Cabo San Lucas: Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with Chef

Summary

Shop local markets then cook family recipes with chef in Cabo

You’ll wander Cabo San Lucas markets with Chef Issi to pick fresh ingredients before heading into his home kitchen for hands-on cooking—think real mole poblano or homemade tortillas. Expect laughter over margaritas, stories about family recipes, and a lunch that tastes like Mexico itself. It’s messy in the best way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—chiles and fruit mixing with that dusty, salty air you only get in Cabo San Lucas. Chef Issi met us right outside his place downtown, grinning like he already knew we’d be lost in the market maze. He led us through narrow aisles where vendors called out prices (I understood maybe half), and we picked out tomatoes still warm from the sun. I tried to pronounce “epazote” for the herbs—Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish, which honestly broke the ice.

We carried our bags back to Chef Issi’s house, which felt more like visiting a cousin than a class. Aprons on, everyone got handed a job—mashing avocados for guacamole or grinding spices for the mole poblano (which, by the way, takes way more than just chocolate and chiles). The kitchen filled up with this low hum of chopping and stories about Issi’s grandmother making tamales on Tuesdays. There was a moment when someone spilled cumin everywhere and nobody cared; it just smelled even better.

I didn’t expect to make my own tortillas from scratch—it’s stickier than it looks on YouTube—and my first one looked like a map of Baja California. But Issi just winked and tossed it on the comal anyway. We mixed up margaritas “Cookin’ Cabo style” (stronger than I guessed), clinked glasses, and tasted everything together at a big table that felt like it could go on all afternoon. Even now, I still think about that smoky salsa flavor and how everyone was just… happy to be there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and cooking class

• Meet Chef Issi in downtown Cabo
• Tour local spice and grocery markets
• Pick up fresh ingredients
• Arrive at Chef's house
• Put on aprons and start cooking
• Make salsas and guacamole
• Learn to make homemade corn tortillas
• Prepare main dish of the day
• Make Cookin' Cabo style margaritas
• Enjoy the meal together

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Cabo cooking class?

No, but the meeting point is central in downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, classes can easily accommodate vegetarians, vegans, or gluten-free diets—just let them know ahead.

How long does the cooking class last?

The experience includes market shopping plus cooking and lunch; plan for several hours total.

Do I need prior cooking experience?

No experience needed—the class is hands-on and guided by Chef Issi step by step.

What days do you make mole poblano or tamales?

Mole poblano is Mondays; tamales are Tuesdays; other days have different featured dishes.

Is this suitable for kids or families?

Yes! Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in strollers.

Are drinks included during the class?

Yes, beverages—including margaritas made Cookin’ Cabo style—are included with lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting Chef Issi downtown before exploring local markets together for ingredients. Back at his home kitchen you’ll get aprons, hands-on instruction for classic Mexican dishes (with vegetarian options if needed), homemade tortillas and salsas every time, plus lunch and drinks—all recipes shared before you leave.