OnlyForYou, Paella Session at a Michelin-trained Chefs Home

Discover an Authentic Paella Session with a Michelin-Trained Chef in Valencia

For those seeking a genuine culinary experience in Valencia, the OnlyForYou Paella Session offers an intimate cooking class led by a chef trained at the highest level. At $57 per person, this three-hour activity takes place just steps away from the city’s old town, providing both an educational and cultural journey through Spain’s most iconic dish. This class is ideal for travelers eager to learn authentic recipes, enjoy local drinks, and take home new cooking skills.

The experience is hosted in the home of a professional chef, giving a personal touch that larger classes often lack. Despite the limited group size, the session remains inclusive, with options to choose between three different types of paella: traditional, seafood, or vegetable. With an open bar featuring Valencian vermouth, local beer, wine, and natural juices, guests savor drinks alongside their cooking. Although the class welcomes all levels, it’s especially suited for those who appreciate hands-on learning, local culture, and delicious food.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic cooking experience with a Michelin-trained chef near Valencia’s old town
• Includes drinks like vermouth, wine, local beer, and fruit juices
• Choose from three paella styles: traditional, seafood, or vegetable
• Participants leave with recipes, a booklet, and knowledge to recreate paella at home
• Duration: 3 hours, with flexible start times based on availability
• Private group setting ensures personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere

Starting Point at the IVAM Museum for a Convenient Meet-Up

The tour begins at the IVAM Museum, a well-known cultural site close to Valencia’s historic center. The meeting point allows for easy access to the cooking location, which is near the old town. The activity ends back at this same meeting point, making logistics straightforward for participants.

This central location ensures that travelers can easily continue exploring Valencia after the class, whether visiting nearby sights or enjoying a walk through the bustling streets. The convenient start and end point also means no complicated transfers are needed, making it suitable for those with tight schedules or limited time.

Enter the Kitchen of a Local Chef in Valencia

Participants enter the home of a local chef who is Michelin-trained, adding a special touch of professionalism and culinary expertise. The chef guides the group through each step of preparing a true Valencian paella, sharing secrets and tips that go beyond typical recipes. This personalized approach ensures each person gains confidence in their cooking skills.

The chef’s friendly and patient manner makes the experience accessible, even for beginners. The classroom setup includes all necessary ingredients, tools, aprons, and towels, so no extra preparation is needed. As the chef explains the significance of each ingredient and technique, participants appreciate the deep connection to local traditions.

Tasting Local Drinks and Making Your Own Paella

A highlight of this three-hour experience is the open bar offering a variety of local drinks such as Valencian vermouth, natural fruit juices, local beer, and Valencian wine. These beverages complement the cooking process and enhance the cultural feel of the session.

Once the paella is ready, everyone gathers to enjoy the freshly made dish in a relaxed setting. The experience includes local desserts such as orxata mousse with Valencian brioche or torrija with clementine cream, along with a rice cream shot featuring sweet Valencian wine. This culinary pairing introduces guests to typical Valencian flavors, making it a full sensory experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Choose Your Favorite Paella Style

Participants can select from three types of paella: Traditional, Seafood, or Vegetable. Each option offers a different taste profile, catering to various preferences and dietary needs. The ingredients and tools are provided, ensuring a seamless cooking session that emphasizes authenticity and quality.

This flexibility allows for a personalized experience, and the chef ensures that each style is prepared with care. The recipe booklet provided at the end encourages guests to recreate their favorite paella at home, carrying the culinary tradition into their own kitchens.

Learn the History and Culture Behind Paella

Beyond just cooking, the chef shares insights into the history and cultural significance of paella in Valencia. Guests gain context about how this dish evolved and why it holds such a special place in Spanish cuisine.

According to reviews, the chef explains how to make paella while also offering interesting details about Valencia and other Spanish cities. This added dimension transforms a simple cooking class into a cultural lesson that deepens appreciation for local traditions.

The Intimate and Friendly Atmosphere

With a private group setting, the experience maintains an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Groups are small, typically just a few participants, allowing for personalized attention from the chef and ample opportunity to ask questions.

The friendly guide and welcoming environment foster a relaxed vibe, making even beginners comfortable. The chef’s expertise and personable style receive praise, with many noting how easy it is to connect and learn in this cozy setting.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

The tour offers flexible start times, allowing travelers to check availability that suits their schedule. Guests reserve in advance with the option to pay later, ensuring flexibility in planning.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind, especially for those with changing plans. The activity lasts around three hours, making it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing or leisure in Valencia.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike larger, less personal classes, this private session hosted in a chef’s home emphasizes personal attention, authenticity, and local flavor. The Michelin-trained chef’s background adds credibility and expertise, setting this apart from standard cooking classes.

The inclusion of local drinks, desserts, and a recipe booklet makes for a comprehensive cultural experience. Its proximity to Valencia’s historic center offers convenience, and the small group size ensures a warm, engaging environment for learning and tasting.

Final Thoughts on the Valencia Paella Cooking Class

This $57 experience delivers more than just a cooking lesson — it immerses participants in Valencian culinary traditions with a personal touch. The instruction from a Michelin-trained chef guarantees quality, while the local drinks and desserts create a well-rounded cultural outing.

It’s particularly well-suited for food lovers, culinary enthusiasts, or anyone eager to bring a piece of Valencia home through authentic recipes and new skills. The small-group format and flexible scheduling make it easy to fit into any travel plan.

While it’s focused on cuisine and culture, those seeking a large-group or more elaborate tour might find the experience more intimate than others. Still, its value, quality, and authenticity make it a top recommendation for anyone visiting Valencia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, with the chef providing clear instructions and all ingredients and tools supplied.

Can I choose different types of paella?
Yes, you can select from traditional, seafood, or vegetable paella when booking.

What drinks are included in the open bar?
The open bar offers Valencian vermouth, local beer, wine, and natural fruit juices.

Where does the class take place?
The session starts and ends at the IVAM Museum, close to Valencia’s old town, making it convenient for sightseeing before or after.

What should I bring or prepare?
All necessary ingredients, tools, aprons, and towels are provided; no extra preparation is needed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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