Traditional Ecuadorian Cooking Class in Quito in a Local Home

Tucked away in the charming city of Quito, the Traditional Ecuadorian Cooking Class offers an authentic culinary journey. Hosted by the warm and knowledgeable Maria, participants dive into the rich flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine, learning to prepare classic dishes like empanadas and ceviche. Beyond the hands-on cooking, this immersive experience fosters meaningful conversations about the country’s vibrant culture, allowing guests to savor a delicious home-cooked meal in a cozy, family-style setting. With vegetarian and gluten-free options available, this class promises to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

About Your Stay

• Immersive cultural experience with a private cooking class hosted by Maria, focusing on authentic Ecuadorian dishes like empanadas, ceviche, and quimbolitos.
• Hands-on instruction to learn traditional recipes and techniques, including folding empanadas and marinating ceviche.
• Home-cooked meal served in a family-style setting, promoting conversation and appreciation for Ecuadorian cuisine.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request to accommodate various dietary needs.
• Conveniently located near public transportation, with a perfect 5-star rating from previous guests.

Overview of the Cooking Class

This traditional Ecuadorian cooking class in Quito provides an immersive experience in local culture through the exploration of time-honored cuisine.

Hosted by Maria in a private setting, you will learn to prepare authentic dishes passed down through generations. The hands-on lesson covers a variety of menu highlights, including empanadas, Ecuadorian ceviche, and the sweet steamed corn cakes known as quimbolitos.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request.

After the cooking portion, guests will enjoy a home-cooked meal together, fostering good conversation and a deeper appreciation for Ecuadorian culinary traditions.

Highlights of the Menu

Highlighting the menu’s culinary delights, the class features a variety of traditional Ecuadorian dishes.

The main course is empanadas, savory pastries filled with meat or veggies. As starters, guests will enjoy Ecuadorian ceviche, a refreshing seafood dish, and llapingachos, potato pancakes.

For dessert, the class prepares quimbolitos, steamed corn cakes with a sweet flavor. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request, ensuring an inclusive experience.

These classic recipes have been passed down through generations, offering an authentic taste of Ecuadorian cuisine. The hands-on instruction allows participants to enjoy the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The cooking class meeting point is at the Medicity Club Los Chillos, located at Antonio Checa 31 in Sangolquí, Ecuador.

The exact address will be provided upon booking confirmation. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

The class isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. It’s conveniently located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps during the class. The cooking experience lasts for the duration of the class, and you will enjoy a home-cooked meal with good conversation at the end.

Immersive Experience in Local Culture

Beyond the practical details of meeting and getting to the class, the Ecuadorian cooking experience offers an immersive dive into the local culture through cuisine.

Guests will learn traditional recipes passed down through generations and gain insight into the rich culinary heritage of Ecuador.

By cooking alongside the host, Maria, participants can engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and develop a deeper appreciation for the ingredients, techniques, and the cultural significance of the dishes.

This hands-on, interactive class provides an authentic and memorable way to connect with the local community and take in Ecuador’s vibrant food culture.

Hands-on Learning of Traditional Dishes

Throughout the class, participants actively engage in the hands-on preparation of traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Under Maria’s expert guidance, they learn to masterfully craft a variety of local specialties, from savory empanadas to the sweet and delicate quimbolitos. The experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the culinary traditions passed down through generations.

Dish	Technique
Empanadas	Folding and crimping the dough
Ecuadorian Ceviche	Marinating the seafood in citrus
Quimbolitos	Expertly wrapping and steaming the corn cakes
Llapingacho	Skillfully forming and cooking the potato pancakes
Vegetarian Options	Adapting recipes to accommodate dietary needs

This hands-on approach allows participants to develop a deep appreciation for the flavors and methods that define Ecuadorian cuisine.

Enjoy a Home-Cooked Meal

Upon completing the hands-on cooking portion, participants savor the fruits of their labor by enjoying a home-cooked Ecuadorian meal.

The dishes crafted during the class, such as empanadas, Ecuadorian ceviche, quimbolitos, and llapingachos, are served family-style in Maria’s cozy home.

Guests relish the flavors and textures of the traditional cuisine while engaging in good conversation with their host.

The meal provides an opportunity to further take in Ecuadorian culture, as participants share the dining experience like locals.

This intimate setting allows for a deeper appreciation of the recipes and techniques learned earlier in the class.

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options

The cooking class typically accommodates vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions upon request. Maria, the host, is knowledgeable about various dietary needs and can modify the menu accordingly. For example, the empanadas can be made with a gluten-free flour, and the ceviche can be prepared without seafood for vegetarian guests.

Dish	Vegetarian Option	Gluten-Free Option
Empanadas	Filled with vegetables	Made with gluten-free flour
Ceviche	Vegetable-based	Omit seafood
Quimbolitos	Made with rice flour	Steamed with alternative sweeteners
Llapingacho	Potato pancakes without pork	Served with gluten-free accompaniments

The hands-on cooking experience ensures that all participants can enjoy a delicious and authentic Ecuadorian meal, catered to their dietary preferences.

Reviews and Ratings From Guests

Guests have overwhelmingly praised the Ecuadorian cooking class, awarding it a perfect 5-star rating across 3 reviews.

Reviewers unanimously described the experience as "amazing", with one noting the host Maria was exceptional and the prepared dishes were delicious.

The class offers an immersive look into Ecuadorian culture through its time-honored cuisine, with hands-on learning of traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Whether you’re a meat-lover or prefer vegetarian options, the class caters to various dietary needs.

Questions About Your Stay

Do I Need Any Prior Cooking Experience?

No prior cooking experience is required for this class. The hands-on learning, guided by the host Maria, allows participants to learn traditional Ecuadorian dishes from scratch, regardless of their previous cooking skills or experience.

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?

No, guests cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages to the cooking class. The class provides non-alcoholic beverages, and any alcohol consumption would need to be purchased through the host. The focus is on learning traditional Ecuadorian cooking techniques.

Is There a Dress Code for the Class?

The cooking class does not have a strict dress code. Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing that they don’t mind getting a bit messy during the hands-on cooking experience. There are no formal attire requirements.

Can I Take Photos During the Class?

Participants are generally welcome to take photos during the cooking class. However, it’s important to be mindful and respectful of the host and other participants. The cooking class coordinator can provide guidance on appropriate photo-taking during the experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Besides Vegetarian and Gluten-Free?

The cooking class can accommodate other dietary restrictions besides vegetarian and gluten-free upon request. Guests should inform the host, Maria, of any specific dietary needs when booking the experience.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Traditional Ecuadorian Cooking Class in Quito offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant culinary culture of Ecuador. Participants can look forward to hands-on learning, engaging conversations, and a delicious home-cooked meal in a warm, family-style setting. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about Ecuadorian cuisine, this class promises an authentic and memorable experience.