Sal Island: Catxupa Cooking Class With a Local Family

Nestled in the vibrant culinary landscape of Cape Verde, Sal Island offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of its people. The Catxupa Cooking Class invites travelers to embark on a two-hour journey, where they’ll learn to prepare the traditional dish alongside a local family. This intimate experience, limited to just 10 participants, promises a hands-on exploration of the ingredients and techniques that make Catxupa a beloved staple in the Cape Verdean diet. As participants chop, fillet, and share a meal, they’ll uncover the cultural significance that imbues this culinary tradition, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the island’s gastronomic wonders.

Good To Know

• Immersive 2-hour Catxupa cooking class with a local Cape Verdean family on Sal Island, limited to 10 participants for an intimate experience.
• Learn to prepare the traditional Cape Verdean dish Catxupa, including hands-on activities like chopping vegetables and filleting fish.
• Gain insights into Cape Verdean culinary practices and traditions through the guidance of a local cook.
• Enjoy the prepared Catxupa meal in a family setting, fostering cultural appreciation and meaningful connections.
• Comprehensive package includes hotel pickup, drop-off, cooking ingredients, and a recipe shared via WhatsApp for future cooking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Catxupa Cooking Class in Cape Verde offers participants an immersive culinary experience that lasts for approximately 2 hours.

This small-group activity, limited to 10 people, provides the opportunity to learn how to prepare the traditional Cape Verdean dish, Catxupa, which is made with corn, beans, and a choice of meat or fish.

The class is conducted in English, French, and Portuguese, and is priced from $38.90 per person. Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

The class emphasizes hands-on participation, with participants chopping vegetables and filleting fish, and a recipe is provided via WhatsApp for later reference.

Culinary Experience

During the Catxupa Cooking Class, participants learn to prepare the traditional Cape Verdean dish, Catxupa. The main ingredients are corn, beans, and a choice of meat or fish. The cooking process involves hands-on participation, including chopping vegetables and filleting fish. Participants gain a deeper understanding of Cape Verdean culinary practices and traditions.

Ingredients	Preparation	Cooking
Corn	Chopping vegetables	Hands-on participation
Beans	Filleting fish	Traditional methods
Meat or fish	Blending spices	Family setting

The recipe for Catxupa is provided via WhatsApp, allowing participants to recreate the dish at home and continue their culinary journey.

Cultural Immersion

Participants connect with a local Cape Verdean family, experiencing their warm hospitality.

Through this culture, guests gain valuable insights into Cape Verdean traditions and culinary practices.

The cooking class provides an opportunity to engage with the family, learning about their daily lives and the significance of Catxupa in their culture.

Guests enjoy the dish they’ve prepared in a family setting, further enhancing their cultural understanding and appreciation.

The shared meal fosters a sense of community, allowing participants to enjoy the local way of life and create meaningful connections with their hosts.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from previous participants underscore the exceptional nature of this Catxupa cooking class.

With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 21 reviews, the experience has been widely praised. Travelers consistently highlight the timely pickup, enthusiastic guides, and enjoyable cooking experience.

Specific mentions include the availability of vegetarian options and the insightful historical information provided during the class. The transportation aspect also receives a perfect 5 out of 5 rating, indicating a seamless and reliable service.

While the value for money is rated a solid 4.4 out of 5, the overall consensus is that this culinary adventure offers an unparalleled culture at a reasonable price.

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Booking Information

Booking this Catxupa cooking class is easy and flexible. You can reserve a spot without upfront payment, allowing you to check availability and select your preferred date and group size.

The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all cooking ingredients, and guidance from a local Cape Verdean cook.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of booking:

1. Reserve now and pay later.
2. Check availability for different start times.
3. Select your preferred date and group size.
4. Enjoy the included transportation, ingredients, and local expertise.

Getting to the Class

The cooking class begins with a convenient hotel pickup. You’ll be welcomed in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. From there, you’ll be transported to the family’s home where the class takes place.

Pickup Location	Pickup Time
Hotel Lobby	10 minutes before class
Class Location	Family Home
Dropoff Location	Hotel
Dropoff Time	After class

The entire transportation process is included in the class price, ensuring a seamless start and end to your culinary adventure on Sal Island.

What to Expect

Although the class is limited to 10 participants, you’ll have ample opportunity to actively engage in the cooking process.

Together with your local host family, you’ll learn to prepare the traditional Cape Verdean dish, Catxupa. This hands-on experience involves:

1. Chopping fresh vegetables
2. Filleting fish or preparing the meat of your choice
3. Combining the ingredients to create the authentic Catxupa stew
4. Enjoying the dish you prepared in a family setting

At the end of the class, you’ll receive the recipe via WhatsApp, allowing you to recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen.

The cooking experience is complemented by insights into Cape Verdean culinary traditions, providing a truly immersive cultural encounter.

Additional Information

Aside from the cooking class itself, participants can expect a well-organized experience from start to finish.

The class includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless transportation experience. All necessary ingredients are provided, allowing guests to fully enjoy the cooking process.

Guidance from a local cook ensures an authentic and informative culinary journey. Guests can reserve their spot online without any upfront payment, making the booking process convenient.

With the flexibility to select their desired date and group size, participants can tailor the experience to their preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in the Cooking Class?

Yes, children can participate in the Catxupa cooking class. The experience is open to all ages, and the group size is limited to 10 participants, allowing for a personalized and engaging cooking experience for everyone.

Is the Class Suitable for Those With Dietary Restrictions?

The cooking class is suitable for those with dietary restrictions, as vegetarian options are available, and the local cook can accommodate different needs. Participants are encouraged to communicate any dietary requirements during the booking process.

How Much Luggage Can Participants Bring to the Class?

Participants can bring a light amount of personal belongings, such as a small bag or purse, to the cooking class. The focus is on the culinary experience, so excessive luggage is not recommended.

Are There Any Health or Safety Precautions to Be Aware Of?

Participants should expect standard food safety protocols, such as proper handwashing and sanitization. The local host will provide guidance on any necessary precautions. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Can Participants Purchase Additional Items During the Class?

Participants can’t purchase additional items during the class, but they’ll receive a recipe to recreate the dish at home. The experience focuses on learning to prepare the traditional Catxupa meal with the local host family.

The Sum Up

The Catxupa Cooking Class on Sal Island offers a unique opportunity to take in Cape Verde’s rich culinary heritage. Participants learn to prepare the traditional dish Catxupa alongside a local family, gaining hands-on experience and cultural insights. With a shared meal and the recipe provided, this intimate class promises an unforgettable taste of Sal Island’s vibrant food culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: