Pete’s Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco is an immersive culinary experience that allows participants to learn the secrets of authentic Peruvian cuisine. Under the guidance of a local chef, visitors can craft a selection of traditional dishes while exploring the vibrant market for fresh ingredients. With a small group size and a hands-on approach, the class promises an engaging and memorable journey through Peru’s rich food traditions. From preparing the iconic ceviche to mastering the art of the pisco sour, this class offers a unique opportunity to explore the heart of Peruvian culture. What fascinating discoveries might one uncover during this culinary adventure?

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

Key Points

Petes Peruvian Cooking Class - Key Points

  • A 3-hour cooking class in Cusco, Peru that teaches participants how to prepare authentic Peruvian dishes, including lomo saltado and ceviche.
  • The class takes students on a market visit to select fresh local ingredients and features a hands-on cooking experience under the guidance of a local chef.
  • Participants will enjoy a shared meal featuring the dishes they prepared, accompanied by the national drink, pisco sour.
  • The class is limited to a maximum of 9 participants, ensuring personalized attention and an immersive culinary experience.
  • The class has received excellent reviews, with guests praising the delicious food, friendly instructors, and overall value of the experience.

Overview of the Cooking Class

Petes Peruvian Cooking Class - Overview of the Cooking Class

Pete’s Peruvian Cooking Class is located in the vibrant city of Cusco, Peru.

With an impressive 5.0 rating from 16 reviews, this class has gained significant popularity. The small-group setting, limited to a maximum of 9 participants, ensures an intimate and interactive experience.

The 3-hour class starts at 3:15 PM and is priced competitively, starting from $52.00 with a lowest price guarantee.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Peruvian cuisine from a local chef, including a market visit to select fresh ingredients.

The menu features a variety of authentic dishes, such as lomo saltado, quinoa soup, and the iconic Peruvian cocktail, the pisco sour.

Highlights of the Experience

Petes Peruvian Cooking Class - Highlights of the Experience

The class’s highlight is the opportunity to learn about Peruvian cuisine directly from a local chef.

Participants will visit a central market to handpick the ingredients for their dishes. Under the chef’s guidance, they’ll prepare four authentic Peruvian recipes, potentially including the iconic lomo saltado, quinoa soup, and ceviche.

During the meal, guests can enjoy the national drink of Peru, the pisco sour. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention and ample time for questions.

With the chance to enjoy Peruvian culinary traditions, this hands-on experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Sample Menu Offerings

Petes Peruvian Cooking Class - Sample Menu Offerings

The class’s sample menu offers a tantalizing array of traditional Peruvian dishes. The starter includes a classic ceviche, with the option of a vegetarian version, and the iconic pisco sour cocktail.

For the main course, guests can indulge in lomo saltado, a beloved beef dish sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and a savory blend of vinegar and soy sauce, served with French fries and rice.

The meal concludes with a decadent dessert, chocotejas, which are chocolate treats from the Ica region made with chocolate, blancmange, and pecan.

The diverse menu showcases the richness of Peruvian cuisine:

  • Embracing local and seasonal ingredients
  • Incorporating vibrant flavors and textures
  • Catering to various dietary preferences
  • Highlighting the country’s culinary traditions
  • Providing a well-rounded dining experience

Logistical Details

Petes Peruvian Cooking Class - Logistical Details

The cooking class is located at C. San Juan de Dios 283, Cusco 08002, Peru.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation.

The class isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers.

Participants can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts for free.

The class runs for approximately 3 hours, starting at 3:15 PM.

It has a maximum of 9 participants, ensuring small-group interaction.

The price starts from $52.00, with a lowest price guarantee.

Customer Feedback Insights

Petes Peruvian Cooking Class - Customer Feedback Insights

Participants have largely praised the cooking class, with positive comments highlighting the fun and engaging experience, delicious Peruvian cuisine, and friendly instructors.

The class has received an impressive overall rating of 5.0 from 16 reviews. While one negative review described a poor experience, the host promptly addressed the concerns.

The class is highly recommended for those interested in Peruvian cooking.

Key takeaways from customer feedback include:

  • Enjoyable, interactive learning environment
  • Authentic, flavorful Peruvian dishes
  • Knowledgeable, welcoming instructors
  • Small group size for personalized attention
  • Satisfaction with overall value and experience

Preparation and Participation

Preparing for Pete’s Peruvian Cooking Class involves an engaging market visit and hands-on culinary experience. Participants begin by touring a local market in Cusco, selecting fresh ingredients for the dishes they’ll prepare.

Under the guidance of a knowledgeable local chef, they then dive into the cooking process, learning authentic techniques and recipes. The class culminates in a shared meal, where guests savor the flavors of lomo saltado, quinoa soup, ceviche, and other Peruvian specialties.

Throughout the 3-hour session, the small group size ensures personalized attention and ample opportunities for questions and interaction. Whether a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, participants leave with newfound appreciation for Peruvian cuisine and valuable cooking skills.

Visiting the Local Market

Petes Peruvian Cooking Class - Visiting the Local Market

Visiting the local market is an integral part of Pete’s Peruvian Cooking Class. As participants, guests embark on a captivating journey to discover the vibrant heart of Peruvian cuisine.

Here, they’ve the opportunity to:

  • Interact with local vendors and learn about the diverse ingredients that define Peruvian flavors.
  • Handpick the freshest produce, meats, and seafood to be used in the cooking session.
  • Immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere and authentic sights, sounds, and aromas of the market.
  • Gain a deeper appreciation for the culinary traditions and the people who sustain them.
  • Forge a meaningful connection between the ingredients and the final dishes they’ll create in the kitchen.

This market visit sets the stage for a truly authentic Peruvian cooking experience.

Enjoying the National Drink

Petes Peruvian Cooking Class - Enjoying the National Drink

After seeing the vibrant local market, guests can look forward to savoring the national drink of Peru – the pisco sour.

This iconic cocktail is made with Peruvian pisco, a clear brandy distilled from grapes, combined with lime juice, bar syrup, egg white, and bitters. The egg white creates a frothy, creamy texture, while the bitters add a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness.

Sipping on a pisco sour allows guests to fully embrace the Peruvian culinary experience, complementing the authentic dishes they’ll prepare during the class.

This refreshing libation is the perfect way to cap off the hands-on cooking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine or Beer to the Class?

The cooking class allows participants to enjoy a pisco sour, the national drink of Peru, during the meal. However, bringing one’s own wine or beer is not mentioned in the class overview, so it’s likely not permitted.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

The cooking class doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing that they don’t mind getting dirty. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety in the kitchen.

Can I Take Home the Recipes We Prepare?

The cooking class allows participants to take home the recipes they prepare during the experience. This lets them recreate the authentic Peruvian dishes they learned to make at home after the class.

Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?

Yes, the cooking class offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu includes a vegetarian ceviche and a vegetarian alternative for the lomo saltado dish. The chef can accommodate various dietary needs with advance notice.

Do I Need to Have Prior Cooking Experience to Participate?

The cooking class does not require any prior cooking experience. The small class size and hands-on instruction from the local chef ensure a welcoming learning environment for participants of all skill levels.

Recap

Pete’s Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco offers an immersive culinary experience that allows participants to explore Peru’s rich gastronomic traditions. From selecting fresh ingredients at a vibrant market to preparing authentic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado, the class provides an engaging and memorable way to discover the flavors of Peru. Participants also enjoy the classic pisco sour, making it a comprehensive and fulfilling exploration of the country’s culinary heritage.