Barcelona Paella Class, Boqueria Tour, Mother-Daughter Chefs

Discover Barcelona’s Authentic Paella with Mother-Daughter Chefs

The Barcelona Paella Class, offered by Paella Barcelona Cooking School, delivers a genuine culinary experience that combines market exploration, hands-on cooking, and cultural storytelling. At $117 per person for a 3-hour session, this tour appeals to foodies eager to learn traditional techniques from Hofmann-trained chefs, Helina and Maria. The experience is perfect for those who want an immersive, local-style cooking class with a relaxed, small-group atmosphere limited to 10 participants.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its comprehensive approach: it starts with a vibrant visit to La Boqueria Market, continues with a sangria-making workshop, and culminates in cooking a flavorful paella using authentic Catalan methods. Since its inception in 2018, the program has garnered glowing reviews, driven by experienced guides and engaging storytelling, making it ideal for families, couples, or anyone seeking a memorable culinary adventure in Barcelona.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic paella class led by mother-daughter chefs trained at Hofmann Culinary School
• Tour of La Boqueria Market to handpick fresh ingredients like seafood, saffron, and bomba rice
• Hands-on cooking focusing on traditional techniques, with vegan and gluten-free options available
• Craft your own sangria with seasonal fruits and local wine during a lively workshop
• Family-style feast of your paella, tapas, and dessert, with digital recipes to take home
• Small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants ensures personalized attention

La Boqueria Market Tour: A Vibrant Gateway to Catalan Ingredients

The tour begins at the main entrance of La Boqueria, located between Rambla 89 and 91, a few steps from the Liceo metro station. The guides lead guests through 45 minutes of exploring the market’s lively stalls, where you’ll select fresh seafood, saffron, bomba rice, and seasonal produce. This part offers insight into Catalan food culture and the long-standing relationships vendors have nurtured over the years.

Expect to hear stories about local ingredients and the significance of sourcing fresh products directly from trusted vendors. The market’s energetic atmosphere provides a great start to understanding the local culinary scene and sets the stage for the cooking part of the experience.

Welcome at the Studio & Creating Spanish Tapas and Sangria

Following the market tour, participants gather in a welcoming studio environment. Here, guests enjoy Spanish tapas such as jamón ibérico, local cheeses, and mussels, served alongside cava. The sangria workshop is a highlight, where you mix seasonal fruits with local wine, learning how to craft this classic Spanish beverage from scratch.

This 45-minute session offers a relaxed vibe, allowing everyone to get comfortable and socialize while learning the art of sangria-making. The guides help you understand how to balance flavors and pick the best seasonal fruits, making it an engaging part of the experience.

Mastering the Art of Paella with Michelin Techniques

The main event is a 45-minute paella masterclass led by Helina and Maria, who are Hofmann-trained chefs. They teach step-by-step how to toast rice, build a sofrito, and layer flavors with precision. You learn why the pan matters—a wide, shallow pan is preferred because it allows heat to distribute evenly for that perfect crust.

Guests are guided through traditional techniques like controlling heat to avoid burning and ensuring moisture balance. While seafood paella is the star, vegan and meat options are prepared simultaneously if notified in advance, making the class adaptable to dietary needs. This segment emphasizes technique over gimmickry, so you leave with practical skills you can use at home.

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The Feast: Savoring Your Paella and Tapas

After cooking, everyone gathers around to enjoy a family-style feast. The paella, along with dessert, is served hot and flavorful, giving guests the satisfaction of savoring their own creation. The feast is complemented with additional tapas and dessert options.

Throughout the meal, it’s common to discuss techniques, share stories, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The tour ensures that every participant leaves with a digital recipe booklet, so recreating the Barcelona magic at home is straightforward.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour departs from the main entrance of La Boqueria Market, identified by a red umbrella. This is just a short walk from the Liceo metro station, making it accessible for most visitors. The experience is designed for a small group of up to 10 guests, providing an intimate setting where guides can give personalized attention.

All necessary cooking equipment and aprons are provided, and the price covers all ingredients, including seafood, saffron, rice, seasonal produce, and beverages like cava, wine, and sangria. Special requests for vegan, gluten-free, or meat options are accommodated if communicated at booking.

The Uniqueness of This Barcelona Paella Class

What sets this experience apart is the combination of market tour, hands-on cooking, and storytelling by guides with decades of expertise. The mother-daughter duo brings a generational touch, sharing family recipes and techniques refined at the Michelin-starred Hofmann Culinary School.

Participants appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and how the guides explain each step clearly, making it suitable for all skill levels. The digital recipe booklet ensures the skills and flavors learned can be recreated anywhere.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This class is ideal for food lovers who want an authentic, hands-on experience in Barcelona. Families, couples, and small groups will enjoy the family-style feast and personalized attention. It’s particularly suited for those interested in Catalan cuisine, learning traditional techniques, and culture through local ingredients.

The availability of vegan and gluten-free options makes it inclusive, though advance notice is recommended for dietary accommodations. The 3-hour duration is well-paced, ensuring participants leave with new skills and memories without feeling rushed.

The Sum Up: An Authentic and Practical Barcelona Cooking Experience

The Barcelona Paella Class with mother-daughter chefs offers a comprehensive journey into local food culture, combining market exploration, interactive cooking, and feasting. The small-group setting and expert guides make it a personal and engaging way to learn authentic Catalan techniques.

While the experience is quite complete, it’s worth noting that early booking is advised if dietary preferences such as vegan or gluten-free are to be accommodated. The digital recipes provide a lasting resource, making this class a valuable choice for home cooks aiming to replicate Barcelona’s flavors.

This tour is best suited for culinary curious guests who want more than a demonstration—they want to actively participate and take home practical skills along with delicious memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the paella class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, with clear instructions and hands-on participation.

Can I request vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes, vegan and gluten-free options are available if notified at booking. It’s recommended to specify dietary needs in advance.

How long is the tour overall?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including market tour, cooking, and dining.

Where does the tour meet?
At the main entrance of La Boqueria Market, marked by a red umbrella, near Liceo metro station.

What is included in the price?
All fresh ingredients, cooking equipment, aprons, beverages (cava, wine, sangria, water), and a digital recipe booklet.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly, especially since children can participate in making sangria for kids and enjoy the family-style meal.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The expertise of the guides, the authentic techniques taught, and the personalized attention in a small-group setting.

Can I recreate the recipes at home?
Absolutely, the digital booklet includes all recipes, making it easy to try your hand at Barcelona-style paella and sangria later.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, with prior notice, vegan, gluten-free, and meat options are prepared alongside the seafood paella.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is accessible for wheelchairs, making it inclusive for all guests.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby