Cooking lesson in a typical house in Polignano with aperitif

If you’re planning a trip to Bari or Polignano a Mare and want to experience more than just sightseeing, this cooking class offers a genuine glimpse into local life and cuisine. From the moment you step into a cozy, traditional home, you’ll feel the warmth of Apulian hospitality. Over about two hours, you’ll learn to make iconic orecchiette, enjoy a selection of local aperitifs, and sit down to savor your own culinary creations.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll love how intimate and welcoming the setting is—no large crowds or touristy vibes here. Second, the focus on authentic, homemade pasta and typical products makes it a true foodie adventure. Third, the inclusion of local wines and seasonal vegetables adds that relaxed, flavor-packed touch. One thing to keep in mind is that transport isn’t included, so planning your arrival is key. It’s perfect for those who want a genuine, hands-on culinary experience while enjoying the charm of Polignano.

Good To Know

• Authentic Apulian cuisine made in a local home with a professional chef
• Hands-on pasta-making focusing on traditional orecchiette
• Includes aperitifs, wine, and tastings of local products
• Small group size (maximum of 8), ensuring personalized guidance
• Ideal for foodies and culture seekers wanting genuine local experiences
• Not suitable for those relying on private transport

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Setting: A Traditional Polignano Home

This tour takes place inside a typical house in Polignano, giving you a rare chance to see where locals actually live and cook. The meeting point is at Via S. Vito, a short walk from the town center, but some guests reported difficulty finding it—so arriving a few minutes early is advisable. Once there, you’re greeted by a warm host who immediately makes you feel at home. The size is capped at 8 travelers, which fosters an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

What You’ll Do: Making Orecchiette from Scratch

Under the guidance of a professional local chef, you’ll learn the secrets behind homemade pasta—specifically, the iconic orecchiette, a pasta shape unique to Puglia resembling little ears. Reviewers praise the expert guidance, with one remarking, “Annamarie was so warm and welcoming and so informative.” You’ll be provided with all necessary tools, and even if you’re a complete beginner, the chef’s tips will help you master the technique.

The process involves mixing fresh ingredients, kneading the dough, and shaping the pasta by hand. As one guest recounted, “Making the orecchiette was more challenging than I thought, but Anna Marie was right there to help.” This step-by-step approach makes it accessible, even for those who have never cooked pasta before.

The Tasting: Aperitifs and Local Delights

Once your pasta is ready, the fun continues with an aperitif featuring taralli, focaccia, seasonal vegetables, and local wines. The inclusion of tasting of typical products means you’ll get to sample regional flavors, with many reviews mentioning the quality of the wine and the delicious snacks. One guest noted, “The meal and wine were delicious,” which suggests the drinks are carefully selected to complement the flavors.

Sitting down with your fellow participants to enjoy your homemade pasta and local goodies creates a convivial atmosphere. It’s a chance to chat with the host and fellow travelers, gaining insights into Apulian culinary traditions. The experience culminates with everyone gathered around the table, sharing a meal in true local style.

Duration, Group Size, and Value

The entire activity lasts around two hours, making it a manageable addition to your itinerary. The small group size ensures personalized attention, with many reviewers noting how welcoming and knowledgeable the host was. At a cost of $77.08 per person, including the cooking lesson, tastings, and drinks, it offers excellent value—especially considering the authentic experience and the opportunity to take home new skills.

The Authenticity Factor

Based on reviews, this experience excels in providing a genuine local atmosphere. Guests appreciated the opportunity to learn about Apulian cuisine from a host who was both informative and humorous. One reviewer said, “Anna Marie was fabulous, welcoming, and knowledgeable,” emphasizing the personal touch that makes this tour special.

Practical Tips

• Arrive a few minutes early as the location can be tricky to find at first—some guests relied on directions from the host to locate the exact house.
• Dress comfortably—you’ll be working with dough, which can be messy.
• No private transportation is included, so plan your arrival accordingly, especially if you’re staying outside the immediate town center.
• Group size is limited to ensure plenty of interaction and support during the cooking process.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers, especially those interested in authentic regional dishes. It’s also ideal for families or groups wanting a relaxed, hands-on activity in a cozy setting. If you enjoy learning new skills and sharing a meal with locals, you’ll find this class rewarding. However, if you prefer guided tours with sightseeing or need accommodations for dietary restrictions, you may want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

This cooking lesson in a Polignano home offers more than just a meal; it’s an immersive dive into Apulian culture and culinary traditions. The intimate setting, expert guidance, and delicious tastings create a memorable experience for anyone wanting to connect with local life through food.

Travelers who value authenticity, hands-on participation, and regional flavors will find this tour well worth the price. With its friendly host, engaging process, and the joy of sharing a meal, it’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Puglia’s culinary soul.

While it might require a bit of planning to reach the meeting point, the genuine warmth and delicious results make it a highlight that many visitors will cherish long after their trip ends.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, private transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point in Polignano, which is accessible by foot or local transport.

How long does the cooking class last?
The activity takes approximately two hours, giving enough time for hands-on pasta making, tastings, and enjoying your meal.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the cooking lesson, all necessary tools, tastings of typical products, a dinner featuring your pasta, and drinks, including regional wine.

Can I expect to make the pasta myself?
Yes. You’ll be guided step-by-step to knead, shape, and cook your own orecchiette, making it a truly interactive experience.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 8, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

What kind of products will I taste?
Expect taralli, focaccia, seasonal vegetables, and regional wines—local flavors designed to enhance your culinary journey.

This experience provides a warm, authentic taste of Puglia’s culinary soul, perfect for those who want more than just a sightseeing tour—it’s a chance to learn, cook, and share in a genuine local setting.