Playa del Carmen: Mexican Cooking Class in Chef’s Home

Summary

Learn Mexican family recipes with Chef Alma in Playa del Carmen

You’ll step into Chef Alma’s Playa del Carmen home for a hands-on Mexican cooking class where you’ll make tortillas from scratch, roast salsas together, and share stories over lunch at her table. Expect laughter, real family recipes, and a kitchen that feels lived-in — you’ll remember the flavors long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You walk in and the first thing you notice is the smell — warm corn, something spicy simmering, and honestly, a little bit of nervous excitement (I’m not exactly a pro in the kitchen). Chef Alma greeted us with this big smile that felt like she’d known us forever. Her house isn’t fancy, but it’s full of little things — bright tiles, her son’s drawings on the fridge, bowls stacked everywhere. She handed us aprons and I tried to tie mine without looking like a total tourist. Didn’t work. She laughed and said “No pasa nada.”

We started by making tortillas from scratch. I thought it would be easy — just masa and water, right? But my first one looked more like a map than anything round. Alma showed me how to press them gently (“con cariño,” she said), and soon we had this rhythm going: press, flip, toss onto the hot comal. The sizzle was oddly satisfying. There was music playing somewhere in another room, cumbia maybe? It mixed with the sound of kids outside yelling over a soccer game. The whole thing felt very alive.

When we got to the salsas, I tried to pronounce “molcajete” properly — Li (another traveler) nearly choked laughing at my attempt. We roasted tomatoes until their skins blistered and then mashed everything together by hand. My hands smelled like cilantro for hours after (not complaining). Lunch was just what we’d made: tortillas still warm, bright green salsa, some kind of chicken stew that tasted way better than anything I’ve ever managed at home. We sat around Alma’s table eating what we cooked, talking about her abuela’s recipes and how her daughter hates onions (relatable). I left full — not just food-full but…something else too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mexican cooking class in Playa del Carmen

• Meet Chef Alma at her home
• Learn to make homemade tortillas
• Cook traditional Mexican dishes
• Prepare and taste various salsas
• Enjoy the meal you cooked

Top questions

Is this Playa del Carmen cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you mention it when booking.

Are children allowed in Chef Alma’s cooking class?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Where does the Mexican cooking class take place?

The class is held in Chef Alma’s own family home in Playa del Carmen.

Do I get to eat what I cook during the class?

Yes, you’ll eat all the dishes you prepare during the session.

Is bottled water included during the cooking class?

Yes, bottled water is provided for everyone taking part.

Can infants or small children attend?

Infants can come along; prams or strollers are allowed and infants sit on an adult’s lap.

What languages is the class offered in?

The cooking class is offered in both English and Spanish.

I have food allergies—can they accommodate me?

If you let them know about allergies or restrictions when booking, they’ll do their best to adjust.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for every dish you’ll prepare with Chef Alma in her Playa del Carmen home; bottled water throughout; plus you get to eat everything you cook together as your lunch before heading out again.