Portuguese Cooking Class in Portimao with Pedro

Cook two dishes from scratch in a local's home kitchen, then sit down to eat them.

A private Portuguese cooking class in Portimao where you learn to make an appetizer or dessert and a main dish in Pedro's home kitchen, then share the meal with wine and seasonal fruit. Pedro, who runs a local organic grocery store, teaches hands-on and shares insights about ingredients, techniques and his family's food traditions. The class runs 3 hours and includes all wine, food and instruction. Dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free can be accommodated with advance notice.

The experience

Pedro designed his home kitchen specifically for cooking classes, and the class starts with a welcome drink and a walk through what you'll make that day. You spend about an hour learning to cook two dishes from scratch. He preps a few components in advance, but takes you through the entire process step by step. While you work, he talks about where ingredients come from, why he chooses them, and stories from his childhood in Porto watching his mother cook. The menu changes with the season, but you'll choose between main dishes like Cataplana (a traditional seafood or vegetable stew), salt cod, or fried pork, paired with an appetizer of Portuguese cheese, olives, cured meats or other local bites.

After cooking, you sit down to eat together. The meal includes a glass of white, rosé or red wine, fresh seasonal fruit, and dessert: either carob and almond mousse, sweet milky rice (arroz doce), or a vegan chia version. In summer months from June through September, Pedro can host the class outdoors on his terrace instead, cooking sardinhada (charcoal-grilled sardines with potatoes), roasted peppers and Algarve-style salad over a barbecue. You choose lunch or dinner when you book, and he'll adjust for any dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or lactose-free) if you let him know in advance.

The class is entirely private, just you and Pedro in his kitchen. Public transportation is available nearby if you need it, and he can accommodate infants or small children in a pram or stroller while you cook.

What’s included

• Private cooking class with Pedro in his home kitchen.
• instruction on making two traditional Portuguese dishes.
• appetizers, main course, seasonal fruit and dessert.
• 1–2 glasses of local wine.
• all ingredients and cooking equipment.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cooking class with dinner, hosted by PedroGuide in English or Portuguese · 18:00

Cooking class with lunch, hosted by PedroGuide in English or Portuguese · 11:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00 and 18:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Stroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Traveling Spoon

Is this one for you?Book the lunch class if you want to cook and eat in daylight. Choose dinner if you prefer an evening experience. In summer, request the outdoor barbecue version if you'd rather grill sardines and peppers on the terrace than cook indoors. The private format means the menu and pace are entirely yours. Tell Pedro your preferences and any dietary needs when you book, and the class adapts to what you want to learn and eat.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What dishes do I actually learn to cook in this class?

You make two dishes: an appetizer or dessert, and a main course. Main options include Cataplana (seafood or vegetable stew), Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (salt cod), Carne de Porco à Portuguesa (fried pork), or Bochechas de Porco Estufadas (stewed pork cheeks). Pedro preps some components ahead of time, but walks you through the full cooking process for each dish.

Can I do this class if I'm vegan or have other dietary restrictions?

Yes. Pedro accommodates vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free diets on request. You need to tell him about your restrictions or allergies when you book so he can plan the menu and ingredients in advance.

What happens after we finish cooking?

You sit down together and eat the meal you made, with a glass of local wine (white, rosé or red), fresh seasonal fruit, and dessert. The wine and dessert are included in the class price.

Is there a summer option that's different from the regular class?

From June through September, Pedro can host the class outdoors on his terrace as a barbecue instead. You'll cook sardinhada (charcoal-grilled sardines with potatoes), roasted peppers and Algarve-style salad. You need to request this when you book.

How long does the whole class take?

The class runs 3 hours total, including the cooking, the meal and the time Pedro spends sharing stories and insights about Portuguese food and his family's cooking traditions.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to Pedro's home?

Yes, hotel pickup is not included. Public transportation options are available nearby, or you can arrange a taxi or rental car to reach his address in Portimao.