Barcelona: Seafood Paella Cooking Class & Boqueria Market

Enjoy Barcelona’s vibrant culinary culture with a hands-on seafood paella cooking class and guided tour of the iconic La Boqueria Market. Led by a professional chef, this 3-hour experience takes you on a delightful journey through the city’s gastronomic offerings. From sourcing fresh local ingredients to preparing the traditional dish, this class promises an unforgettable blend of education and entertainment for foodies.

Key Points

Key points:

• A 3-hour seafood paella cooking class led by a professional chef for a small group of 10 participants in Barcelona.
• Participants visit La Boqueria market with the chef to select quality ingredients.
• The chef demonstrates the preparation of traditional seafood paella, including sautéing seafood and adding saffron-infused rice.
• The class also includes the making of pan con tomate and sangria, classic Spanish dishes.
• The class is suitable for those aged 18 and above, not wheelchair users or those with food allergies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

Learners can expect to embark on a 3-hour seafood paella cooking class in Barcelona.

Led by a professional chef, the small group of 10 you will learn to prepare a traditional Spanish seafood paella. A live tour guide, available in English and Spanish, will provide guidance throughout the experience.

Participants can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

With a price tag starting at $108.17 per person, this class offers an immersive culinary adventure in the heart of Barcelona.

Visiting La Boqueria Market

Before embarking on the cooking experience, you will visit La Boqueria market to pick fresh ingredients for the meal.

They’ll meet the chef at the market entrance, identifiable by a red umbrella. The chef will lead participants through the vibrant market, sharing insights on the best shops for jamon, saffron, cheese, and wine.

Participants will engage with local sellers to discover quality ingredients, gaining a deeper appreciation for the freshness and variety of Spanish produce.

Engaging with local sellers to discover quality ingredients, deepening appreciation for the freshness and variety of Spanish produce.

This hands-on interaction at the market sets the stage for the authentic paella cooking class ahead.

Meeting the Chef

At the main entrance of La Boqueria market, you will spot the chef awaiting them, easily identifiable by the distinct red umbrella.

The chef will greet the group and lead them through the bustling market, pointing out the best shops for essential paella ingredients like jamon, saffron, cheese, and wine.

Participants will have the chance to engage with local vendors, learning about the fresh, high-quality produce available.

The chef’s expertise and guidance throughout the market visit will equip participants with the necessary knowledge to select the finest ingredients for their traditional Spanish seafood paella.

Exploring Local Ingredients

As the group enters the bustling La Boqueria market, the chef points out the best shops for the essential paella ingredients. They explore the vibrant stalls, sampling the fragrant saffron, the silky Manchego cheese, and the robust Serrano ham. The chef explains the importance of sourcing high-quality seafood, like the glistening prawns, tender monkfish, and briny mussels. The group engages with the local sellers, learning about the seasonal produce and the stories behind the family-run businesses. The experience heightens the senses and sets the stage for a truly authentic paella-making adventure.

| Ingredient | Description | Source |

| — | — | — |

| Saffron | Fragrant spice | Specialty spice shop |

| Manchego | Silky cheese | Artisanal cheese vendor |

| Serrano Ham | Robust cured meat | Family-run charcuterie |

| Prawns | Glistening seafood | Sustainable fishmonger |

| Monkfish | Tender white fish | Local dockside supplier |

| Mussels | Briny bivalves | Seasonal market stall |

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Preparing the Traditional Seafood Paella

Once the group has gathered the finest local ingredients, the chef leads them to the cooking station.

There, they learn the secrets to preparing the perfect seafood paella. The chef demonstrates how to sauté the seafood, including Norway lobsters, cuttlefish, squid, monkfish, and prawns.

Next, the aromatic saffron-infused rice is added, followed by the broth. As the paella simmers, the chef provides tips on achieving the right texture and flavor.

Finally, the pan is placed over an open flame to create the signature crispy bottom layer. The group eagerly awaits tasting their homemade Spanish masterpiece.

Making Pan Con Tomate and Sangria

Now that the paella is simmering, what else does the chef have in store for the group?

The chef turns his attention to two iconic Spanish dishes – pan con tomate and sangria.

The chef turns his attention to two iconic Spanish dishes – pan con tomate and sangria.

First, he demonstrates how to prepare the simple yet delicious pan con tomate. The group watches closely as the chef expertly grills bread and rubs it with garlic, then drizzles it with olive oil and tops it with ripe tomatoes.

Next, the chef mixes up a pitcher of refreshing sangria, blending red wine, citrus, and a touch of sweetness.

The group eagerly awaits sampling these classic Spanish accompaniments.

Enjoying the Full Meal and Beverages

With the paella simmering and the pan con tomate and sangria prepared, the group eagerly gathers around the table.

Plates are filled with the fragrant seafood-laden paella, accompanied by slices of pan con tomate. Glasses are topped with the vibrant red sangria, its citrus notes providing a refreshing counterpoint.

As they savor each bite, the diners engage in lively conversation, sharing their experiences from the market visit and cooking class.

The open bar offers a variety of Spanish wines, cava, and soft drinks, allowing everyone to enjoy the full flavors of the traditional Spanish feast.

Important Information and Logistics

The meeting point for the seafood paella cooking class is the main entrance of La Boqueria market, between Rambla 91 and 89, near Dunkin Coffee, and close to the Liceo metro station.

The meeting point for the seafood paella cooking class is the main entrance of La Boqueria market, between Rambla 91 and 89, near Dunkin Coffee, and close to the Liceo metro station.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. This experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with food allergies.

Based on 2 reviews, the class has a customer rating of 4.5/5, highlighting its entertaining and educational aspects.

The 3-hour class is limited to 10 people and led by a live tour guide in English and Spanish. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to the Class?

No, participants cannot bring their own ingredients to the cooking class. The class includes all necessary ingredients, and the focus is on learning to prepare traditional Spanish seafood paella under the guidance of the professional chef.

How Much Cooking Experience Is Required to Participate?

The cooking class is suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. No prior cooking experience is required, as the professional chef will guide participants through the preparation of the traditional Spanish seafood paella.

Are the Recipes Provided in Written Form?

The recipes are provided in a YouTube video format for participants to take home, allowing them to recreate the traditional Spanish seafood paella, pan con tomate, and sangria learned during the cooking class.

Can the Class Accommodate Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Diets?

The cooking class can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free diets with advance notice. Participants should notify the provider of any dietary restrictions when booking to ensure suitable alternatives are provided.

Is There an Option to Extend the Class Duration?

Yes, the class duration can be extended upon request. While the standard class is 3 hours, participants can inquire about longer options to spend more time learning from the chef and enjoying the experience.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Barcelona’s vibrant culinary culture with this seafood paella cooking class and guided tour of La Boqueria Market. Led by a professional chef, you’ll source fresh ingredients, prepare a traditional paella, and enjoy iconic Spanish dishes and refreshing sangria. This small-group experience offers a delightful blend of education and entertainment for foodies.

You can check availability for your dates here: