San José del Cabo: Cooking with Friends

San José del Cabo: Cooking with Friends offers a genuine taste of Mexican culinary traditions through a lively, hands-on experience led by expert local guides. Priced at $120 per person, this 4-hour cooking class takes place in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, with a focus on creating traditional casserole stews like chicken and portobello mushroom recipes. The tour departs at 9:00 am from Las Cazuelas del Don and is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. This experience is especially appealing for those who want more than just a demonstration—they get actively involved in every step, from lighting charcoal with napkins to preparing corn tortillas by hand.

The tour’s emphasis on traditional cooking methods, such as clay pot coffee and charcoal grilling, sets it apart from standard classes. While the experience involves various food preparations and a communal lunch, it is particularly suited for visitors eager to learn authentic techniques and enjoy hearty, homemade Mexican dishes. The small group size helps maintain a cozy, friendly environment where attention to detail is clear. Flexibility with cancellations—up to 24 hours in advance—adds a layer of convenience for travelers.

Key Points

• Authentic Mexican cooking techniques taught in a small, intimate group.
• Hands-on experience includes lighting charcoal, preparing stews, and making tortillas.
• Traditional methods like clay pot coffee and charcoal grilling highlighted.
• Includes lunch with dishes cooked during the class and fresh cornbread for dessert.
• Limited to 8 participants for a personalized, engaging experience.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start.

Unique Setting in San José del Cabo’s Backyard-Style Environment

The tour takes place in Las Cazuelas del Don, creating a relaxed environment that mimics cooking in a friend’s backyard. This setting enhances the warm, welcoming vibe of the experience, allowing for genuine interaction and learning. The emphasis on live, traditional cooking techniques—such as lighting charcoal using napkins and grease—adds authenticity and charm.

The instructor, Alberto Fernández Sánchez, guides participants through every step, from lighting charcoal to preparing rich, flavorful stews. This approach ensures that even those unfamiliar with Mexican cuisine leave with new skills and recipes to recreate at home. The overall atmosphere feels more like a shared culinary gathering than a formal class, making it perfect for travelers who enjoy engaging, meaningful experiences.

The Cooking Process: From Prep to Plated Meal

The class begins with lighting charcoal using napkins and grease, a traditional method that introduces participants to authentic Mexican grilling. While the coals heat up, a traditional pot of coffee with piloncillo and cinnamon is prepared, adding a sensory element early on. Meanwhile, fresh cornbread bakes in the oven, filling the air with inviting aromas.

Next, the guide and participants chop onions, clean vegetables like nopal and portobello mushrooms, and fry bacon to degrease later. The vegetables are roasted and seasoned, then added to the casseroles, which cook slowly over low heat. The chicken is roasted separately, contributing to the rich flavors of the dishes.

For the sauce, tomatoes and chiles are roasted and mashed in a molcajete—a traditional stone grinder—before being added to the stews. The class also features handmade tortillas, made using two different techniques, providing an authentic touch to the meal. The entire process emphasizes traditional Mexican cooking methods that highlight flavor and technique.

At the end of the class, participants sit down to enjoy the casserole stews prepared during the session, accompanied by freshly baked cornbread. The shared lunch offers a genuine taste of Mexican home cooking and encourages relaxed conversation.

Location and Meeting Details in San José del Cabo

The tour begins at Las Cazuelas del Don, located at Mauricio Castro 1631 in San José del Cabo. This spot is easy to reach, with near-access to public transportation, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby. The activity concludes right back at the starting point, making logistics simple for participants. The class kicks off promptly at 9:00 am, so arriving on time ensures full enjoyment of the experience.

Because the tour is limited to 8 people, early booking is recommended—it’s booked on average 89 days in advance. The small group size fosters a friendly, interactive environment, ideal for those who want to ask questions and gain detailed insights into Mexican cooking.

The Traditional Techniques That Make This Tour Special

The highlight of this experience is the emphasis on authentic techniques like charcoal lighting, clay pot coffee brewing, and roasting vegetables over open flames. These methods are part of the cultural fabric of Mexican cuisine and are rarely included in typical cooking classes.

Participants learn how to roast tomatoes and chiles in an open flame, then mash them in a molcajete—a traditional stone grinder—adding depth to the flavors. The use of a clay coffee pot for brewing traditional pot coffee emphasizes the tour’s focus on preserving age-old food preparation methods. These details add a layer of depth that elevates the class beyond standard cooking lessons.

Making Corn Tortillas by Hand

A significant aspect of this experience is the handmade tortilla session. Using two different techniques, participants get hands-on practice in shaping and cooking tortillas, a staple of Mexican cuisine. This activity not only enhances understanding of Mexican food but also creates a meaningful connection to local culinary traditions.

Participants leave with the skills to recreate these techniques at home, making the experience both educational and practical.

The Food and Beverages: From Stews to Traditional Coffee

The dishes cooked during the class are hearty and full of flavor, representing classic Mexican comfort food. The chicken and portobello mushroom casseroles are cooked from scratch, with seasonal vegetables and seasoned to perfection.

Freshly roasted tomatoes and chiles produce a vibrant sauce, served with the casseroles. The pot coffee, brewed with piloncillo and cinnamon, complements the meal perfectly and offers a taste of traditional Mexican coffee preparation. The cornbread baked earlier adds a sweet, crumbly contrast to the savory dishes.

This meal is served family-style, encouraging shared enjoyment and conversation around the table. The lunch serves as both a reward and a showcase of the cooking process, leaving participants with a satisfying culinary experience.

Cancellation Policy and Weather Considerations

The tour offers free cancellation if done at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. This flexibility provides peace of mind, especially for travelers with unpredictable plans. Should the weather turn poor, the class may be canceled, but participants are offered a different date or a full refund.

Since the experience depends on good weather—particularly for outdoor cooking activities—checking the forecast is advisable. Any cancellation due to bad weather is handled smoothly, with options for rescheduling or refund.

Who Will Enjoy Cooking with Friends in San José del Cabo?

This tour is ideal for those interested in learning traditional Mexican cooking techniques in an informal, friendly setting. It suits travelers who value authentic food experiences and enjoy participating actively rather than just observing.

Because the class is limited to 8 people, it’s perfect for small groups or couples seeking an intimate, personalized experience. Food lovers will appreciate the chance to master dishes like casseroles and tortillas, while cultural enthusiasts will enjoy the focus on age-old methods like clay pot brewing and open-flame roasting.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Mexican Cooking Adventure

San José del Cabo: Cooking with Friends offers a rich, engaging culinary experience that combines hands-on learning with warm hospitality. The focus on traditional techniques—from lighting charcoal with napkins to making tortillas by hand—provides a genuine taste of local Mexican food culture.

Priced at $120 per person, this small-group class delivers not just recipes but a memorable cultural activity that leaves participants with new skills and a delicious meal. The 4-hour session, including a shared lunch, makes for a fulfilling morning in San José del Cabo.

While the experience emphasizes authenticity and participation, travelers should note that the class may be weather-dependent. This tour suits foodies, culture seekers, and anyone eager to connect with Mexican culinary traditions in an enjoyable, relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $120 fee covers the entire 4-hour cooking experience, including ingredients, instruction, and the lunch with the casseroles and cornbread.

What are the start and end times?
The experience begins at 9:00 am and ends back at the meeting point, Las Cazuelas del Don.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour focuses on chicken and portobello mushroom casseroles, so vegetarians can enjoy the mushroom dishes but should check if modifications are possible.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours before the start. Cancellations made later are not refundable.

What is the experience level required?
No prior cooking experience is necessary; the tour is designed to involve all skill levels in traditional Mexican cooking.

Is transportation included?
No, the meeting point is Las Cazuelas del Don, which is accessible via public transportation.

What makes this tour stand out?
The focus on traditional Mexican techniques, like clay pot coffee and charcoal grilling, gives it an authentic, cultural depth that many other classes lack.

Can I get recipes to take home?
While not explicitly stated, participants learn techniques they can replicate, and the shared meal provides inspiration for future cooking.