Paella Cooking Class & Market Visit, Madrid

Learn how to make one of Spain's most iconic dishes: paella. With the help of a local chef, you'll go through all the steps, starting with a visit to one of the best markets in Madrid. After gathering all your ingredients, you'll set up your supplies and get to work, first preparing sangria and gazpacho as an appetizer. As you prepare your paella, learn more about this dish and discover its origins, cultural significance, and variations.

To learn how to prepare paella with a local, you must first do as the locals of Madrid do: get your supplies at Antón Martín Market. Set in the city center, you will watch residents move from stall to stall to collect their groceries, and you'll join them. On your shopping list are the ingredients to prepare the traditional variation of paella, including vegetables, rice, seafood, and chicken. You also might pick up a few extra goodies for snacking, like olives, cheese, and pastries. 

Down the block, you'll join your local chef to prepare your meal. First, you'll learn about the origins of paella and why it's such an essential staple in Spanish culture. You'll also discover a few helpful tips on preparing paella properly. But before you get started, you'll help your guide with a couple of appetizers: sangria and gazpacho, two other iconic aspects of Spanish gastronomy. 

Then it's time for the main dish. Enjoy learning the process of cooking paella, a skill you can undoubtedly bring home and share with friends and family. Once ready, you'll sit with your fellow students and chef to relax and taste your meal. Sip on fruity sangria and refreshing gazpacho, and appreciate those delicious bites of paella. You'll receive a small recipe booklet with all your prepared dishes as a parting gift.