A Cusco cooking class is an excellent way to get your teeth into the true culture of Cusco cuisine. There are plenty of options out there- but we offer the most comprehensive and inclusive cooking class in Cusco- including a tour of a local market, a cocktail masterclass, and an incredible rooftop kitchen. What more could you possibly want? Read on to experience our Cusco cooking class through the eyes of Mark:
Last Friday I tried the Cusco cooking class we offer. This is a relaxing, fun way to spend three-quarters of a day, eat well, and learn how to make some tasty iconic Peruvian dishes.
Ever since Peru rose to fame as a culinary destination, we have been getting requests for a Cusco cooking classes (we already have a Lima cooking class). After trying it for myself, I can firmly say that it was one of the most fun days I have spent in twelve years here.
We met the group at their hotel at 9 am then wandered to the San Pedro market. Over a hundred years old, this famous market is an eye-opener for those who only ever buy things from supermarkets. Meat does not come in packets here, it quite blatantly comes from a once-live animal. San Pedro is a fantastic place to get back in touch with the origins of your food, and it’s a really authentic way to begin your cooking class in Cusco.
If you’re a foodie, why not check out our 10 day Farm to Table: Culinary Experience of Peru adventure?
San Pedro market is divided into sections – cheese section, meat section, fish section, vegetable section, bread section, soup section, juice section, and so on. Each stall sells things at the same price as the next. There is no bartering here, simply choosing a stand to be loyal to. This is where the town’s chefs come each morning to buy the freshest ingredients, making it the perfect place to begin today’s cooking class!
Aside from food, San Pedro market is where you can find everything you need to make offerings or spells. Spells to make people love you spells to make your back better, spells to bring you money, spells for just about anything you want.
We then proceeded to travel deeper into the city, away from the historical center and whipping up to the eleventh floor, where we are met with breathtaking views of the city, a beautifully modern kitchen, and a welcoming chef, ready to show us the ways of the kitchen in his carefully crafted cooking class.
The class kicks off with a pisco sour masterclass as we learned all about the nation’s favorite cocktail and the perfect way to make it. I’ve been in Peru a good while, and the pisco sour is still my favorite thing to make for visitors.
Once we had our whistles sufficiently wetted, we began the real work. Appetizers! I’m told that these change day to day, season to season, in order to be sure the freshest ingredients are used. We made Ceviche -Peru’s national dish. This is quick and easy. Slice some fresh trout, toss with lime juice, chillis, salt and pepper, garlic and ginger, and some ice cubes to keep it from cooking too fast. In a few minutes, it is ready. We spooned it into our causa towers and decorated it with strips of fried camote. Then sat down to eat. Delicious.
If you’re a foodie, why not check out our Farm to Table: Culinary Experience of Peru adventure?
After this, the main course – much like the appetizers these are subject to change according to the season and local availability. After all, this wouldn’t be a Cusco cooking class without doing it the Cusqueño way, eh? We made a truly incredible quinoa risotto- similar to a normal risotto but made with quinoa- Peru’s national grain. Then it was time to feast on our creations!
A 15-minute drive back into town, and the experience was done. It was a truly fabulous half day, in great company, with great food. Highly recommended this Cusco cooking class. Get in contact with us today in order to book yourself a place.
