1.- INTRODUCTION TO LIMA’S GASTRONOMIC SCENE
Lima has the largest international airport in the country so it is no surprise that all international flights arrive there making it a capital of culture where many travelers agree. This is the reason why the gastronomy tends to be so varied and of course the ancient generations inherited their culinary secrets. In 2006 during the fourth international summit of gastronomy in Madrid it was awarded as the gastronomic capital of America and since then many of the restaurants have been winning equally important recognitions leaving a very high position for the Peruvian gastronomy.
The Cooking Class Lima experience allows all participants to taste the unique flavors of Peruvian gastronomy, this gastronomy has evolved over the years due to the influence of many other cultures adding cooking techniques which creates new flavors.
2.- CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIMA COOKING CLASS
The main characteristic of the Cooking Class Lima is the mixture of experiences that involve first the visit to a local market where each step means to know a new input or ingredient. Together with the tour guide you will learn a little about its origin and multifunction, while shopping for the next stage which is to participate directly in a Cooking Class Lima where together with a professional chef you will make step by step one of the most emblematic dishes of Peru:
- Ceviche (The favorite dish)
- Causa Limeña
- Stuffed Potato
- Solterito arequipeño
- Lomo Saltado
- Ají de gallina (Chicken chili)
- Stuffed bell pepper
- Chicha morada
- Maracuya
- Lemonade
- Pisco sour
The options of dishes are very varied during the Cooking Class Lima, but it always includes 3 courses: starter, main course and drink. The Cooking Class Lima can be done in different spaces, in some situations it can be in a private space such as a house where the experience is also the coexistence with the guide and his family, which for many is better. Another option is also to do it in a restaurant, in both cases it is done with a specialist chef who will guide you at all times.
| “You have to taste a culture to understand it.” |
3.- FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A COOKING CLASS LIMA
3.1.- Class Duration and Schedule
The Cooking Class Lima experience can vary in some factors, such as omitting the visit to the local market and focusing all the time for the preparation of the meal in the Cooking Class Lima. There are options from 1 hour and 30 minutes to more complex and extensive options that last almost 6 hours. The Lima Cooking Class experience also includes full assistance from the moment you leave your hotel until you return. The Cooking Class Lima option is the one that lasts 4 hours (optional in the morning or in the afternoon) as it complements other activities such as the City Tour in Lima.
3.2.- Group Size
Usually the Lima Cooking Class experience is personalized and exclusive, the participants vary depending on the season and also the space where it takes place. In general the groups are of 4 people but can also be enlarged and become up to 8 people which allows travelers who make the experience individually to meet more travelers from other parts of the world.
3.3.- Language Options
In general the Cooking Class Lima is offered in English and Spanish at the same time, this allows English and Spanish speaking travelers to participate in the experience without any problem, however we know that there are also travelers from other parts of the world who also seek to live the experience of the Cooking Class Lima Peru for this is designated a translator in the chosen language that accompanies you permanently.
4.- PREPARING FOR YOUR COOKING CLASS LIMA
Depending on the time you choose, either in the morning or in the afternoon, it is advisable to wear light clothing that allows you to enjoy the atmosphere and temperature of the season. Remember that between November and April the temperature can drop and it gets colder, so for that time it is better to wear warm clothes. In terms of luggage preparation, a small backpack will be enough to carry your personal belongings. This experience does not require you to carry your identity document (Passport) since all the planning is done in advance and since there are only a few participants, we already know who they are.
There is also the possibility that during your visit to the local market you can buy some things for personal consumption, for this it is good to bring cash in the local currency, Peruvian soles, as many of the stalls do not have card options and do not accept dollars, fortunately as you will have the company of your guide at all times, the Cooking Class Lima Peru experience will be very pleasant. You can reserve your space in the Cooking Class Lima experience up to 1 day in advance, however as we already said the participants are limited so it is better that you do it at least 3 days in advance.
5.- MIXTURE OF UNIQUE FLAVORS
“Uncover the secrets of Peruvian cuisine in the gastronomic capital of South America.
Master the art of ceviche and pisco sour in a hands-on Lima cooking class.
Tantalize your taste buds and learn to recreate Peru’s flavors back home.”
6.- FAQs ABOUT COOKING CLASS LIMA
- Are classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Cooking Class Lima Peru experience is designed for all participants. Even if you don’t know anything about cooking, our professional chef will guide you step by step in the elaboration and if at the end you don’t want to continue there is no problem you can just watch while you enjoy a delicious drink like passion fruit, chicha morada or the flag cocktail of Peru, the pisco sour.
- How far in advance should I book?
You can book up to 1 day in advance, however there is a risk that the group will be full, so it is best to book at least 3 days in advance. Your travel agency can help you with this booking process without any problem, you just need to mention it in advance.
- Can I request specific dishes to learn?
Yes of course, although of course they must be within the pre-established menu. If you want a very specific dish then the best option is to do the Cooking Class Lima experience in private where the visit to the local market will be oriented to get the ingredients.
- Are classes child-friendly?
Yes, many of the ingredients are easy to handle and in the case of the moments when a sharp element such as knives must be used, it is the main cook who is in charge of making the cuts avoiding the children using them. Also when there is participation of children, a small dessert is prepared for them to enjoy the moment.
- What if I have food allergies?
The Cooking Class Lima experience has rules that must be followed, mainly the fact of knowing which are the foods that can cause you some discomfort. In this case, before starting the Lima Cooking Class experience, you are asked to indicate your allergies so that when shopping at the local market this will not be a problem.
We are sure that the Cooking Class Lima experience will perfectly complement your visit, Peruvian flavors are unique in the world and worth tasting. Auri Peru makes sure that the culinary experiences are more than just momentary, they are unforgettable moments for all travelers, contact us now and find out how to take the first step.
“Culinary journeys feed the soul.”
