Rio de Janeiro: Cooking Class & Caipirinha Night in Ipanema

Summary

Brazilian flavors come alive in this relaxed Rio cooking night

You’ll join a small group in an Ipanema kitchen for a lively Brazilian cooking class with unlimited caipirinhas, hands-on guidance from a local chef, and plenty of laughter. Taste cassava sticks hot from the fryer, stir moqueca as stories unfold around you, and end with sweet brigadeiros—all while soaking up Rio’s warmth long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s already muddling limes when we walk in—turns out that’s our instructor, Luiza, who grins and waves us over like we’re old friends. The kitchen smells like garlic and something toasty (farofa, she says later). There’s music from somewhere down the street, kind of mixing with the clatter of knives on cutting boards. We’re a small group—just six of us tonight—and it feels more like a dinner party than any “class” I’ve done before. I mean, Luiza actually hands me a cassava stick to taste before we even start chopping. It’s crispy on the outside but soft inside—like a potato but not really. Hard to explain until you try it.

We go through nine dishes (I lost count after the pão de queijo because those little cheese breads are weirdly addictive), and every step is hands-on but never stressful. Luiza keeps things moving—“Don’t worry about your knife skills!” she laughs when my onion pieces look more like puzzle pieces. She tells stories about her grandmother making moqueca back in Bahia, and then lets us taste the coconut milk bubbling away on the stove. Someone asks about caipirinhas, and suddenly there’s a round of glasses being passed around—mine’s tart and sweet at the same time, with just enough kick that I start feeling braver about my Portuguese.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much or to actually dance while waiting for the picanha steak to finish roasting (it just sort of happened when someone put on samba). The whole thing feels messy in the best way—lots of tasting spoons, sticky fingers from rolling brigadeiros, flour dust everywhere. At one point Luiza tries to teach us how to say “farofa” properly; Li from Singapore cracks up at my attempt (“You sound French!”). By dessert—this crunchy chocolate thing called brigadilho—I’m already thinking about how I’ll try these recipes at home, though I know nothing will taste quite like this night in Rio.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rio cooking class with 9-dish feast

• Arrive at Ipanema cooking hideout
• Meet friendly English-speaking instructor
• Learn to make Cassava sticks and Lime Caipi
• Prepare Pão de Queijo from scratch
• Cook Picanha steak with farofa and cassava
• Simmer Seafood Moqueca with rice and banana farofa
• Make buttered cassava and toasted farofa with banana
• Prepare garlic white rice and vinaigrette sauce
• Enjoy Brigadilho Brazilian fudge dessert
• Toast with Amazonian fruit liqueur

Top questions

Is this Rio cooking class suitable for beginners?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome—the instructor adapts tasks for each person.

Are drinks included during the cooking class?

Unlimited caipirinhas are included; non-alcoholic options are available if requested.

How many people are in each cooking class?

The group size is up to ten participants; smaller classes can be arranged on request.

Is there an option for a market tour before the class?

Yes, an optional market tour is available and recommended for local gifts.

Are dietary restrictions or allergies accommodated?

Yes, inform them in advance so they can adjust recipes accordingly.

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held in an air-conditioned studio kitchen in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.

Will I get recipes after the class?

You’ll receive photos and a recipe ebook by email the next day as a gift.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your evening includes hands-on instruction from a friendly local chef in an air-conditioned Ipanema studio kitchen with unlimited caipirinhas (or mocktails), Brazilian soft drinks and water, all ingredients for nine classic dishes plus dessert and Amazonian liqueur toast at the end. You’ll also get photos and a recipe ebook sent after class—and if you want to join the optional market tour beforehand for some great gift shopping, just let them know when booking.