Empanadas, Salsas & Spirits: Hands-On Mexican Cooking Night

When traveling through the Yucatán Peninsula, sometimes the most memorable experiences aren’t the ancient ruins or scenic beaches, but the moments spent in a local home, learning the secrets of regional cuisine. The Empanadas, Salsas & Spirits tour offers just that — a chance to cook, taste, and connect in a friendly, intimate setting. Based on glowing reviews and a practical structure, this experience promises a relaxed yet flavorful evening that highlights authentic Mexican food and culture.

We particularly appreciate how this tour emphasizes hands-on participation — making empanadas from scratch and crafting classic salsas using fresh ingredients — alongside tasting local spirits like mezcal, tequila, and xtabentún. It’s more than just a cooking class; it’s an introduction to the flavors and stories that make Yucatán cuisine special. One possible consideration is that it doesn’t include a market visit or extensive sightseeing, so it’s best suited for those eager to focus on food and local hospitality rather than a full tour of the region.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy culinary adventures, value authenticity, and seek a relaxed, home-style atmosphere. Perfect for those wanting to learn new skills, taste regional spirits, or simply enjoy a warm gathering with friendly locals.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Learn to make empanadas and salsas using traditional tools and recipes
• Cultural storytelling: Discover the history and significance of regional spirits like mezcal and xtabentún
• Home-style setting: Enjoy a relaxed, intimate atmosphere in a local resident’s home
• Small group size: Limited to 10 participants for a personalized experience
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty
• Vegetarian and vegan options: Available upon request, making it accessible for various dietary needs

You can check availability for your dates here:

A detailed look at what this tour offers

An inviting start at Parque Hidalgo

You’ll meet your host at Parque Hidalgo, right next to the Hotel Caribe, in Mérida. This convenient location makes it easy to find and provides a picturesque starting point for the evening. From here, you’ll head to a local home, which is the heart of this experience. The setting is warm and welcoming, giving you a clear sense that this isn’t a show or a staged event, but a genuine family-style gathering.

Making empanadas from scratch

The highlight for many is the chance to press and cook empanadas with traditional tools. Unlike pre-made or frozen pastries, you’ll learn how to prepare the masa (dough) from scratch, kneading and shaping the dough into disks, then filling them with cheese or other local ingredients. The guide emphasizes proper technique, offering insight into how empanadas are a staple across Mexican cuisine.

Reviews from attendees like Michelle mention “making tortillas and empanadas” as a fun, memorable part of the evening. We loved the way the host’s family seems to treat this as a shared ritual, making you feel like you’re part of a genuine culinary tradition rather than just a tourist activity.

Crafting regional salsas

After the empanadas, it’s time to shift gears to salsas — the backbone of Mexican flavor. Typically, you’ll prepare three different salsas or dips using fresh local ingredients, such as tomatoes, chiles, and herbs. You might even roast some ingredients to deepen the flavors, as described by Tanja, who notes “we have chopped and roasted tomatoes, and made three different salsas.”

Learning different techniques — whether it’s chopping, roasting, or blending — will give you skills you can take home. Plus, with the variety of spice levels possible, you can customize your salsas to suit your taste, making this a practical skill for everyday cooking.

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Tasting regional spirits and their stories

A unique feature of this experience is the tasting of regional spirits like mezcal, tequila, and xtabentún — a honey-based liqueur unique to the Yucatán. Your guide shares cultural stories behind each shot, turning a simple tasting into a mini lesson in local traditions. Guests consistently praise this part, with Michelle noting how “the drinks and food came out great, and the stories made it even more interesting.”

This component adds a historical and cultural layer to the evening, transforming it from a cooking class into a lively social event. Expect to receive small shots of each spirit, and learn about their significance in local customs and festivities.

The empanadas and final feast

Once your empanadas are fried or baked, you’ll enjoy them warm, often filled with cheese or regional ingredients. Many reviews mention how delicious the food turns out, with Oliver describing the experience as “super tasty and cozy in a homey setting.” It’s an unpretentious, hearty meal that feels like eating at a friend’s house — a genuine taste of Yucatán home cooking.

Atmosphere and group dynamics

With a maximum of 10 participants, the group remains intimate, allowing for friendly conversation and personalized attention. The guide, Pamela, receives high praise for her excellent English skills and warm personality. Tanja highlights how “she made us feel immediately at home,” which is exactly the atmosphere you want for an evening focused on sharing food and stories.

Practical details and value

This 3-hour experience is priced to reflect its small-group charm and hands-on nature. Without including a market visit or extensive sightseeing, it’s a more relaxed, focused activity perfect for food lovers or curious travelers who want a taste of local life. The price offers good value for the opportunity to learn new skills, taste regional spirits, and enjoy a cozy home environment.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy and the option to reserve without immediate payment add convenience, especially for travelers with fluid plans. It’s also suitable for vegetarians and vegans if notified in advance, making it accessible to dietary preferences.

Group size and language

Limited to 10 guests, ensuring ample interaction and a personalized experience. Guides speak both Spanish and English, making it accessible for international visitors and ensuring clear explanations of techniques and cultural stories.

Who will love this experience?

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy culinary tourism and want to learn by doing. It’s especially suited for travelers who value authentic encounters — sitting in someone’s home, sharing food, and hearing stories. It also appeals to those eager to expand their cooking skills with regional recipes that are both practical and delicious.

While children under 12 are not accepted, older kids or teens with an interest in cooking may find it engaging. It’s also an excellent choice for solo travelers who want a social, meaningful activity away from typical sightseeing.

The Sum Up

The Empanadas, Salsas & Spirits tour offers a rare chance to connect with Mexican cuisine on a personal level. The relaxed, home-style environment means you’re not just watching a demonstration but actively participating in creating authentic dishes. The opportunity to taste regional spirits and hear cultural stories enhances the experience, transforming it into a memorable evening of flavors and stories.

For anyone visiting Mérida who appreciates good food, friendly hosts, and genuine cultural insights, this experience hits the mark. It’s a practical way to bring a little of Mexico back home with you — whether it’s new recipes, stories, or a deeper appreciation for the local way of life.

In sum, this tour is ideal for curious, open-minded travelers looking for a meaningful, flavorful escape from the usual tourist spots. It’s a small, well-run event that offers real value and authentic moments, making it a highlight for many visitors.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, so let the organizers know in advance to accommodate your dietary preferences.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to cook, taste, and chat without feeling rushed.

Where exactly do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is at Parque Hidalgo, on the inner corner next to the Hotel Caribe. It’s a central, easy-to-find spot.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, making it flexible for uncertain schedules.

Is this a guided class or more of a social gathering?
It’s a guided, hands-on cooking class set in a home environment, with plenty of interaction and storytelling from your host.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The guides speak both Spanish and English to ensure clear communication and an inclusive experience.

This tour stands out as a warm, authentic, and flavorful way to connect with Yucatán’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook, a curious traveler, or someone who simply loves good food and company, you’ll find this experience worth savoring.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby