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Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation

Name: Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation
Brand: Galapagos Connoisseur
SKU: 148757P4
Price: 88.00 USD
Rating: 5.0 (147 reviews)

Badge of ExcellenceQuito, Ecuador

Gourmet Cooking Class in Historic Quito Market Tour with Chef Pancho

4 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

A new place offers so many new experiences but when you go home, all you have is the pictures of your time there. This Quito Cooking Class and Market Tour with Professional Chef lets you bring home much more than just photos, as you'll learn to make traditional recipes with a gourmet twist in old town Quito.

Go on a tour in Quito's Central Market while you pick up fresh produce
Enjoy a cooking class in the heart of historic Quito in a colonial building
Learn to make three traditional dishes of Ecuador with recipes to take home
A morning start time leave your evening free for other plans

Sample Menu

Starter

Locro de Papa (Potato Cheese Soup)

The Locro de Papa is a classic dish from Quito. It is a savory dish, with tons of cheese, potatoes and decorated with an avocado rose.

Starter

Quinoa Soup

For those that are lactose intolerant a Quinoa Soup is right up their alley.

Main

Traditional Quito Shrimp Ceviche

Served with shrimp cooked to perfection, onions, various tomato textures, and orange juice. (The starter dish can be modified to your requests)

Main

Chicken or Veggie Tamales

Tamales are made in an achira leaf and cooked in a special pot for tamales. They are fun to make and very tasty.

Main

Empanadas

Empanadas are such a tasty treat. We can make cheese filled, cheese and onion filled or chicken stew filled empanadas.

Main

Encocado de Pescado (Coconut Fish Dish)

You will cook the fish with a delicious coconut sauce. The fish is served with yellow rice, plantain chips, and a garden salad.

Dessert

Chocolate Soup

The dish includes a variety of Ecuadorian fresh fruits and a chocolate sauce made with real Ecuadorian cocoa and a bit of liquor.

Dessert

Quimbolito Quiteño (Fluffy cake in a leaf)

Quimbolitos are awesome, they are a traditional dessert in Quito, a fluffy cake steamed inside an achira leaf.

What's Included

Lunch
Tour of Central Market and Cooking Class
Apron and chef hat for use during cooking class
Soda/Pop
Recipes

Extra food and drinks not mentioned on itinerary
Tips for the chef/guide

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We can pick you up from a hotel in urban Quito. If you are staying in the Historic Center we will stop by your hotel and walk to the market with you. If you are staying close to the airport please let us know and we can have you meet us at the JW Marriott or we can arrange for a pick-up service.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Gabe_A

We highly recommend this class if you have the time! It was the favorite thing we did while in Quito!

Reviews

5.0

147 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 147 reviews

Excellent recipes from excellent chefs!

Chris_U, Apr 2024

What a wonderful thing to do in Quito. Not only because you get to learn and experience the amazing food scene, but also because you get to learn how to cook some key dishes! We started the day with a pick up from Andres who very kindly took us to one of the main markets in Quito. We sampled some of the local juices and marvelled at the unbelievable amount of locally grown fruit and vegetables. The climate and soil is so good for growing such a diverse number of crops. After this, we went to join Sylvia and Magda who taught us how to cook some of the main Ecuadorian dishes. On a personal level, I just wanted to say thank you to both these ladies. They are both so lovely and cooking with them felt like home. We will always remember their conversation, their great food and their kindness. Thank you!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Chris, thanks for the wonderful review. I had a great time meeting you guys and touring the market and Im so happy you had a fantastic cooking class with Silvia and Magola. Cheers!

Fun and tasty class

Janine_K, Mar 2024

What a fun experience. We learned how to make authentic Ecuadorian ceviche, potato soup, patacones, and chocolate soup with fruit. The chefs, Magola and Silvia, were warm, friendly and enthusiastic about cooking. Would Holly recommend this cooking class

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Janine, thanks for the awesome review! Its was a delights meeting y'all. The whole gang had a wonderful time with you guys. Have a blast in Ecuador and hope to see you back. :)

A Unique Culinary Adventure

Lynne_C, Mar 2024

This is a wonderful tour. First we visited the local market place and were told all about the various fruits and veggies that Ecuadorians use. The people offering the cooking class were warm and inviting. We got to participate in preparing the recipes (3) and then enjoyed eating the delicious results. The class is in a "colonial" house in the historic area and allows for time to walk around the historical area after the cooking class was over.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Lynne, thanks for the amazing review! The whole gang had a great time with you guys. Hope your time in Ecuador was fantastic! Cheers!

Delicious food with wonderful hosts

Ann_T, Feb 2024

We had a wonderful late morning to afternoon with everyone at Galapagos Connoisseur. Starting with walking through the marketplace with Andre and learning about the diverse fruit that are native to Ecuador. We made traditional Ecuadorian potato soup and chicken empandas made from green plantains. Sylvia and Magoda were professional and delightful. I will recommend this to any family or friends coming to Quito.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Ann, thanks for the amazing review! The whole gang had a wonderful time with you guys. Hope you have a great time in Ecuador! Cheers!

Come hungry and leave full of great food and information!

Barbara_B, Feb 2024

Take this class! Andres gives a great market tour and introduction to new produce and tastes. The class itself is a sensory bonanza--Magola is an outstanding cook and teacher and Silvia makes everything work right. We learned so much in a short period of time. We are anxious to try the recipes at home, especially the chocolate sauce, which was so-o-o good!! It's not as hands-on as other cooking classes but you do get to do some of the preparations. It is a great way to start your time in Ecuador.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Barb, thanks for the wonderful review! It was great meeting y'all. Magola and Silvia send their regards. Hope you had a great time in Ecuador!

What a Great Tour!

Catie_S, Jan 2024

What a great experience. We had an informative tour of the market with lots of snacks, samples, and stories along the way. Then we went to the most charming villa for the cooking lesson and lunch. The hosts were friendly, accommodating, and organized. This was my first time booking a tour like this through Viator, and it was a fantastic experience.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Hi Catieb, thanks for the review! We all had a great time with y'all. Hope the rest of your time in Ecuador was wonderful. Cheers!

Cooking beyond our expectations

ian_w, Jan 2024

After tiring of heavy restaurant food, this home-cooking market tour and workshop was exactly what we needed. Great explanations given answering all our questions. Led by the friendliest people we met in Ecuador. A real experience!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Hi Ian, you guys were so cool to hang out with. Lovely family. I'm so happy you had a great time with the gang. Hope to see you back soon.

¡Buen provecho!

DespinaMaria_M, Dec 2023

We both love taking cooking classes. What better way to experience a culture! This one began at Mercado Central with Andres, where we had a freshly blended fruit juice, sampled different fruits, and had an Ecuadorian snack while also picking up ingredients for the dishes we’d cook. Then we met Silvia and Margola, who showed us how to make a potato soup, shrimp ceviche, tree tomato dessert, and the Ecuadorian traditional drink made with naranjilla: canelazo. All three of them were super nice, really informative, and fun to spend the afternoon with… and the meal was delicious! As Margola mentioned a few times, everything is easy and healthy! Definitely dishes I’ll be making when I get home (they give you the recipes too). If you’re looking for a great experience in Quito, we can’t recommend this cooking class enough!

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thanks Maria, it was as great meeting you two. Had a blast at the market and so happy you enjoyed the experience. Cheers!

Terrific cooking lesson experience!

JimandBonnie_Y, Sep 2023

From start to finish a delight! My wife and I loved this. Andre’s and his wife and mother in law took great care of us. My advice: stop reading this review and book it!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Hi Jim, thanks for the wonderful review the whole gang had a great time with you guys. Have a great time in Ecuador

Fantastic day in Quito

Jonathan_C, Sep 2023

Had a fantastic time with Andres, his wife and mother-in-law. Touring Mercado Central was a highlight seeing all of the fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and seafood. The meal was delicious and the stories were wonderful. Looking forward to Andres sending the pictures from the day as well as the recipes.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Hi Jonathan, so happy you had a great time with the gang. We really enjoyed getting to know you. Have a great time in Ecuador… cheers!

Great cooking class in Quito

Elizabeth_E, Aug 2023

A wonderful experience - highly recommended. Great chef and well organized to enjoy each step of the preparing, cooking and tasting

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for the great review! Your group was awesome I had a great time meeting y’all and I’m so happy I could be part of your time in Quito. Hope the Galapagos was amazing. Cheers!

The market tour was great...

Dawn_M, Jul 2023

The market tour was great to learn and experienc all the local fruits, vegetables, meats and remedies. I wished I took this tour at my arrival so I had the chance to go back to the market to try some of the vendors and be able to appreciate the food more while I was in Edcaudor. The dishes we cooked were simple yet authentic and delicious. I joined with my husband, sister and my 13 years old nephew. All of us participated. My teen nephew was very engaging. Andres shared the receipes with us and we for sure will make them at home.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Hi Dawn, thanks for the great review! You guys were great I had a blast at the market and I’m so happy you enjoyed your cooking class. Take care Dawn … cheers!

Cooking Fun

Ann_V, Jul 2023

Our family of three was picked up at our hotel by Andres. He was friendly and very knowledgeable. We went to the market and shopped like we were Ecuadorians. Andres had us taste juices and fruits from the area and answered all of our questions. The chef that we cooked with was passionate about food and welcomed us into the kitchen. We felt very proud of the delicious food we made… and then we got to sit down and enjoy our bounty! Such delicious food in Ecuador!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Hi Ann, thanks for this amazing review! I’m so happy you had a great day with me at the market and with the chefs and cooking class. It was fun meeting y’all and hope you have a blast in Ecuador. Cheers!

Fantastic afternoon!

Braden_S, Jun 2023

Had an amazing experience! The market tour was great and we loved the cooking experience. The food at both places was great and we loved learning a bit more about the culture.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Hi Braden, it was a pleasure meeting you and your party. The market was fun and Im glad you had a great time with the cooking class. Josue is a great guy :) Have a great time in Ecuador. Let me know about the add-on tour when you come back. Cheers!

Perfect way to spend an afternoon in Quito

Babette_H, Apr 2023

Chef was great at giving tour of the market and letting us do some tastings; meal was delicious and loved the presentation

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Hi Babette, thanks for your wonderful review I'm so happy you had a great time with the cooking class. The chef is awesome and he also had a great time with your group. Hope you have an amazing time in Ecuador. Cheers!

A nice afternoon.

Tim_B, Apr 2023

Very nice afternoon with our chef from Claroscucro Gastro Bar. His discriptions of the differtent ingredients as we walked through the market was both informative and tasty. Once back at the restaurant, we were invited to cook what was in front of us. Nothing we cooked, however, was anything that was purchased from the market. A bit disappointing. The 6 of us made each part of the simple dishes and we ate what was cooked. Overall, a pleasent experience but maybe a bit over priced. One suggestion would be to hand out the recipes of the things we cooked so we could try them at home or follow them as we cooked.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Hi Tim, I'm glad you had a good time with the chef at the market and with the cooking class. I am sending you the recipes over email today.

Lunch in Quito

Doug_O, Apr 2023

Andres gave a great introduction to the Central Market and drove us to the cooking school. The chef and assistant were well prepared and engaging. They served us a delicious drink and we had fried plantain for an appetizer. We made a potato soup with fresh cheese and avocado. Delicious and served with a shrimp ceviche. We finished with a fruit and chocolate dessert. It was a fun and tasty experience.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Hi Doug, thanks for your great review. I had a blast with you guys at the market as did the ladies at the cooking class. Hope your time in Ecuador was great. Cheers!

A warm personal cooking experience

Sherry_S, Apr 2023

What a great way to spend our last day in Quito - the family is warm and welcoming and our chef (I wish I could remember her name) was the sweetest lady. It was like cooking in her home kitchen. Tasty food, too!

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Wow! That's an awesome review! We all had a great time with you guys, hope your time in Ecuador was great 👍

Cooking in Quito

Peter_L, Apr 2023

Andres, his wife Sylvia, and the chef worked well together to take us on a tour of Central Mercado and then cooking in a kitchen in Old Town. Plenty of nibbles, drinks, good conversation and a very tasty Ecuadorian meal we enjoyed.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Thanks Peter so much for the wonderful review. I'm so happy you had a great time with Silvia and me at the market. And with the cooking class. You guys were cool. Hope you had a great time in Ecuador. Cheers!

Amazing Local Culinary Experience

cj7blaster, Apr 2023

Fabulous! Andres was super helpful with some challenges in my travel. Transportation was convenient and comfortable. The Central Market tour with the Chef was very informative. Then a fun and delicious cooking experience at a beautiful restaurant, ClaroScuro. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Hi Randi, so glad you could make it to the tour and join the rest of the group. my wife told me the group gelled and had a blast.