Barcelona Evening Cooking Class: 5-Course, 3 Paellas & Cava

Cooking your way through Barcelona’s iconic cuisine can be both a delicious and memorable adventure. This particular tour by Paella Barcelona Cooking School offers a unique opportunity: over three hours, you’ll craft three different types of paella—seafood, meat, and vegan—guided by mother-daughter chefs trained at a Michelin-starred culinary school. While it’s a hands-on experience where you’ll learn authentic techniques, it also doubles as a convivial feast with plenty of wine, cava, and tapas.

What we love about this experience is how it balances serious cooking skills with fun and relaxed vibes, making it perfect for food lovers and curious travelers alike. You’ll get to sample a variety of flavors, craft your own Sangria, and take home digital recipes—meaning the magic can continue long after the class ends. One thing to consider: at just three hours, it’s a fairly packed session, so pacing might feel brisk for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

This tour is especially well-suited for anyone eager to learn traditional Spanish cooking, enjoy a lively evening in a small-group setting, or simply indulge in authentic paella paired with excellent wines. If you’re after a comprehensive, engaging, and tasty experience, this class hits the sweet spot.

Good To Know

• Hands-on Learning: You master three types of paella—seafood, meat, and vegan—using authentic techniques.
• Authentic Pairings: Paired with local cava, sangria, and gourmet tapas such as ibérico ham and Catalan cheeses.
• Expert Guidance: Led by mother-daughter chefs trained at Hofmann culinary school, offering insightful tips.
• All-Inclusive: Ingredients, cooking tools, recipes, and drinks are provided, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Family-Style Feast: Savor your creations together, debating which paella is the best.
• Flexible & Convenient: Small groups limited to 10 participants ensure personalized attention.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Engaging Evening with Expert Chefs

The experience begins in a warm, inviting studio kitchen as the sun dips below Barcelona’s skyline. From the start, it feels more like a gathering of friends than a formal cooking class. You’re welcomed with a glass of chilled Cava and a selection of tapas—think Iberico ham, Catalan cheeses, and fresh mussels—that set the tone for a laid-back yet culinary-rich evening.

The mother-daughter team guiding you are the stars here. Their training at Hofmann, a respected culinary school, shines through in their clear demonstrations and helpful tips. They strike a good balance between teaching techniques and sharing stories about regional ingredients, making the class both educational and personable.

Step-by-Step: The Paella Journey

Cava and Tapas to Start

The evening kicks off with a glass of sparkling Cava and some delicious tapas. These bites are a great way to settle in and get ready for the cooking ahead. The guide might share interesting tidbits about Catalan culinary traditions, making the experience more engaging from the outset.

Sangria Workshop

Next, you get to craft your own Sangria with seasonal fruits and local wine. This interactive step is surprisingly fun, especially as different teams try their hand at the perfect mix. The guides encourage a relaxed atmosphere, so don’t worry if your Sangria isn’t picture-perfect—it’s all part of the experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Mastering the Paella Techniques

At the heart of the class is the opportunity to cook three distinct paellas—seafood, meat, and vegan. The chefs demonstrate key techniques, such as achieving the ideal socarrat (the crispy bottom), and then guide you as you try your hand. Expect to work in rotating teams, which means everyone gets to cook each style, fostering camaraderie and lively discussion.

Guests mention that the process is straightforward but satisfying. One reviewer noted, “You really learn the secrets to perfect paella,” which speaks to the genuine skill-building involved. Another shared, “We loved debating which paella was best—each had its own charm.”

Feast and Desserts

Once all three paellas are ready, it’s time to sit down and enjoy a family-style meal by candlelight. The variety allows for tasting all three and comparing flavors—deliciously highlighting the differences between seafood, meaty, and vegan options. A seasonal dessert crowns off the meal, adding a sweet note to your Spanish evening.

Recipes to Take Home

After the feast, the chefs email all participants a digital booklet with recipes for each type of paella. This thoughtful touch makes it easy to recreate your favorite at home, even if you’re miles from Barcelona.

What Sets This Experience Apart?

Authentic Cooking with Professional Guidance

The fact that the chefs are trained at Hofmann means you’re learning from true professionals. They patiently guide you through each step, sharing insider tips that elevate your cooking skills. Reviewers highlighted their knowledge, with one noting, “They were so helpful and patient, even with beginners.”

A Well-Balanced Food & Drink Experience

The inclusion of free-flowing cava, sangria, and wine ensures that you enjoy the evening without fuss. The pairing of wines with each course enhances the flavors without overwhelming the palate, a detail that serious wine lovers will appreciate.

Variety & Customization

Cooking three different paellas in one session offers variety, so you don’t get bored. Plus, dietary requirements such as gluten-free bread are accommodated with advance notice, making the experience accessible to more guests.

Small Group & Personal Attention

Limited to just 10 participants, the class provides an intimate setting where questions are welcomed and everyone gets hands-on time. This small-group approach ensures that even shy cooks can participate fully.

Value for Money

At $176 per person, the experience includes a comprehensive menu, expert instruction, all ingredients, drinks, and recipes. Given the quality of food, the personalized guidance, and the culture, it’s a solid investment in a memorable evening.

Practical Details & Tips

• Timing & Duration: The class lasts about three hours, starting around 8:00 pm, making it perfect for an evening activity after a day of sightseeing.
• Location & Accessibility: Held in a hygiene-certified, wheelchair-accessible studio, the venue is easily reachable within Barcelona.
• Group Size: Small groups (max 10) foster interaction, so booking early is recommended.
• Price & What’s Included: The fee covers everything from ingredients to digital recipes, so no hidden costs. It’s a convenient way to enjoy an authentic culinary experience without extra hassle.
• Cancellation Policy: You can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, giving flexibility in your plans.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is ideal for foodies eager to learn authentic Spanish techniques and impress friends back home. It’s equally suited for couples or small groups wanting a lively, hands-on night out. If you enjoy wine or cava, you’ll appreciate the curated pairings that complement each dish. Travelers looking for a culture with a culinary twist will find this class offers a perfect blend of learning, tasting, and socializing.

While not a typical sightseeing tour, it’s a fantastic alternative to traditional activities, especially in the cooler evening hours. It’s also a great choice for those wanting a more personal, engaging experience in English or Spanish, with guides who make the process fun and approachable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, vegan options are included, and vegetarian or gluten-free adjustments can be requested during booking.

How many paellas will I cook during the class?
You’ll make three: seafood, meat, and vegan paellas, each in rotating teams to maximize hands-on participation.

What drinks are included?
Guests enjoy unlimited cava, sangria, and wine throughout the class, plus water to stay hydrated.

Can I take home the recipes?
Absolutely. After the class, you’ll receive a digital booklet with all three recipes to recreate your favorites later.

Is the class physically accessible?
Yes, the kitchen is wheelchair accessible, and the venue maintains high hygiene standards.

How many people are in each group?
The class is limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for cooking. Aprons are provided, but wear something you don’t mind getting a little splashed.

Final Thoughts

This Barcelona evening cooking class offers an engaging, tasty way to connect with the city’s culinary traditions. It combines skill-building with socializing, making it a perfect night out for food lovers eager to learn authentic paella techniques. The expert guidance from trained chefs, paired with delicious wine and tapas, creates a well-rounded experience that’s both educational and fun.

The opportunity to cook three different paellas—seafood, meat, and vegan—means you’ll leave with a broader understanding of Spanish flavors and the confidence to recreate them at home. The small-group setting enhances interaction, and the digital recipes ensure the magic continues long after you leave the kitchen.

For travelers who value authentic experiences, delicious food, and a lively, convivial atmosphere, this class is a standout choice. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your passion for cooking, it’s a memorable way to spend an evening in Barcelona.

Would we recommend it? Absolutely. It’s worth the price for the quality of instruction, food, and drinks. If you’re looking for a fun, immersive activity that offers a genuine taste of Spain, this class won’t disappoint.

You can check if your dates are available here: