Mexico City: Private Mexican Cooking Class with Chef

Summary

Hands-on Mexican recipes with a chef in Mexico City’s kitchen

You’ll join a real chef in his Mexico City kitchen to cook four Mexican dishes of your choice—think tortilla soup or Veracruz fish—while learning stories behind each recipe. Taste as you go, ask questions, eat everything together at the end. You’ll leave full of food and new skills—and maybe smelling faintly of cinnamon.

What’s the experience like?

We walked into Chef’s kitchen in Mexico City and the first thing I noticed was the smell — roasted chilies, something tangy, maybe lime? He greeted us like old friends, not clients. There was music playing softly (I think it was Chavela Vargas?), and he handed us aprons before we’d even finished saying hello. I’m not much of a cook, but he just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, everyone can learn.” So we started chopping tomatoes for sopa de tortilla while he told stories about his time cooking in Germany. The way he sliced onions — so fast, but somehow gentle — made me laugh at my own clumsy attempts. He didn’t judge though; just showed me again.

I liked that we could pick our own dishes for this private Mexican cooking class. We went with enchiladas verdes (I still think about that sauce), Veracruz-style fish steamed in banana leaves, and buñuelos for dessert because someone said they tasted like Christmas. There was a moment when I tried to pronounce “pasilla” right and Chef just shook his head — not unkindly — and repeated it until I got closer. The kitchen got warm from the stove, and there was this mix of fried corn chips and fresh cilantro in the air that made me hungry long before lunch was ready. He shared little tricks: how to keep tortillas soft, why you always taste the salsa before serving.

By the end we were all sitting around the table eating what we’d made together — honestly too much food, but nobody complained. The buñuelos were sticky with syrup and cinnamon; my fingers smelled sweet for hours after. Chef talked about growing up here, how every family does things a bit differently. It wasn’t fancy or formal — more like being invited into someone’s home than taking a class. If you’re looking for a day trip in Mexico City where you actually get your hands dirty (and sticky), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Mexican cooking class experience

• Meet licensed chef
• Choose four dishes to cook
• Prepare ‘Sopa de Tortilla’ starter
• Cook Enchiladas Verdes main dish
• Cook Pescado a la Veracruzana main dish
• Prepare ‘Buñuelos’ dessert
• Enjoy the cooked meal

Top questions

How many dishes do you cook in this private Mexican cooking class?

You’ll cook four different dishes during the class.

Can I choose which recipes to make?

Yes, after booking you’ll get a list of options to create your own menu.

Is the class suitable for vegetarians or gluten-free diets?

Yes, there are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pescatarian and other options available.

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class takes place at the chef’s kitchen in Mexico City.

Do I need to bring any equipment or ingredients?

No, all equipment and ingredients are provided by the chef.

Is this a hands-on experience or demonstration only?

You can choose between hands-on or demonstration style when booking.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed to join?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes all cooking equipment and ingredients provided by your chef host in Mexico City; you’ll prepare four chosen dishes together (with vegan or gluten-free options if needed), eat everything you make on site, and enjoy plenty of guidance plus stories from an internationally certified chef educator throughout your private Mexican cooking class.