Madrid: Paella & Tapas Cooking Class and Market Visit

If you’re visiting Madrid and looking to get beneath the surface of Spanish cuisine, the Paella & Tapas Cooking Class and Market Visit from Devour Tours offers a compelling way to do just that. This 3.5-hour experience combines market exploration, expert-guided cooking, and plenty of tasting, making it a fantastic choice for anyone eager to learn firsthand how Madrid’s culinary traditions come together.

What we love most about this tour is its authenticity — it’s not just about recipes, but about understanding the ingredients, history, and culture behind each dish. The chance to visit a lively, traditional Madrid market, combined with a small-group cooking session led by a knowledgeable local chef, ensures a personal and immersive experience. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy your creations paired with Spanish wines or beers adds a lovely touch of authenticity.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour is not suitable for children under 12, mainly because of the nature of the cooking with knives and hot stoves. However, it’s a perfect fit for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a fun, educational activity that ends with a delicious homemade meal. If you’re keen to understand the why and how behind Spanish dishes, this experience hits all the right notes.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who appreciate small-group, hands-on learning, and who want to take home more than just memories — namely, recipes and a deeper appreciation for Madrid’s vibrant food scene.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Combines market visit with hands-on cooking, not just a demonstration.
• Expert Guide: Led by a knowledgeable local chef who shares cultural insights.
• Tasty Learning: Focuses on classic dishes like paella, tapas, and crema catalana.
• Local Market Tour: Shop for high-quality ingredients alongside locals in a traditional Madrid market.
• Inclusion of Drinks: Enjoy a typical Spanish vermouth and wine or beer with your meal.
• Limited Group Size: Ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Market Visit: A Slice of Madrid Life

Your adventure begins at Plazuela Anton Martín, a historic neighborhood market that’s been serving residents for over a century. Here, you’ll get to peek into daily Madrid life, interacting with vendors and getting a true taste of local produce. This is more than just shopping — it’s an insight into the ingredients that form the backbone of Spanish cooking.

Guests have appreciated the opportunity to pick up fresh, high-quality ingredients directly from the source. As one reviewer noted, the market tour was “so interesting” and provided a solid foundation for the cooking to come. You’ll learn to distinguish authentic saffron, fresh seafood, and locally made cheeses — knowledge that will elevate your dishes beyond typical restaurant fare.

Behind the Scenes in a Popular Madrid Restaurant

After the market, you’ll head into a beautiful private kitchen in Madrid’s lively Huertas neighborhood. This space is reserved exclusively for your small group, creating an intimate setting perfect for learning and sharing. Here, you’ll meet a friendly local chef, who is not only skilled but passionate about sharing his knowledge.

Chef Daniel, praised for his engaging teaching style, will guide you through the process with patience and humor. He provides a detailed look at traditional Spanish dishes like paella Valenciana, croquetas, and Basque-style tapas. Guests have complimented the chef’s ability to blend technical tips with cultural stories, making the cooking both enjoyable and educational.

The Tasting Begins: Vermouth and Tapas

Before you start cooking, you’ll enjoy a typical aperitif of sweet vermouth. This step is more than just a drink; it’s a cultural ritual that sets the tone for the session. As one reviewer shared, “Chef Daniel made the tour fun and memorable,” especially with the introduction to local Spanish drinks.

You’ll also assemble a cheese plate and a Basque tapa, giving you a taste of regional specialties and some ideas for future recreations at home. The chef’s explanations about the history behind each dish add context, making this more than just a cooking class — it’s a cultural walkthrough.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Hands-On Cooking: From Croquetas to Paella

The heart of the class is the interactive cooking session. Working side by side with your group, you’ll prepare:

• Croquetas, a beloved Spanish tapa
• Authentic paella from Valencia, a signature dish that embodies the essence of Spanish rice and saffron
• A dessert, crema catalana, that your chef preps during the market visit

Guests consistently mention the sensory experience — smelling the saffron, tasting the freshly prepared ingredients, feeling the textures of the dough for croquetas, and hearing the sizzle of the rice in the paella pan.

Reviewers praise the detailed guidance, with one noting, “Loved the variety of food and the detailed cooking instructions with the PDF cookbook.” The group size keeps things manageable, so everyone gets hands-on experience, not just watching.

The Meal and Toast

Once the cooking is complete, you’ll sit down to enjoy your homemade feast paired with a choice of beer or wine. The communal aspect — sharing food you’ve made together — creates a convivial atmosphere, often leaving guests feeling more connected and satisfied.

The experience ends back at the starting point, but the memories — and recipes — stay with you. Several reviewers, like John, have appreciated the “really worth it” nature of the class, not just for the skills learned but for the stories shared.

Is It Worth the Price?

While the price might seem steep at first glance, the value here is in the comprehensive experience. You’re receiving a guided market tour, a step-by-step cooking class, authentic ingredients, beverages, and a delicious meal to enjoy at the end.

Many guests comment on the quality of instruction and the personalized attention — the small-group setting makes a difference, especially for those new to cooking or curious about authentic Spanish techniques.

For food lovers, this experience offers not only the how but also the why, providing cultural context that elevates the dishes beyond recipes to storytelling.

Who Would Love This Tour?

• Those interested in Spanish cuisine and culture
• Travelers seeking a hands-on activity that produces a meal
• Foodies wanting expert guidance and insider tips
• Anyone looking for a social, fun experience in Madrid
• Guests with dietary restrictions (vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-aware options) — the tour is adaptable

Note: It’s not suitable for children under 12 due to the nature of the cooking tasks involving knives and hot stoves.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including the market visit, cooking, and eating.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers a guide, market visit, traditional aperitif, cooking class, lunch with dishes prepared during the class, and drinks (beer or wine).

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes are recommended. All ingredients and utensils are provided during the class.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or special diets?
Yes, the tour is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free options (not celiac), non-alcoholic options, and pregnant women. It’s not suitable for vegans or those with celiac disease or lactose intolerance.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning.

Are children allowed?
This experience isn’t suitable for children under 12 due to safety reasons involving sharp knives and hot surfaces.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages is the tour offered in?
The tour is conducted in English.

Where do I meet the guide?
At Plazuela Anton Martín, near the statue of El Abrazo, 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Look for the guide holding a red bag or Devour Tours sign.

What happens if I have food allergies?
It’s recommended to contact the provider in advance to arrange ingredients suitable for your dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

This Madrid cooking class offers a balanced mix of market insights, culinary skills, and cultural stories. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the city’s local food scene, especially if you’re keen to learn authentic recipes that you can recreate at home. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the entire experience feels genuine, fun, and educational.

The opportunity to taste, touch, smell, and cook helps deepen your appreciation for Spanish cuisine. Plus, leaving with recipes and new cooking skills makes this a smart investment for future culinary adventures.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious traveler, this tour will leave you with more than just a full belly — it’s a taste of Madrid you won’t forget.

If you’re looking for a lively, authentic, and educational way to spend a few hours in Madrid, this cooking class is an excellent choice. Perfect for foodies, culture lovers, or anyone eager to dive into Spain’s culinary soul — it’s an experience worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: