Peruvian Cooking Class and Local Market in Cusco

Enjoy the vibrant culinary traditions of Peru with an engaging cooking class and market exploration in the historic city of Cusco. Led by a seasoned chef, this hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse flavors that define Peruvian cuisine. From preparing classic ceviches to crafting the beloved lucuma gnocchi, you’ll learn to masterfully blend local ingredients while sipping on traditional pisco sours. With a focus on interactive learning in an intimate setting, this gastronomic adventure is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage embodied in every bite.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Cooking Classes In Cusco.

Key Points

1. A hands-on Peruvian cooking class led by a professional chef, featuring traditional dishes like ceviche, creamy mashua, and lucuma gnocchi.

2. A guided tour of the San Pedro Central Market in Cusco, providing insight into Andean produce and the culinary significance of local ingredients.

3. The class offers a trio of ceviche dishes to introduce participants to the diverse flavors and techniques of Peruvian seafood preparations.

4. Main course options highlight the richness of Peruvian cuisine, including creamy mashua puree and stuffed chili pepper, delivering a balanced exploration of Andean culinary heritage.

5. Authentic Andean beverages, such as pisco sour and chicha morada, are served to enhance the overall culinary experience.

Culinary Experience Overview

The culinary experience begins with a professional Peruvian chef guiding participants through the preparation of a robust menu showcasing the diverse flavors and techniques of traditional Peruvian cuisine.

The class starts with a trio of ceviches, each with its unique twist, followed by two mouthwatering main dishes – a creamy mashua dish with crispy purple corn and alpaca, as well as a stuffed chili pepper accompanied by a garden salad and native potato cake.

For dessert, participants indulge in lucuma gnocchi with custard apple ice cream and a selection of Peruvian fruits.

Throughout the class, participants can sip on refreshing beverages like pisco sour and chicha morada.

Guided Market Exploration

Prior to the cooking class, participants embark on a guided exploration of the San Pedro Central Market, the largest in Cusco. Here, they learn about traditional Andean produce and the endemic varieties of potatoes and corn that are central to Peruvian cuisine.

Led by the expert Peruvian chef, the market tour provides valuable insight into the significance of these local ingredients and their role in shaping the country’s culinary traditions. Participants have the chance to closely examine the vibrant displays of colorful tubers, grains, and vegetables, gaining a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of Andean agriculture.

This hands-on market experience lays the foundation for the immersive cooking session that follows, allowing participants to connect the ingredients to the dishes they’ll prepare.

Starter: Ceviche Trio

The class kicks off with a trio of ceviche dishes, showcasing the diverse flavors and techniques of this iconic Peruvian seafood preparation.

The classic ceviche features fresh, citrus-cured fish, while the ancestral version incorporates the tart and tropical tumbo fruit. The high vibration ceviche highlights the unique kushuro algae for a distinctly earthy and umami-rich twist.

Under the guidance of the expert Peruvian chef, participants learn the intricate process of preparing each ceviche, from selecting the freshest seafood to mastering the perfect balance of acidic citrus, aromatic herbs, and savory seasonings.

This opening course whets the appetite and sets the stage for the delectable Andean-inspired dishes to come.

Main Courses Selection

Following the tantalizing ceviche trio, participants then dive into the main course selections, which showcase the rich diversity of Peruvian cuisine.

The first main dish is a creamy mashua puree topped with crispy purple corn and tender, flavorful alpaca – a unique and robust combination that highlights the region’s staple ingredients.

Next, they prepare a vibrant stuffed chili pepper, served alongside a fresh garden salad and a traditional native potato cake, offering a tantalizing balance of heat, freshness, and earthiness.

These dishes not only delight the palate but also provide an immersive exploration of the Andean culinary heritage, allowing participants to savor the flavors that define Peruvian gastronomy.

Dessert: Lucuma Gnocchi

Capping off the culinary journey, participants delight in the preparation of lucuma gnocchi – a unique Peruvian dessert that showcases the region’s prized lucuma fruit.

Crafting these pillowy, golden-hued dumplings, they learn to blend the subtly sweet and creamy lucuma flesh with a light, potato-based dough, creating a truly distinctive and indulgent treat.

The chef expertly guides the group, demonstrating how to shape the gnocchi and serve them with a decadent custard apple ice cream and a colorful Peruvian fruit medley.

This harmonious fusion of textures and flavors, both familiar and exotic, leaves participants with a deeper appreciation for Peru’s diverse culinary heritage and a new repertoire of dessert-making skills.

Beverages and Drinks

Alongside the delectable dishes, the Peruvian cooking class also introduces participants to a vibrant array of traditional Andean beverages, from the iconic pisco sour to the refreshing chicha morada.

The pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail, features the renowned pisco brandy, freshly-squeezed lime juice, and a frothy egg white topping.

Chicha morada, a classic non-alcoholic drink, is made by boiling purple corn with cinnamon, cloves, and fruit, resulting in a sweet, naturally-hued beverage.

Participants can also purchase additional alcoholic drinks to accompany their meal.

With these authentic Peruvian sips complementing the remarkable culinary experience, the cooking class offers a truly immersive exploration of the country’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Class Schedule and Size

The Peruvian cooking class offers participants the choice between a lunch class starting at 9 am or a dinner class beginning at 3 pm, catering to various schedules and preferences.

The group size is kept intimate, with an average of 4 participants and a maximum of 12, ensuring personalized attention from the professional Peruvian chef.

This small-group setting allows for a more immersive and interactive experience, where guests can actively engage with the chef, ask questions, and receive hands-on guidance throughout the cooking process.

Whether you prefer an afternoon or an evening class, the class structure is designed to provide a well-rounded and memorable culinary adventure in the heart of Cusco.

Additional Details and Pricing

Along With the class structure and group size, the Peruvian cooking experience offers several other details that enhance its accessibility and value.

It’s not wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation, allowing guests to conveniently reach the class location at the San Pedro Central Market in Cusco. Dietary needs can be accommodated, with a vegetarian option available, though participants should communicate any specific requirements when booking.

The experience also provides:

1. A flexible cancellation policy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event.

2. A lowest price guarantee, with starting prices at $59.00 for a 4-hour culinary adventure.

3. A Badge of Excellence, reflecting the high-quality experience with 245 reviews and a 5.0 overall rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Drinks to the Class?

Based on the information provided, it does not seem like participants can bring their own alcoholic drinks to the class. The experience includes beverages like pisco sour and chicha morada, with alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Bringing outside drinks would likely not be permitted.

Is the Market Tour Available Separately From the Cooking Class?

The market tour is not available separately from the cooking class. The experience is designed as a combined culinary adventure, where participants explore the local market and then apply their newfound knowledge in a hands-on cooking session.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions for the Experience?

Yes, the culinary experience offers occasional discounts and promotions. Customers should check the provider’s website or ask about any current offers when booking to take advantage of potential savings on this highly-rated culinary adventure.

Can I Request a Customized Menu for the Cooking Class?

Yes, you can request a customized menu for the cooking class. The chef is happy to accommodate specific dietary needs or preferences as long as they’re communicated at the time of booking. This ensures a personalized culinary experience.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Market Tour Portion?

The market tour portion of the cooking class typically lasts around 1 hour. During this time, you will explore the local San Pedro Market, learning about traditional Andean produce and its significance in Peruvian cuisine under the guidance of the chef.

Recap

This Peruvian cooking class in Cusco offers an immersive gastronomic adventure.

Participants will learn to prepare classic dishes like ceviche and lucuma gnocchi while exploring the vibrant local market.

Led by a professional chef, the small-group experience highlights the diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine, complemented by traditional beverages.

It’s a unique opportunity to discover the rich culinary traditions of this captivating region.