Award-Winning Paella & Market in Small Group with Chef Jordi

Introducing the Award-Winning Paella & Market Experience with Chef Jordi

We recently came across this highly-rated, small-group Valencia tour that promises to turn you into a paella pro while exploring the lively Russafa neighborhood. From the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this isn’t just another cooking class — it’s a full immersion into Valencian culinary culture.

What we love about this experience: the intimate group size (max 8 guests), the opportunity to shop at a local market with a chef who truly cares about sustainable practices, and the chance to cook alongside a chef who’s earned awards and has years of professional training. Plus, the relaxed, family-friendly vibe makes it perfect for everyone from solo travelers to families.

A potential consideration? The tour starts at 11:30 AM, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a late-morning adventure rather than an early start. This experience suits curious travelers eager to learn authentic recipes, have fun, and taste some of Valencia’s best flavors in a cozy setting.

Good To Know

• Small Group Advantage: With a maximum of 8 guests, you’ll get personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Authentic Market Tour: Shop with Chef Jordi at Russafa Market, learning about local ingredients directly from vendors.
• Expert Guidance: Jordi, a proud Valencian, brings professional chef training and a friendly, humorous teaching style.
• Comprehensive Experience: From tapas, sangria, and desserts to learning the contest-winning paella recipe—everything is included.
• Family-Friendly & Inclusive: Menus cater to lactose- and gluten-free diets, and the experience is suitable for children.
• Value for Money: At around $63.60 per person, you’re paying for a full culinary day with drinks, recipes, and a farewell gift.

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Meeting at Russafa Market: The Heart of Valencian Food Culture

The day kicks off at Granier, Carrer de Francesc Sempere, 11, with a warm welcome from Chef Jordi himself. The tour begins with a walk through Russafa Market, a lively hub packed with vendors selling fresh vegetables, seafood, meats, and local specialties. Here, you’ll get to interact directly with vendors, ask questions about ingredients, and learn about their origins — a step that elevates the entire experience beyond a simple cooking class.

According to reviews, Jordi’s ability to weave local stories and cultural insights keeps the atmosphere lively and educational. One guest shared, “Jordi walked us through the market and taught us a lot about the local culture and ingredients,” which makes this more than just a shopping trip — it’s a true cultural taste.

Preparing Tapas and Sangria: A Delicious Warm-up

Next, you’ll head to Jordi’s cozy kitchen, where the true fun begins. Here, you participate in a sangria workshop, mixing fresh fruit, wine, and a splash of creativity. Guests have commented on how Jordi’s relaxed and humorous style makes everyone feel comfortable, regardless of cooking skill level.

Following that, Jordi guides you through preparing creative homemade tapas, often highlighting local flavors and sustainable practices. This step isn’t just about cooking — it’s an interactive session where you get to learn tips and tricks from a seasoned chef, making it easy to replicate at home.

Mastering the Award-Winning Paella

The highlight of the day is cooking the famous Valencian paella. Jordi uses his contest-winning recipe, which he’s perfected over years with a professional background trained at a Michelin-starred chef school. The process is step-by-step, ensuring everyone can follow along, regardless of experience.

Guests have described the experience as “fantastic and fun,” with Jordi demonstrating techniques that he’s learned from his family and competitions. One reviewer shared, “He made the paella the best I’ve ever tried,” emphasizing the quality of both the dish and Jordi’s teaching.

Celebrating Your Culinary Creation

Once the paella is ready, everyone gathers around to snap photos with their masterpieces, then enjoy the meal together amid lively music and good company. The shared experience of eating a dish that you helped create adds a special touch, turning strangers into friends.

And it’s not just about the main course — there’s a creative dessert to wrap up the meal, along with a Mistela shot and a special farewell gift that provides a lovely keepsake of your time in Valencia.

Additional Touches and Practical Details

Throughout the experience, Jordi keeps the atmosphere friendly and family-oriented, with reviews mentioning how inclusive and engaging he is — even involving kids in the cooking! The menu caters to dietary restrictions like lactose and gluten, making it accessible for most guests.

The tour lasts roughly 3.5 hours, starting at 11:30 AM, providing a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. The small group size and personalized attention are notable benefits, especially given the praise for Jordi’s hands-on teaching style.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Valencian Flavors: The recipe Jordi teaches is based on his family traditions and contest-winning techniques. It’s not just a generic class; it’s a deep dive into what makes Valencian paella special, with tips that are practical and easy to replicate.

Market Tour with Local Vendors: Many cooking classes skip this part, but here, shopping at Russafa Market is integral. Guests love learning about ingredient origins firsthand, which elevates the entire cooking experience.

High-Quality Instruction: Jordi’s background — he’s a proud winner of a paella contest, trained at a Michelin-starred school, and has led 500+ workshops — shines through. Guests frequently comment on how much they learned, with tips that make cooking paella at home seem approachable.

Family and Dietary Friendly: Menus are flexible, and the inclusion of a dessert, sangria, and tapas create a full, satisfying experience suitable for all ages.

Value for Money: At just over $60, the price covers market shopping, professional instruction, drinks, food, and a keepsake gift. It’s an experience that offers a lot more than just a meal — it’s an education and a cultural journey.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for food lovers eager to learn authentic Valencian cuisine, culinary travelers seeking a hands-on experience, and families who want a fun, interactive day. If you’re curious about local ingredients and enjoy a relaxed, engaging atmosphere, this is a fantastic choice.

Those who prefer large groups might find the max 8 guests limit more intimate, but it also means less crowding and more personalized attention. If you’re after a culinary adventure that combines local culture, delicious food, and expert guidance, Jordi’s tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

For travelers looking to truly experience Valencian cuisine in an authentic, relaxed setting, this small-group paella tour with Chef Jordi offers excellent value. It’s more than a cooking class — it’s a culture, a social gathering, and a chance to take home recipes and memories that will last.

You’ll love the opportunity to visit Russafa Market, learn directly from a passionate chef, and create a meal that’s as delicious as it is meaningful. Plus, with Jordi’s engaging teaching style, even complete beginners will walk away with newfound confidence in their cooking skills.

Ideal for those who enjoy hands-on experiences, local flavors, and family-friendly activities, this tour promises an afternoon filled with fun, learning, and great food. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, it’s a memorable way to connect with Valencia’s culinary heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly and includes options for children, with a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. Kids can even participate in certain parts of the cooking.

What dietary restrictions are accommodated?
Menus are designed to be lactose- and gluten-free friendly, making it accessible for guests with common dietary needs.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Granier, Carrer de Francesc Sempere, 11, and finishes back at the same spot.

What is included in the price?
Your fee includes market shopping, ingredients, cooking instruction, tapas, sangria, dessert, a Mistela shot, and a farewell gift.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3.5 hours, starting at 11:30 AM.

Is the group size limited?
Yes, a maximum of 8 guests ensures personalized attention and a cozy environment.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, everything you need — ingredients, instructions, drinks, and gifts — are provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.