Lima: Peruvian Cooking Class & Pisco Sour with Chef

Summary

Cook ceviche and lomo saltado in lima with chef-led class

You’ll slice fresh fish for ceviche in Lima’s kitchen warmth, shake up your own Pisco Sour (limey hands included), taste local fruits you’ve never seen before, and share laughs over Lomo Saltado with a chef who feels more like a friend than an instructor. It’s hands-on, full of stories—and you might just leave smelling like limes.

What’s the experience like?

Ever tried to peel a lucuma? I hadn’t, not until that afternoon in Lima when our group gathered around the kitchen table, hands still a little sticky from fruit tasting. Chef Carla greeted us with this easy warmth—she said something about how every family has their own way of making ceviche, and I could hear the traffic outside mixing with the sound of knives on cutting boards. There was this faint citrus smell everywhere. It made me hungry before we even started.

We kicked things off with Pisco Sours (I went heavy on the lime by accident—Carla just grinned and let me roll with it). She showed us how to shake it right, egg white and all. The kitchen felt busy but relaxed; there were bowls of chopped onions and bright yellow ají peppers lined up for the causa. When I tried to pronounce “ají amarillo,” Carla laughed gently—my accent’s hopeless. But she explained how each ingredient matters here, especially for Lomo Saltado. The sizzle from the pan kind of drowned out everything else for a second.

I didn’t expect to enjoy making ceviche so much—the fish was cold and firm under my fingers, and squeezing fresh lime over it felt almost meditative. We talked about where these recipes come from; Carla told stories about her grandmother’s kitchen, about Sunday lunches that ran late into the afternoon. I still think about that view out her window—gray sky but somehow cozy inside, like you’re part of someone’s family for a few hours.

Dessert was simple but good—a bite of something sweet while we sipped espresso and compared notes on who made the best Lomo Saltado (not me). By then everyone was laughing more easily. There was plenty of food to go around, honestly more than I expected. Walking out into the Lima evening, I kept catching little whiffs of lime on my hands and thinking maybe I’d try this at home… though probably not as well as Carla does it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Peruvian cooking class and tasting

• Learn Pisco Sour preparation
• Prepare Traditional Causa
• Make Ceviche dish
• Cook Lomo Saltado
• Taste local dessert
• Sample local fruits
• Enjoy espresso

Top questions

What dishes do you make in the Lima cooking class?

You’ll prepare ceviche, traditional causa, Lomo Saltado, plus sample local fruits and dessert.

Is there alcohol included in the cooking class?

Yes, each person makes one Pisco Sour (alcoholic), or can choose a soft drink or water instead.

How long does the cooking class last?

The session includes preparing four dishes plus drinks and tastings; allow several hours for everything.

Are vegetarian options available during the class?

The reference content doesn’t specify vegetarian options; contact provider directly for details.

Is pickup included in this Lima cooking class?

No mention of hotel pickup is included; check with provider if needed.

Are ingredients provided or do we bring our own?

All fresh ingredients are provided and prepped for you on site by the chef team.

Can people under 18 join the class?

The class is open to all ages but only guests 18+ may have alcoholic drinks like Pisco Sour.

Is this cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed too.

What’s included

Your evening includes all fresh ingredients ready to use, step-by-step guidance from a professional chef in Lima, bottled water throughout the session, one Pisco Sour or non-alcoholic drink per person (must be 18+ for alcohol), coffee or tea after dinner, plus generous servings of every dish you prepare—including ceviche, causa, Lomo Saltado—and dessert tasting before heading out again into city life.