Cook and Feast: Traditional Andean Cooking Experience in Cuenca

5.0
(21 reviews)

4 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Instead of a polished studio, you’ll step into a lived-in Cuenca home, surrounded by family heirlooms, Andean cookware, and the hum of daily life.

Here, every detail is personal: the chef opens not only their kitchen but also their own traditions, showing cooking techniques and rituals rarely shared with outsiders.

This behind-the-scenes access means you don’t just learn how to prepare food, you understand why it matters, and how each ingredient carries history from the Andes to your plate.

For travelers who crave authenticity, this is the kind of experience you simply can’t book at restaurants or markets. It’s an intimate cultural exchange, perfect for those who value connection over crowds.

You’ll leave with more than recipes, you’ll carry stories of heritage, exclusive local tips for exploring Cuenca’s food scene, and the rare memory of having been welcomed as part of an Andean household.

Example 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's Included

Full meal with the dishes you prepare.
All necessary ingredients and equipment.
Expert-led cooking class in an interactive setting.
Unlimited local beverages (soft drinks, beers, or canelazo), depending on preference.
grautuities
pick or drop off not included

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Our warm, knowledgeable Chef will be in our address to greet you and make sure you’re all set for a day of new flavours and local culture. His contact number and exact location will be sent by our booking manager.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Step beyond the tourist trail and into a welcoming Cuenca home, where the kitchen buzzes with laughter, sizzling pans, and the warmth of Andean hospitality. From the moment you enter, you’re no longer a visitor—you’re a guest invited to share in traditions that locals hold close.

Guided by a chef, you’ll roll up your sleeves and transform fresh, regional ingredients into vibrant dishes that reflect Ecuador’s southern Andes. Between sips of canelazo or refreshing fruit coolers, you’ll uncover cooking secrets passed down for generations, each recipe a story, each flavor a memory.

With groups kept intentionally small, you gain personal attention, lively conversation, and the feeling of being part of a family gathering.

This experience goes far beyond cooking. It’s your exclusive pass to Cuenca’s culinary soul—a chance to live, laugh, and celebrate as locals do.

By the end, you’ll sit at the table not just to eat, but to toast to new friendships, swap stories, and carry home the kind of memories that can’t be packed in a suitcase.

Spots are limited and classes often sell out quickly, secure your seat today and turn your Ecuador trip into a feast you’ll remember forever.

Additional info

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

Tags

Cooking Classes
Small Group
Food & Drink
Excellent Quality
Top Product
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 21 21 reviews
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