Authentic Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca Ecuador

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Summary
Experience Details
What You’ll Experience
Where to Meet
Reviews
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Duration
4 hours
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Number of Guests
1 - 8 guests
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Language
English, Spanish
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Digital Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Dive into an Andean culinary adventure in Cuenca. Learn to prepare authentic dishes with local ingredients, guided by an expert chef. Experience tradition, taste, and tales of Ecuador.

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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

Learn to prepare iconic dishes that showcase the soul of southern Ecuador, while uncovering the stories behind each recipe. Relax and sip a warming beverage as you chop, stir, and simmer through an immersive afternoon. With expert guidance from your chef, you'll create eight authentic Cuencano recipes—ranging from delicate appetizers to hearty mains and a memorable dessert—that capture the essence of Andean home cooking. The chef will share captivating tales of Cuenca’s traditions and local ingredients, making this interactive experience both educational and deeply satisfying. Upon arrival, you’re greeted warmly by the chef and briefed on the class. Follow detailed, step-by-step instructions to prepare each dish, actively participating in the cooking process while enjoying local drinks and insights into Cuenca’s gastronomic legacy. The experience culminates in a communal feast featuring every dish you created.

Sample Menu

STARTER
Tortilla de Verde y Maduro con queso
A savory blend of unripe and ripe plantains, lightly fried and topped with melted local cheese.
STARTER
Patacones
Crisp, double-fried green plantain slices with a hint of salt and a tangy dipping sauce.
STARTER
Ceviche Jipijapa
Fresh local fish marinated in citrus with tropical notes, offering a bright, coastal zing.
STARTER
Locro de Papas
A creamy potato soup unique to Cuenca’s style, topped with cheese and fresh avocado.
MAIN
Seco de Pollo
Chicken slowly simmered with naranjilla juice, onions, and spices, yielding a tangy-sweet flavor that epitomizes southern Andean home cooking.
DESSERT
Dulce de Babaco
A luscious confection made from ripe babaco, balancing sweet and tangy flavors exquisitely.
STARTER
Canelazo Drink
A warming blend of sugarcane liquor, cinnamon, and fruit juice (like naranjilla), enjoyed hot, perfect for Quito’s mountain climate.
MAIN
Fritada
Succulent, crispy pork bites seasoned with traditional spices and served with a refreshing curtido.
STARTER
Mapanagua
A traditional, invigorating beverage crafted with regional ingredients, delivering a crisp, refreshing finish.
DESSERT
Espumilla
A light, airy dessert with a delicate sweetness that offers a refreshing finish.

What You Get

Dinner
Full meal with the dishes you prepare.
All necessary ingredients and equipment.
Expert-led cooking class in an interactive setting.
grautuities
pick or drop off not included

Good To Know

  • We can accommodate to your food allergies or intolerances... just tell us in advance.
  • Don't drink alcohol? We can make virgin versions of the drinks in our menu.
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Kids can enjoy tropical fruit juices and local soda.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Service animals allowed

What You’ll Experience

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

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting Point

Del Varayo & Huasipungo, Cuenca Azuay, Ecuador, EC

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Our Chef will meet you outside the brown door located in the Colegio Santa Ana sector. His contact number will be sent by our booking manager with more detailed instructions.
End Point

This experience ends at the meeting point.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.

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What People Are Saying
Overall ratings and reviews
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(11)
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Excellent class
June 19, 2025
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(TripAdvisor)

Vanessa was awesome and the food was delicious. Very quaint accommodations in her home and easy to find. Highly recommend if in the area.

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William Uihlein
June 04, 2025
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(byFood)

We were privileged to encounter an incredible experience exceeding even the highest of expectations. Vanessa began our personalize evening by walking with us through a nearby Supermarket where she ...read more

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The best cooking class in Cuenca
May 01, 2025
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(TripAdvisor)

Vanessa's cooking class was excellent!! I recommend it to everyone that visits Cuenca and is interested in local cuisine and great conversation. My wife and I really enjoyed getting to know her and...read more

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Fantastic!!
May 01, 2025
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(TripAdvisor)

Absolutely awesome!! The food was incredible, there was soooo much and everything tasted amazing. The class itself was really fun and you learn so much. I absolutely recommend and would 100% come b...read more

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Wonderful Experience!
April 14, 2025
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(TripAdvisor)

Wonderful class! A relaxed mom and daughter environment with lots if laughs and stories. I learned a lot bot just about cooking traditional Ecuadorian meals but also great stories about the foods h...read more

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from  $64.29 
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Please note that the time is in Ecuador Time.
Free cancellation (24 hours notice)
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Earliest available date: June 30, 2025
from  $64.29  per guest
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Please note that the time is in Ecuador Time.
Free cancellation (24 hours notice)
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals