Madrid: Tapas & Paella Cooking Class with Chef Lola

Summary

Hands-on Madrid cooking class for tapas lovers near Retiro

You’ll roll up your sleeves in Madrid for a small-group tapas & paella cooking class led by Chef Lola. Learn hands-on tricks for Spanish classics like black rice paella, laugh over kitchen mishaps, sip unlimited wine, and share your homemade feast with new friends just steps from Retiro.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — that mix of sizzling olive oil and something smoky, maybe from the paprika? It hit me as soon as we stepped into Chef Lola’s kitchen, tucked just off Pacífico metro. I’d pictured a big, serious classroom but it was more like someone’s home if their home had a huge stove and a wall of wine bottles. There were only six of us, so nobody could really hide (not that I wanted to — okay, maybe for the croquette part).

Lola started us off with the Russian salad and ham croquettes. She showed us how to shape them, laughing when my first one looked like a lumpy potato. “No pasa nada,” she said, and honestly that relaxed me right away. We talked about where everyone was from (two Aussies, an American couple), and then got our hands messy making black rice paella. The squid ink turned everything dark — my fingers included — but it smelled so good bubbling away in the pan. Lola kept pouring wine and telling stories about her grandmother’s recipes; I tried to say “ajoarriero” out loud and she nearly spit out her beer laughing.

I didn’t expect to feel so at home in Madrid with people I’d just met. We sat around eating what we’d made (the cod dish was salty and garlicky in the best way) while the kitchen windows fogged up from all the steam. Someone put on music from their phone, and for a second it felt like we’d known each other longer than two hours. I still think about that view of everyone grinning over plates of food they’d cooked themselves — not perfect-looking plates, but somehow better for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tapas and paella cooking class

• Arrive at private eatery in Madrid
• Meet professional chef Lola
• Learn to prepare ham croquettes and Russian salad
• Cook black rice and ajoarriero cod
• Taste your creations with unlimited drinks
• Chat about paella secrets and Madrid sights

Top questions

Where is the cooking class located in Madrid?

The class is held near Pacífico metro station, just two minutes away from line 1 and close to Retiro.

Is this Madrid cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, most dietary restrictions including vegetarian can be accommodated if noted before booking.

Who teaches the tapas & paella class?

The class is led by Chef Lola, an experienced local chef who shares cultural tips and recipes.

What dishes do you make during the class?

You’ll prepare Russian salad, ham croquettes, black rice (paella), and ajoarriero-style cod.

Are drinks included in this Madrid cooking class?

Yes, unlimited red and white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included during the meal.

How many people are in each group?

The classes are kept very small-group for a personalized experience.

Do I need prior cooking experience?

No prior experience is needed; just bring enthusiasm and an appetite!

What’s included

Your day includes a hands-on tapas & paella cooking class with Chef Lola at a cozy private kitchen near Retiro; all ingredients provided; unlimited red or white wine, beer, soft drinks or water throughout; plus you get to eat everything you make together before heading back out into Madrid’s streets.