Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside

Explore the vibrant flavors of the Philippines with a guided market tour and hands-on cooking class in the countryside. Led by a local host, you’ll venture through a bustling market, discovering fresh ingredients that make Filipino cuisine so delectable. Then, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and learn the secrets behind classic dishes like sinigang na hipon and ginataang carabao. As you prepare this feast, you’ll uncover the region’s rich culinary heritage and deepen your connection to the local culture. With a welcome cacao drink in hand, get ready to embark on a truly immersive experience that tantalizes the senses.

Key Points

• Immersive experience exploring a local market and preparing an authentic Filipino feast with a private cooking class in East Laguna, Philippines.
• Opportunity to discover regional flavors and ingredients like coconut, fiddlehead fern, and water buffalo during the multi-course meal.
• Welcome drink of homegrown cacao sets the stage for a memorable culinary experience.
• Hands-on preparation of dishes such as ensaladang pako, sinigang na hipon, and ginataang carabao under the guidance of a local host.
• Convenient meeting point at SM City San Pablo and transportation provided back to the original location after the activities.

Overview of the Experience

This private cooking class and market tour in East Laguna, Philippines, allows guests to discover the regional flavors and culture of the area with a local host.

Guests will start the experience with a welcome drink of homegrown cacao.

The cooking class focuses on preparing a feast using local ingredients like coconut, fiddlehead fern, and water buffalo.

The sample menu includes a starter of wine and vinegar tasting and ensaladang pako, a main course of sinigang na hipon and ginataang carabao, and a dessert of fresh fruit and honey iced tea.

The activity ends back at the meeting point in front of SM City San Pablo.

Cooking and Tasting Details

The cooking class focuses on preparing a bountiful feast using an array of local ingredients.

Participants start with a wine and vinegar tasting, and an ensaladang pako, a salad made with fiddlehead fern.

For the main course, they’ll cook sinigang na hipon, a tangy shrimp soup, and ginataang carabao, a coconut-based water buffalo stew.

To end the meal on a sweet note, fresh fruit and honey iced tea are served.

Throughout the experience, the host shares insights into the regional flavors and culinary traditions that shape this delectable spread.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Located at SM City San Pablo, the meeting point for this culinary experience is on National Highway in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines.

Your local host, Rex, will greet you in front of the Starbucks outside the mall. From there, the group will embark on a private market tour and cooking class at Rex’s home in the nearby countryside.

Upon completion of the activities, you’ll be transported back to the original meeting point.

The highlights of the experience include:

1. Discovering regional flavors and culture with a knowledgeable local host.
2. Preparing a homemade Filipino feast using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
3. Indulging in a welcome drink of homegrown cacao before the cooking begins.

Inclusions and Pricing

The experience includes a homemade, provincial Filipino meal, a private market tour, a hands-on cooking class, alcoholic beverages, lunch, and dinner.

Prices start from $88.21 per person and vary depending on the group size. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour is private, with only your group participating. Service animals are allowed, but the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Operated by Traveling Spoon, the provincial Filipino cooking class is rated 5.0 based on 1 review.

Local Flavors and Culture

Discovering regional flavors and culture is the heart of this experience. Guests are invited to join a local host on a journey through the vibrant local market, uncovering the unique ingredients that define East Laguna’s provincial cuisine.

From the sweet aroma of homegrown cacao to the earthy notes of fiddlehead fern, each discovery unlocks a deeper understanding of the region’s culinary traditions.

The experience evokes a sense of:

1. Connection – Interacting with the market vendors and learning their stories.
2. Authenticity – Preparing time-honored dishes using locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.
3. Immersion – Savoring the flavors that have nourished generations of Filipinos.

This intimate cooking class promises to leave a lasting impression on the palate and the soul.

Welcome Drink of Cacao

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink of homegrown cacao. This traditional Filipino drink is made from the cacao beans grown right on the property.

The rich, velvety drink is served chilled, offering a delightful contrast to the tropical heat. Guests can sip and savor the subtle sweetness and distinctive flavor of the locally-sourced cacao.

This welcoming touch sets the stage for the immersive culinary experience to come, giving visitors a taste of the regional ingredients and flavors they’ll explore during the cooking class.

The cacao drink provides a memorable first impression and whets the appetite for the authentic Filipino feast that awaits.

Preparing a Feast

After savoring the refreshing welcome drink of homegrown cacao, guests are eager to explore the heart of the cooking class and prepare an authentic Filipino feast.

Under the guidance of their local host, Rex, they’ll come to understand the regional flavors and ingredients that define this cuisine.

The menu includes a mouthwatering lineup:

1. Ensaladang pako, a vibrant salad featuring fiddlehead fern
2. Sinigang na hipon, a tangy shrimp stew
3. Ginataang carabao, a rich water buffalo dish simmered in coconut milk.

With Rex’s expertise, the group transforms these local staples into a sumptuous spread, ready to be savored and appreciated.

Ratings and Reviews

The Provincial Filipino Cooking Class has garnered a stellar 5.0 rating based on 1 review, attesting to the exceptional experience it offers.

Travelers rave about the authenticity of the cooking lesson, led by a local host who shares regional flavors and cultural insights. The hands-on preparation of a multi-course feast using fresh, local ingredients like coconut, fiddlehead fern, and water buffalo is a highlight.

Guests also appreciate the opportunity to sample Filipino wines and vinegars, and indulge in a refreshing honey iced tea dessert.

With convenient meeting and drop-off points, private group participation, and flexible cancellation policies, this cooking adventure delivers an unforgettable taste of provincial Philippine cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request Dietary Accommodations for the Cooking Class?

Yes, you can request dietary accommodations for the cooking class. The host, Rex, is happy to accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions you may have. Just let them know in advance.

What Is the Dress Code for the Market Tour and Cooking Experience?

The experience has a casual, comfortable dress code. Participants should wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for walking around the market and cooking in a home environment. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for the market tour.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Class for Just My Group?

Yes, this is a private tour where only your group participates. The cooking class and market tour are designed exclusively for your group, allowing you to discover regional flavors and culture with a local host.

Are Transportation Services Available to and From the Meeting Point?

Yes, the experience includes complimentary transportation to and from the meeting point at SM City San Pablo. The host, Rex, will meet you at the Starbucks outside the mall and transport you to the cooking class location.

Can I Purchase Additional Ingredients or Products From the Local Market?

Yes, guests can purchase additional ingredients or products from the local market during the tour. The host encourages guests to explore the market and interact with the vendors to learn more about the regional flavors and culture.

Recap

This immersive market tour and cooking class provides a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. Guests will explore a bustling local market, learn traditional cooking techniques, and prepare a feast of authentic provincial dishes. With a welcoming local host, this experience promises to delight the senses and leave lasting memories of the Philippines’ culinary traditions.