Afternoon Coffee in Quito – Foodie Tour With Empanada Cooking Class

Quito’s historic center comes alive with the aromatic scent of freshly brewed Chuspa coffee. Join a culinary adventure that immerses you in the city’s vibrant food scene. Savor the rich, chocolatey notes of this Ecuadorian specialty as you learn the art of brewing. Then, roll up your sleeves and master the craft of making traditional empanadas de viento, guided by a local chef. This hands-on experience promises to delight your senses and uncover the hidden gems of Quito’s culinary heritage. What secrets will you unlock?

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Workshops And Classes In Quito.

Good To Know

1. Explore Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a guided tour of local specialty food shops, including chocolate and coffee tastings.

2. Participate in a hands-on empanada de viento cooking class, learning traditional Ecuadorian recipes and techniques from a local chef.

3. Discover the unique flavors of Ecuadorian Chuspa coffee through a brewing demonstration, gaining knowledge to replicate the experience at home.

4. Sample the traditional Canelazo cocktail, a warm and aromatic blend of Naranjilla juice, spices, and liquor, to conclude the culinary adventure.

5. Optional private transportation available for pickups outside the urban Quito area, enhancing the convenience of the foodie tour.

Quito’s Historic Center Exploration

The tour begins with a stroll through Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visitors explore hidden local shops and specialty food purveyors. Along the way, they’ll sample authentic Ecuadorian treats, including chocolates and a traditional hot cocktail called Canelazo.

The tour provides a personalized experience, allowing guests to discover the city’s vibrant culinary scene at their own pace.

With private transportation available for urban pickups, the tour is both accessible and convenient, making it an ideal way to take in Quito’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.

Chocolate Tasting at Local Chocolatier

One of the highlights of the foodie tour is the visit to a local chocolatier, where participants can indulge in a tasting of various Ecuadorian chocolates.

The chocolatier showcases the country’s diverse cacao varieties and production methods. Guests have the opportunity to sample dark, milk, and flavored chocolates, learning about the unique flavor profiles and aromas.

The tasting provides a deeper appreciation for the quality and complexity of Ecuadorian chocolate.

Beyond just tasting, the tour also explores the chocolatier’s production process, from bean to bar. This hands-on experience allows visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the art of chocolate-making in Ecuador.

Brewing Ecuadorian Chuspa Coffee

At a local roastery, guests learn to brew the distinct Ecuadorian Chuspa coffee. The guide demonstrates the process, from selecting the beans to the final pour.

Guests observe the roasting and grinding, then participate in a hands-on session to master the perfect brew. They learn about the unique flavor profile of Chuspa coffee, which is known for its bright acidity and chocolate notes.

With the guide’s expertise, guests leave with the knowledge and confidence to recreate the coffee experience at home. This immersive coffee tasting is a highlight of the Quito foodie tour, offering a deeper appreciation for local culinary traditions.

Empanadas De Viento Cooking Class

During the Quito foodie tour, guests participate in a hands-on cooking class to prepare the traditional Ecuadorian pastry, empanadas de viento.

Under the guidance of a local chef, they’ll learn the techniques for making these cheese-filled pastries from scratch. Guests will mix the dough, roll it out, and fill the empanadas before frying them to golden perfection.

The chef will share tips and tricks to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Once cooked, guests can savor their homemade empanadas alongside the other dishes they’ve learned, such as humitas and quimbolitos.

This immersive cooking experience offers a true taste of Ecuadorian cuisine.

Humitas and Quimbolitos Preparation

Attendees also learn to prepare two other traditional Ecuadorian dishes during the cooking class – humitas and quimbolitos.

Humitas are corn cakes made with a manual grinder, while quimbolitos are fluffy cakes wrapped in achira leaves. The chef guides participants through the step-by-step process, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to get hands-on experience.

First, they grind the corn kernels to create the humita dough. Then, they assemble the cakes, wrapping them in the achira leaves before steaming.

Canelazo Cocktail Sampling

After learning to prepare the traditional Ecuadorian dishes, the tour participants have the opportunity to sample the local Canelazo cocktail.

Canelazo is a hot beverage made with Naranjilla juice, spices, and liquor. It’s a popular drink enjoyed throughout Ecuador.

The tour guide leads the group through the process of making this warm, aromatic cocktail, explaining the ingredients and traditional preparation method.

Participants get to taste the Canelazo, experiencing its unique blend of citrusy, spiced, and boozy flavors.

This is a fitting end to the culinary adventure, allowing the travelers to savor one more authentic taste of Ecuadorian culture before the tour concludes.

Specialty Food Shops Discoveries

As the tour progresses, participants discover a variety of specialty food shops tucked away in Quito’s historic center.

These hidden gems offer a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culinary scene. From traditional bakeries to artisanal chocolate makers, the tour guides visitors through the winding streets, sharing insights and allowing ample time for sampling.

Whether it’s the rich, velvety chocolate or the freshly baked empanadas, each stop provides an authentic taste of Ecuadorian cuisine.

The knowledgeable guide ensures participants get the most out of these unique discoveries, creating a truly immersive and memorable foodie experience.

Tour Highlights and Inclusions

The Foodie Tour in Quito offers several highlights and inclusions that make it an exceptional culinary experience.

Key tour highlights include:

1. Discovering specialty food shops in Quito’s historic center during a walking tour.
2. Savoring multiple samples of chocolate, coffee, and local cocktails throughout the half-day.
3. Enjoying a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as empanadas, humitas, and quimbolitos.
4. Having the option of private transportation for pickups outside of urban Quito, with an additional fee.

The tour also includes alcoholic beverages, snacks, and tips for the guide and chef, ensuring a well-rounded and seamless foodie adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Large Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a large group. The tour provider offers private transportation and can accommodate groups. Guests should inquire about any additional fees for larger party sizes when booking.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Culinary Experience?

The tour’s culinary experiences are allocated around 45-60 minutes each, allowing guests to fully enjoy the chocolate tasting, coffee brewing, and cooking class. The exact time may vary depending on the group’s pace and interests.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Substitutions Available?

The tour accommodates various dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free substitutions are available upon request. Guests should notify the tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. Participants are encouraged to capture the culinary experiences and historic sights, ensuring they can savor the memories of their delectable journey through Quito’s gastronomic delights.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Local Products?

Yes, participants can purchase additional souvenirs or local products during the tour. The tour includes time to explore specialty food shops, allowing guests to browse and buy any desired items beyond the included culinary experiences.

The Sum Up

This foodie tour in Quito combines the rich flavors of Ecuadorian coffee with the art of crafting traditional empanadas. Savor the vibrant notes of Chuspa coffee, then dive into a hands-on cooking class to create empanadas de viento. This immersive experience not only delights the taste buds but also immerses you in Ecuador’s culinary heritage, making for an unforgettable afternoon.