Barcelona: Seafood Paella Cooking Class & Boqueria Market

Enjoy the vibrant culinary culture of Barcelona with this engaging seafood paella cooking class. Start your experience with a guided exploration of the renowned Boqueria Market, where you’ll uncover the finest local ingredients alongside an expert chef. Then, roll up your sleeves and learn to craft an authentic paella bursting with the flavors of the Mediterranean. As you sip on Spanish wines and savor each bite, you’ll discover the art of paella-making and gain the skills to recreate this iconic dish at home. But the real question is – will you be able to resist the temptation to return to Barcelona for seconds?

Good To Know

1. The activity offers a 3-hour hands-on cooking class focused on traditional Spanish seafood paella, suitable for all skill levels and available in English and Spanish.

2. The class begins with a visit to La Boqueria market, where participants explore top vendors and gain insights into fresh produce and Spanish culinary traditions.

3. During the cooking experience, participants collaborate to prepare pan con tomate and assemble the seafood paella, learning techniques for achieving the perfect socarrat.

4. The full spread includes the classic pan con tomate and seafood paella, accompanied by an open bar offering a selection of Spanish wines, chilled Cava, and Sangria.

5. Participants receive a comprehensive YouTube video recipe as a keepsake, allowing them to recreate the flavors of the dishes at home.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This hands-on cooking class invites participants to learn the art of preparing traditional Spanish seafood paella under the guidance of a professional chef in the vibrant city of Barcelona.

Over the course of 3 hours, the small group, limited to just 10 people, will embark on a culinary journey, exploring the flavors and techniques that make this iconic dish a staple of Spanish cuisine.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, the class caters to all skill levels, with instruction available in both English and Spanish.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this experience offers flexibility and value, starting from just €100 per person.

Market Visit

The class begins with a visit to the renowned La Boqueria market, where participants meet the chef at the market’s main entrance, identifiable by a red umbrella. Amidst the vibrant sights and sounds, the chef leads the group on an immersive exploration.

They discover the best vendors for top-quality jamón, fragrant saffron, artisanal cheeses, and premium wines. The participants eagerly interact with the passionate sellers, learning about the origins and unique qualities of the fresh produce.

This market visit not only sets the stage for the upcoming cooking experience but also provides valuable insights into the rich culinary traditions of Spain. The group leaves the market, their senses heightened and their anticipation building for the hands-on paella preparation to come.

Cooking Experience

Participants don the provided aprons and gather around the large wooden table, eager to learn the secrets of crafting authentic seafood paella under the expert guidance of the chef. With a keen eye and a steady hand, the chef demonstrates the intricate steps of the paella-making process.

First, the group collaborates to prepare the pan con tomate, artfully layering the toasted bread with the rich, garlicky tomato spread and adding the premium jamon, fuet, chorizo, and cheese.

Next, the chef guides the participants in assembling the seafood paella, carefully arranging the shrimp, mussels, and cuttlefish in the saffron-infused rice.

As the paella simmers, the aroma fills the air, heightening the anticipation of the final, mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients and Equipment

As the chef gathers the assortment of fresh ingredients, an array of vibrant colors and textures fills the wooden prep table – plump shrimp, tender mussels, and the striking black cuttlefish, all to be seamlessly woven into the saffron-infused rice.

Alongside these seafood delights, the chef selects the perfect accompaniments: ripe tomatoes, pungent garlic, and fragrant herbs.

With a sharp knife, the chef deftly slices the ingredients, ensuring each piece is perfectly portioned for the paella pan.

The chef then carefully measures the rice, broth, and spices, meticulously balancing the flavors to create the authentic taste of Spain.

As the ingredients come together, the intoxicating aroma fills the air, whetting the appetite of the eager participants.

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Meal and Beverages

Amidst the sizzling of the paella pan, the class eagerly anticipates the full spread of authentic Spanish delights that awaits them.

First, they’ll savor the classic pan con tomate, with its rustic slices of bread adorned with the perfect balance of juicy tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a drizzle of golden olive oil.

Next, the main event – the seafood paella, bursting with the briny flavors of shrimp, mussels, and tender cuttlefish.

To complement the rich, saffron-infused rice, the open bar offers a selection of Spanish wines, chilled Cava, and refreshing Sangria.

As the aromas waft through the air, the participants know they’re about to embark on a true gastronomic journey.

Video Recipe

After the hands-on cooking experience, the chef presents participants with a special keepsake – a YouTube video recipe showcasing the step-by-step instructions for all the dishes they’ve prepared. This allows them to relive the flavors of their Barcelona paella adventure and confidently recreate the meal in their own kitchens back home.

The video covers the preparation of the classic seafood paella, including the technique for achieving the signature socarrat (crispy bottom layer), as well as the pan con tomate with various Spanish cured meats and cheeses. Viewers can follow along as the chef expertly layers the ingredients and demonstrates the secrets to perfectly cooked rice and tender seafood. With this comprehensive guide, the tastes of Spain are just a click away.

Dish	Ingredients	Steps
Seafood Paella	Bomba rice, saffron, prawns, squid, mussels	1. Sauté aromatics 2. Add rice and stock 3. Layer seafood
Pan con Tomate	Tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, jamon, fuet, chorizo	1. Grate tomatoes 2. Toast bread 3. Top with toppings
Spanish Wines	Cava, Tinto de Verano, Sangria	1. Chill beverages 2. Serve chilled 3. Pair with food

Accessibility and Restrictions

The cooking class isn’t suitable for everyone – it’s not accessible for wheelchair users, and those with food allergies can’t participate due to the menu.

However, there are a few other important restrictions to be aware of:

1. Pets aren’t allowed at the cooking class or the market visit.

2. Smoking is prohibited throughout the experience.

3. Participants are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as they’ll be on their feet for the majority of the 3-hour class.

While the experience is designed to be fun and family-friendly, those with mobility issues or dietary restrictions may have to sit this one out.

But for the right group, the seafood paella cooking class promises an immersive and delicious glimpse into Spanish culinary culture.

Meeting Details and Reviews

Locating the cooking class meeting point at the bustling La Boqueria market is a straightforward affair, with participants directed to the main entrance between Rambla 91 and Rambla 89, near the Dunkin Coffee shop, where they’ll find the chef identifiable by a red umbrella.

Guests are advised to come prepared with comfortable shoes and a camera, as they’ll be interacting with the lively market vendors and learning about the best local ingredients for their seafood paella.

The overall experience is highly rated, with reviewers praising the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and the chance to enjoy a full meal of paella, pan con tomate, and Spanish wines.

With a 4.5/5 rating based on two reviews, this class promises an engaging and delicious culinary adventure in the heart of Barcelona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to the Class?

The cooking class does not allow participants to bring their own ingredients. Participants will learn to cook authentic Spanish seafood paella using the fresh ingredients provided by the chef and sourced from the local Boqueria market. The class includes all necessary cooking equipment and supplies.

Is There a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Option Available?

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available for this paella cooking class. The chef can accommodate dietary restrictions with alternative ingredients and recipes tailored to each participant’s needs, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

It’s recommended to purchase your tickets in advance for this popular cooking class. The class size is limited to 10 participants, so pre-booking ensures you secure your spot and don’t miss out on this hands-on, immersive Spanish culinary experience.

Can I Take the Leftovers Home After the Class?

After the cooking class, participants can take home any leftover paella and other dishes they’ve prepared. The chef encourages guests to pack up the leftovers, ensuring no food goes to waste from the class.

Is There a Discount for Groups or Students?

The activity doesn’t explicitly mention group or student discounts, but it does limit the group size to 10 participants. Inquiring about any available discounts when booking would be the best way to see if savings are offered for groups or students.

The Sum Up

Discover the vibrant flavors of Barcelona through an immersive seafood paella cooking class.

Explore the bustling Boqueria Market, learning from a skilled chef as you craft the authentic Spanish dish.

Savor the results alongside local wines, then leave with a video recipe to recreate the experience at home.

This engaging three-hour class offers a truly immersive taste of Catalonia‘s renowned culinary culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: