Madrid: Paella Cooking Class & Sangria with Local Host

Summary

Paella, tortilla, and sangria in a cozy Madrid kitchen with stories

You’ll roll up your sleeves in a Madrid kitchen to make traditional paella Valenciana and Spanish tortilla alongside a local host, sharing stories over homemade sangria and good wine. Expect hands-on cooking tips, relaxed laughs around the table, and recipes you’ll want to keep long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We shuffled through the narrow street near San Ildefonso Market and rang the bell — I still remember the faint smell of tomatoes and garlic drifting down the stairwell. Our host, Ana, waved us in like we were old friends. She handed me a glass of sangria straight away (fruity but not too sweet), and we all sort of crowded around her kitchen table, sleeves rolled up. There was a bowl of eggs and potatoes waiting for the Spanish tortilla — I’d never realized how simple it looked until you actually try flipping it without making a mess. Ana laughed when mine landed half on the plate, half… not. She said her abuela would’ve called that “rustic.”

The paella part felt almost ceremonial. Saffron went in last — Ana made us sniff it first (“the good stuff comes from here,” she said, tapping the little tin). Everyone took turns stirring or sneaking tastes from the wooden spoon. The rice hissed against the pan; someone’s phone buzzed but nobody checked it. We talked about Madrid’s old markets and how Sunday lunches can last all afternoon here. The window was open so you could hear mopeds outside and church bells somewhere far off.

We ate together at Ana’s table — paella Valenciana, tortilla (mine was a little lopsided), some local wine that tasted way better than what I buy at home. By then it felt like family lunch more than a cooking class. Before coffee, Ana scribbled down her grandmother’s tips for me (“never rush the rice”), which I tucked into my bag and still haven’t lost somehow. If you’re looking for a real paella cooking class in Madrid — with laughter, small mistakes, actual conversation — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cook traditional Spanish dishes and enjoy meal

• Welcome and introduction in kitchen
• Prepare fresh sangría and pour wine
• Cook classic Spanish tortilla together
• Make traditional paella Valenciana step-by-step
• Share stories and cooking tips
• Eat meal together with conversation
• Enjoy final cup of coffee

Top questions

Is this paella cooking class in Madrid suitable for beginners?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome and your host guides each step.

How many people join each Madrid paella class?

No more than seven guests per group for an intimate setting.

Are drinks included during the cooking class?

Yes, homemade sangria and Spanish wine are included with your meal.

Will I learn to make both paella and tortilla?

Yes, you’ll prepare both traditional paella Valenciana and Spanish tortilla.

Is there vegetarian or special dietary accommodation?

The reference doesn’t specify; ask your host before booking if needed.

Does this experience include recipes to take home?

Yes, your host shares recipes and personal cooking tips during the class.

Where does the paella class take place in Madrid?

The class is held in a local home kitchen near San Ildefonso Market.

Can children join this Madrid cooking experience?

Infants and small children can attend with a pram or stroller.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on instruction for both traditional paella Valenciana and Spanish tortilla in a welcoming Madrid kitchen setting, glasses of homemade sangria and Spanish wine throughout the class, plus time at the table to share everything you’ve cooked together before finishing with coffee — recipes to keep are part of it too.