Exploring the vibrant flavors of Italy doesn’t get much better than a guided market tour and hands-on cooking class in the heart of Milan. Imagine strolling through a bustling street market, selecting fresh, seasonal ingredients alongside a local chef. Then, venture to their home kitchen to prepare classic Italian dishes like vegetarian lasagna and tiramisu. This immersive culinary experience not only enhances your cooking skills but also provides a unique glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this guided tour promises to delight your senses and leave you craving more.

Good To Know

Market Tour and Cooking Class - Good To Know

  • Guided tour through a Milanese street market to explore fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats.
  • Hands-on cooking class at a chef’s home to prepare four classic Italian dishes, including vegetarian lasagna and ricotta-spinach ravioli.
  • Immersion in local food culture and culinary practices during the market visit and cooking session.
  • Opportunity to learn techniques and gain insights into the cultural significance of each dish.
  • Inclusive package with tastings, welcome drink, Italian wine, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Experience Overview

Market Tour and Cooking Class - Experience Overview

The core of this small-group experience is a guided tour through a typical Milanese street market, followed by an engaging, hands-on cooking class in the chef’s home.

Travelers will explore the sights, sounds, and aromas of a local market, learning how to select the freshest fruits, vegetables, fish, cheese, and meats.

After the market visit, the class moves to the chef’s home in Via Mantova 19, where you will learn to prepare four classic Italian dishes, including vegetarian lasagna, ricotta and spinach ravioli, and the iconic tiramisu.

The experience is topped off with a delightful lunch featuring the prepared dishes and local wine.

Market Tour Details

Market Tour and Cooking Class - Market Tour Details

Guided by knowledgeable local experts, the market tour leads participants through a typical Milanese street market, allowing them to explore the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of fresh produce, meats, and specialty items. The focus is on selecting the finest seasonal ingredients, from juicy fruits and crisp vegetables to artisanal cheeses and cured meats. Participants can expect to sample specialties like savory ham and tangy salami, broadening their culinary horizons. The market visit lasts approximately one hour, providing ample time to take in the local food culture.

Activity Focus
Guided tour Selecting fresh produce, fish, cheese, and meats
Tastings Samples of cheese, ham, and salami
Duration Approximately one hour

Cooking Class Location

After exploring the vibrant street market, participants move on to the Cooking Class Location.

The cooking class takes place at the chef’s home in Via Mantova 19. The intimate setting provides a cozy and authentic experience.

During the class, guests will:

  • Learn to prepare four classic Italian dishes, including:
  • Parmigiana eggplants
  • Vegetarian or traditional lasagna
  • Ricotta and spinach or meat ravioli
  • Cod fish in Venezia style
  • Enjoy a welcome drink and Italian wine with the homemade lunch
  • Experience a hands-on, interactive cooking session with guidance from the expert chef.

The cooking class offers an immersive culinary adventure, allowing participants to discover the secrets of traditional Italian cuisine in an intimate, home-like setting.

Cooking Class Menu

During the cooking class, participants learn to prepare four classic Italian dishes. The menu includes a starter of parmigiana eggplants, followed by two main dishes – vegetarian or traditional lasagna, and ravioli filled with either ricotta and spinach or meat. The meal concludes with a classic tiramisu dessert. Alongside the hands-on cooking experience, guests enjoy a welcome drink and Italian wine during the lunch.

Starter Main Dishes Dessert
Parmigiana Eggplants Lasagna (vegetarian or traditional)
Ravioli (ricotta and spinach or meat)
Tiramisu

With the guidance of the knowledgeable chef, participants enjoy the preparation of these beloved Italian delicacies.

Hands-on Cooking Experience

The cooking class takes participants on a hands-on journey through the preparation of four classic Italian dishes. Guided by an experienced chef, guests learn to craft beloved favorites like vegetarian lasagna, ricotta and spinach ravioli, and cod fish in Venezia style.

The menu also includes a starter of parmigiana eggplants and the iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu.

Throughout the class, participants:

  • Receive step-by-step instructions on techniques and recipes
  • Actively participate in the cooking process
  • Gain insights into the cultural significance of the dishes
  • Enjoy a glass of Italian wine alongside the freshly prepared meal
  • Leave with newfound confidence in their culinary skills.

Included in the Tour

Market Tour and Cooking Class - Included in the Tour

For this small-group experience, travelers can expect a comprehensive package that encompasses the key elements of the day.

The tour includes a guided market visit, where participants can learn about selecting fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. This is followed by an immersive cooking class at the chef’s home, where guests will prepare four classic Italian dishes, including lasagna, ravioli, and tiramisu.

Throughout the experience, travelers will enjoy complimentary tastings, a welcome drink, and Italian wine with the meal they’ve created.

The experience also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and convenient day.

With these inclusions, this tour provides an authentic taste of Italian cuisine and culture.

Dietary Options Available

Vegetarian guests can easily be accommodated on this culinary experience. The cooking class offers a vegetarian option for the lasagna, allowing participants to prepare a plant-based version of the classic Italian dish.

The menu also includes:

  • Vegetarian parmigiana eggplants as the starter
  • Ricotta and spinach ravioli as one of the main dishes
  • Tiramisu for dessert

Plus, the hosts are happy to cater to other dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or dairy-free needs, if guests inform the organizers at the time of booking.

With these flexible options, the market tour and cooking class can be enjoyed by visitors with diverse culinary preferences.

Traveler Reviews Highlights

Market Tour and Cooking Class - Traveler Reviews Highlights

Knowledgeable guides, such as Aurora and Lucrezia, receive high praise from travelers for their informative market insights during the tour.

Participants especially enjoy the fun and engaging cooking experience, where they learn to prepare classic Italian dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and tiramisu.

After the hands-on cooking class, diners savor the delicious meals they’ve created, further enhancing the authentic culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Experience?

The experience is offered in a small group setting, though the exact maximum size is not specified in the details provided. Travelers can expect an intimate, hands-on cooking class experience with a knowledgeable guide.

Is Transportation to and From the Market and Cooking Class Provided?

Transportation to and from the market and cooking class location is not provided, though it mentions the market visit is near public transport and requires a metro ticket post-tour.

Can the Cooking Class Be Customized to Dietary Restrictions?

The cooking class can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarianism. Participants can notify the organizers at the time of booking, and they’ll make the necessary adjustments to the menu.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The cooking class can accommodate participants of all ages, though they recommend a minimum age of 12 years old. Younger children are welcome but may require additional assistance during the hands-on cooking activities.

Are Any Additional Food or Beverages Available for Purchase During the Tour?

Based on the information provided, there’s no mention of additional food or beverages for purchase during the tour. The tour appears to include a welcome drink, Italian wine with lunch, and the tasting samples at the market.

The Sum Up

This guided market tour and cooking class in Milan offers a unique opportunity to learn about Italian culture. You’ll explore a bustling street market, select fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare classic Italian dishes like vegetarian lasagna and tiramisu in a chef’s home. This hands-on experience not only enhances your culinary skills but also provides an authentic taste of Italy.