, shrimp aguachile, and enchiladas. Everything was delicious. We will book with him again when we return to Puerto Vallarta!"

"Manuel is a wonderful host and teacher. He’s personable and very knowledgeable. We loved the market visit where we picked up fresh ingredients, including shrimp and Mahi Mahi. Manuel showed us how to make simple yet incredibly delicious dishes. We learned a few new knife skill tricks too. I can’t wait to try the recipes at home. I highly recommend taking this cooking class for authentic dishes and a charming, skillful chef."

"Quick and easy enchilada secrets, and the best Chile relleno we've ever had. After a interesting trip to the market Manu demonstrated how to make a simple yet delicious meal that we will make over and over."

"Cooking tips were great. Manuel is very knowledgeable and made the class so worth it. His knowledge of the market. Food and fish was unbelievable. We will definitely take another class from him."

"We both enjoyed walking through the local market and learning how to make ceviche and authentic enchiladas. We can’t wait to try making that sauce when we get home! Thanks to Manu for teaching us these recipes and knife skills. We had a blast!"

"Chef Manuel provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about Mexican foods, cooking, and culture. He was an energetic, personable, and charming instructor. He was sensitive to our food allergies and food likes in finalizing his menu. At the market, he took time to explain the various fish, fruits, and vegetables, as well as how and when they are used. The Chef made the recipes feel accessible and cooking fun. He took the time to demonstrate cooking techniques and allowed us to try our skills. The four of us who shared this experience felt it was one of the highlights of our visit to Puerto Vallarta"

"Market tour was wonderful. Then learning about cooking methods and knife skills. The things I didn't know I needed to know."

"Choosing the freshest fish at a local market and making a simple, but delicious ceviche, was a highlight of our experience. Manu was knowledgeable, friendly, and considerate. The entire experience during Covid felt safe."

"He was very professional it was one on one , and I learned news recipes and it was very fun ok ok ok ok ok ok ok Response published"

"The lesson on preparing ceviche and typical enchiladas. How to properly use various chilies. The personality of Manu. All fantastic!"

"My wife and I spent a morning with Manu (Manuel) on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Our only regret was not taking our two teenage boys because they would have loved it. This is our experience: 1) We research fun things to do in PV and cooking lessons pop up a few notches down from zip-lining, which we have already booked. These cooking lessons do not look like anything we have done in the US. These lessons involve a trip the market with the chef to acquire the foods available fresh that day. And after shopping, we are going to prepare the foods at the chef's house. That sounds different and fun, so we book online. 2) When we arrive in PV, I write the address and the phone number for the chef's house for the taxi driver to reference. That proves helpful because the driver does call Manu for directions. The house isn't difficult to find. It's just that taxi drivers find restaurants and hotels faster than they find residential addresses. 3) I knock on a nondescript door and Manu greets us with perfect English. He invites us into his immaculate, small house and our adventure begins with a conversation about our food preferences. After 20-30 minutes discussing potential dishes to make and our tolerance for food adventure, we walk to the market with Manu over cobblestone streets. He greets people and they greet him as we walk. Manu knows the neighbors and they know him. 4) Our first stop is the fish market, a lively place where Manu seems to be a celebrity. He knows everyone's name and they know him. They also know Manu seeks the highest-quality fish, so they show him their best. As Manu talks with the market staff, he identifies all the fish and shellfish for my wife and me and he shows us how to recognize the freshest fish. The market staff wraps our fish neatly and we repeat the process for vegetables and dairy products with a stop by a small tortilla factory. We acquire tortillas that are warm because the little assembly line has just produced them. Manu tells us all the produce is from the area, so this market resembles a US farmers' market, not a grocery store. 5) We return to Manu's house, and the preparation begins with a lesson in food safety. He washes the vegetables carefully and then disinfects them with an iodine wash which makes you question your own food-handling measures. He moves quickly, explaining the steps and the reasons as he goes. He is preparing two courses for us and wonderful smells fill the kitchen as he multi-tasks effortlessly. 6) While this is a lesson, this is not a group project because he is fast and needs no assistance. He slows to demonstrate good knife skills and he shows us the proper way to slice serrano peppers without abusing them in a way that releases too much heat. After a few attempts, we acknowledge we have been slicing peppers incorrectly for years and Manu takes charge again. He moves efficiently, always placing the knife here and the spoon there. We cannot believe how little space he requires to be so productive. 7) He assembles our first course, ceviche. It looks beautiful and tastes better. We conclude it is the best we will ever eat. When would we ever eat ceviche made in front of us from ingredients so fresh? 8) As we enjoy that course, he begins work on the next, enchiladas. The ceviche is so good we forget more food is coming. These enchiladas are unlike anything we have tried. They are small, filled with panela, a cheese that does not melt and they are delicious. 9) After spending the morning eating and conversing with Manu, he tells us how to walk to the tourist areas of PV. When we meet the rest of our group, we tell them about our morning and they envy our adventure. My wife and I recommend that you take a break from the resort, beach and ocean for 4 hours and treat yourself to this experience."

"We had an amazing time. Manu is a super guy. He took us to the market and explained how to buy fresh fish and produce. We learned two recipes. Food was amazing. This a once in a lifetime experience."

"Terrific recipe for ceviche and enchiladas. Highly recommend taking the class!! Manu is a terrific teacher and very interesting and worldly young man. Kim"

"Whether this is your first visit to Puerto Vallarta or your tenth, spending a few hours with Chef Manu will delight and inspire you. A professional chef with impeccable technique, creativity and a deep knowledge of Mexican traditions, Manu responded to our request for contemporary seafood dishes with a menu of two different ceviches, a simple octopus preparation and fantastic shrimp enchiladas. Going to the market with him was an education. His English is native-speaker level. A personal experience well worth the time and expense."

"Met Manuel at his home, discussed food options then headed to local produce, fish & tortilla markets...all were just a few minutes from his house. My wife & I really enjoy going to local markets & selecting fresh ingredients. We returned to Manuel's house and prepared 3 delicious courses; red snapper ceviche, octopus and enchiladas. We're looking forward to trying some of the new methods for cooking each that Manuel shared with us. Can't recommend this experience enough...we'll definitely sign up for another cooking lesson with Manuel again."

"Relaxed, informative, and easy. The first thing that set Manuel's class apart from similar classes is the menu is not fixed. When my wife and I arrived at Manuel's home we discussed our likes, dislikes, and what we were hoping to get from the class. Once we selected our dishes it was off to the market, which is a place you would not likely see by venturing off on your own. At the market, an item we had not planned on, caught my wife's eye- No problem, Manuel is flexible.Back at the house, we got busy cooking and hands-on time is entirely up to you. The dishes were amazing, of course, but what impressed me most was the simplicity of both ingredients and preparation. I left fully confident that I could duplicate what I learned at Manuel's. He's and excellent teacher and I learned far more than I expected.I highly recommend Manuel's class. Entirely worth the price."

"This gastro experience with Manu was one of the highlights of our trip to Puerto Vallarta. We enjoyed our visit to the local market and the cooking lesson, but most of all we loved the delicious dishes Manu prepared; shrimp enchiladas, octopus, and his award-winning ceviche. Everything was delicious and couldn’t have been any fresher. Manu is an excellent chef and host. We had a wonderful time with him and look forward to cooking with him again on our next trip to PV."

"This is a unique experience. Going into a local's home. Seeing inside a real home. The chef took the time to ask us what we wanted. It is catered for the individuals. The only disappointing thing is you watch the cooking. No hands-on. But the local fish market, local fruit and tortilla. Food was amazing. I picked up a few tips. Would also be helpful to have a copy of the recipes to recreate the recipes. "

"Fun and informative! My husband and I wanted to learn about local Mexican ingredients and cuisine; this was the perfect way to do it. Manu took us to the markets and showed us different ingredients (that we would otherwise have no clue to what they were or what dishes they were used in) along with advice on how to pick the best and/or freshest items. From there Manu cooked up the most amazing dishes that we were able to re-create at home. We had some dietary requests that were no problem and overall this was a 10/10 experience we would highly recommend!"

"I'm a frequent traveler who always tries to do a cooking class in every country I visit and I've had my fair share of good, very good and not so good classes over the years and I can confidently say that this class probably tops every other one I've experienced so far. Manu (Manny for his good friends) was an exceptional host and instructor.We started by talking about any particular preferences and aversions that he needs to take into account for the menu, he also wanted to know if there was a specific dish that I was keen to try before heading out to the market. You could tell that he knew the area INSIDE OUT as he greets, fist bumps and/or hugs one in every 3 people that we've met on our way to the market and back. We picked fresh Mahi-Mahi and shrimps from the pescetaria as well as a beautiful octopus, then some fruits and veggies and finally some freshly baked tortillas straight from the oven.Once back at Manu's place, we started preparing our 3 course meal with him explaining key techniques to really help nail reproducing these dishes as well as alternative ingredients that are more likely to be procured in the US (which is one of the reasons that set this class apart from all others, this attention to detail and thought given to how I could reproduce these dishes with produce that was local to my region (I live in the SF bay area). The Mahi-Mahi ceviche was MIND BLOWING!! I could do the course again just for that!The shrimp enchilada was exceptional (and I am NOT an enchiladas fan at all!) We finished with maybe one of the most tender octopus dishes that I have ever experienced in my life... There was no chewiness WHATSOEVER and the octopus had absorbed all the aromatics from that delicious broth, if you do not like octopus because of the texture and/or lack of flavor, his recipe would completely change your perspective I would HIGHLY recommend this class if you're in PV even just for a couple days, it is an genuine, authentic and epic experience that would please any food aficionado that is curious about what PROPER Mexican food should taste like. "

"We had the best time on this tour. After meeting Manu at his home, we walked to a local market area, where Manu selected fish, shrimp, and vegetables for our meal. Back at his place he explained how to prepare, gave some knife skill lessons, and made the most INCREDIBLE meal. Menu changes depending on what’s fresh at the market, but we had Ceviche, Enchiladas (DEFINITELY not what you get in states), and Chile rellenos. Manu was a gracious host - the atmosphere was like having a meal with an old friend. Would highly suggest when in PV."

"We were so happy that we selected Chef Manu for our cooking experience. We had the best time. We were two couples, one in our group is very picky. We devoured everything. Started out with a short walk through Chef’s neighborhood to the markets. Chef Manu gave us tips on how to select the freshest seafood available. Due to Chef Manu’s engaging personality it is clear the merchants like and respect his knowledge. Upon returning to Chef’s delightful home, we began our lesson. Chef is so precise and easy to understand. He explains everything and gives tips on what to do once you return home. We made the freshest ceviche, shrimp enchiladas and delicious tender octopus. Being from the Napa Valley, we have experienced wonderful food and excellent cooking classes, Chef Manu ranks among the best. "

"The day was perfect, Manu did an amazing job making us feel welcome in his home. My wife and I were greeted immediately offered a drink. After taking time to discover what we liked we built a menu with Manu and were off to the market where we made our purchases. It was an amazing place where everyone new our guide and treated us as guests. After the market we took a short walk back to his house and he began to prepare and explain everything. He walked us step by step through the process and the culture of the dish. I can not say enough good things about this outing. And the food... wow just wow he is a magnificent chef!!"

"One of the best ideas to do in PV! What a unique experience! Best Host! Beautiful Market! Tortilla factory! We learned so much! We are way too much! 3 adults a teen ( who was not excited) and a 5 year old went on this excursion. We enjoyed it all! I was worried about my picky eaters however I knew they would try everything.... my 5 year old loved the enchiladas and my 16 year old loved it all....My 16 year old made me buy all of the ingredients when we got home so she could make Red Snapper Ceviche and Garlic Shrimp Enchiladas.... inspiration at its finest! Thank you Manu so much for sharing your talents, your insight! And your kitchen!"

"Four of us did this market tour and cooking. We had a great time and learned a lot from Chef Manu! I appreciate the education he provided and the tasty results. The market tour was fun- I personally love checking out markets wherever I travel and it's great to have a guide to show you the way. We all learned about some new-to-us fruits and vegetables. Everyone working the market seemed to love Manu as well- nice to be with someone who has a good rapport with people! Back at his home, which was neat and cozy, Manu demonstrated and prepared a few lovely items. We plan to attempt to recreate them, though not expecting them to be quiet as good as his- haha! We all recommend this activity if you enjoy food, markets and intimate cultural experiences. "

"Manu was fantastic and it was a real treat to experience this. I'll definitely visit again simply because I feel he has a lot more to share and for me to learn. (Maybe next time I'll even ask him for a little of that fusion flare he was talking about!)First off, if you're expecting a group to have cooking stations and everyone makes pico de gallo--this is not that experience. Instead, he focuses on local, traditional cuisine but with his unique perspective. We shopped with him for the food and visited his favorite local market, and he explained some of the regional vegetables and proteins along the way. He did the cooking and described his technique in detail; we took notes and asked questions. I've been making Mexican styled foods for many years but was surprised to learn several tips regarding ceviche, slicing serranos (you may roll your eyes here but I hadn't seen his technique before), properly cooking pulpo, etc. His explanations were clear and I feel extremely confident I can replicate the experience. In fact, I'm about to run off and make his table chili oil right now...We will definitely recommend him to everyone visiting PV!"

"Manu was very accomodating to our likes and preferences. Very knowledgeable and soooo charming. It was fun to visit a different neighborhood."

"Me and my husband did the cooking class with Manu and it was definitely the highlight of our trip, we learned so much about the Mexican culture (off the tourist area) and had the most amazing dishes (We still dream of those flavors and the smell in that kitchen) everything was so fresh and clean, We highly recommend this!"

"Yes, everyone talks about the food at Manu's place (and it is absolutely wonderful to be sure!) but somehow everyone overlooked (at least in their review) the fact that this guy is not only a talented chef - but a pleasure to look at. Easy to find location, short distance walk to the market for a quick visit, and the off for cooking - or you can watch while Manu does all the work. Either way, a great time and a wonderful meal. We had mahi-mahi ceviche, octopus, and shrimp enchaladas - each bite better than the next. Thanks!"

"It was an amazing cooking experience, he is so creative, genuine & easygoing Experience Chef. He make you feel at home & take his time to explain and share his knowledge. I love seafood & one of my favorites is Octopus. He surprise me with the tasting sauces. I was afraid to cook seafood, because i was thinking is so difficult, however he prepared a delicious & easy Ceviche, an amazing Pasta with veggies & shrimps and the main dish " Octupus in guajillo" Gorgeus!! i highly recommend him. He will make you the Best Meals of your life."

""Manu" was our guide and chef. My pal and I met up with Manu at his PV Old Town area house. We then walked a couple short blocks to the Fish and Produce market. The fresh fish was amazing, at least 5 different sizes/kinds of Shrimp, Red Snapper and others and even smoked Mahi. Then on to the produce, salad ingredients, veggies, fruit. On to fresh queso, eggs, and butter. We had a double suite with a full kitchen, so great to get extra fresh seafood and veggies. Manu showed us how to take dried chillis, roast and re-hydrate and make delicious sauce for our shrimp enchiladas and pork toastadas. Delicious!! The aromas in his quaint kitchen were amazing. Sea Bass Ceviche was so easy and tasty! He was so personable, a wonderful chef and teacher. We had such a lovely afternoon, heading back to the Marina with happily full tummies. Thank you, Manu!! Marcie and Judy"

"If you are a foodie, this is a must do trip! Manu is not only a great communicator, he is extremely creative and informative. Manu is a big supporter of fresh local food and supports long time family business in the market! His apartment is easy to find and in a true neighborhood just a quick walk to the market. We had a great time learning about what just came in the fish market that morning and let Manu take the lead, we are up to about anything!! So our request for octopus did not disappoint! We learned so many tips and techniques that we are able to use at home!! We actually plan on doing this again when we are back in Puerto Vallarta"

"We hired Manuel as a private chef for my birthday dinner and he was fantastic. We had fresh ingredients and seafood. A lot of local flavor and great planning went into this menu. It was great sharing the meal with him and getting to know the local culture. Thank you Manu!"

"Having dinner at Manu's apartment, is like hiring your own private gourmet chef for the night. He dazzled our group of four with his EXCELLENT culinary abilities.. Seriously, our mouthes were watering, with his ability to cook fresh sea food. We ate everything from tuna poke (with the perfect hint of spice), to ceviche, and the best ocutopus dish I've ever had ! Manu is also very personable, and explains each dish in detail, to tell you exactly what you're eating and why he made it a certain way. I don't think you could get a more intimate or unique experience at a local restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. This is the off-beaten path meal you've been looking for in paradise !"

"We met Manuel at his house then walked a few blocks to a bustling local market where he pointed out the local fish caught that day. Just seeing where the local restaurants come to buy their seafood was lots of fun. We grabbed some fruits and veggies and went back to his kitchen. We helped him cut and prepare the fish for ceviche (he did ask our food preferences) and he helped us improve knife skills. We moved on to the most amazing fresh ingredient shrimp enchiladas and then to pork tostadas with a fresh fruit cocktail. We learned about local cuisine while helping as much or as little as we wanted. We learned about the events in the area as well. Manuel was easy to talk to and his cooking skills are outstanding. "