Cooking Class in a Village Near Chania, Chania

Learn the top traditional Cretan recipes in a local village and have them emailed to you to try them out at home!

Overview

Immerse yourself in the local culture of Crete and learn the art of traditional Cretan cooking in a charming family-run kitchen. Led by a knowledgeable Cretan grandmother, you will be taught how to prepare and cook six different authentic Cretan dishes using fresh herbs gathered from the garden. One of the highlights of the experience is preparing a delicious lamb dish in a traditional wood-fired stone oven.

Highlights

  • Prepare and cook over six different types of Cretan dishes
  • Learn about the historic significance of the oven-roasted lamb
  • Master the delicate skill of rolling grape leaves
  • Create traditional appetizers, including tzatziki, dakos, and Cretan salad
  • Gather herbs from the garden to make stuffed vegetables and dolmades

Know before you go

Duration
4 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group, 12 people or less
Food & Drink
Lunch Included

What you'll do

Join a beloved local chef for a private cooking class just outside Chania Town. As you arrive, you'll be welcomed onto a beautiful family-owned kitchen under the shade of avocado and olive trees with refreshments of coffee or juice, traditional biscuits, or even a shot of raki if you're feeling adventurous. With your guests' guidance, you'll learn how to prepare and cook over six different types of Crete's most famous dishes, including oven-roasted lamb, stuffed vegetables and grape leaves, and traditional kalitsounia pies filled with cheese and wild greens.

The class starts with oven-roasted lamb, which is placed in the wood-fired stone oven to cook for over two hours, giving you ample time to learn about the dish's historical significance, including its nickname as "the thieves dinner." You'll then learn the delicate art of rolling grape leaves to make stuffed vegetables and dolmades, using herbs from the garden for the stuffing.

Next, it's time to create traditional kalitsounia pies. You'll roll out the dough and fill them with cheese and wild greens. As the grand finale, you'll get to prepare and savor the mouth-watering appetizers, such as tzatziki, dakos, and Cretan salad. These delightful dishes are easy to recreate and are bound to become your all-time favorites at home.

After the class, it's time to sit down and enjoy the beautiful traditional Cretan dishes you've created with copious amounts of local wine. This cooking class offers a true family experience, so don't be surprised if your charming host's family members join, as they are eager to share their delightful humor, enchanting tales, and fascinating insights on life on the picturesque island of Crete.

Start times

  • Monday
    Not available
  • Tuesday
    10:00 am
  • Wednesday
    Not available
  • Thursday
    Not available
  • Friday
    10:00 am
  • Saturday
    Not available
  • Sunday
    10:00 am

What's included

  • Cooking class with a local
  • Ingredients and equipment
  • Lunch with local wine

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Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started