4h Cooking Class in Cuenca: 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks｜Ecuador

Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of southern Ecuador during this hands-on cooking experience in Cuenca, where you’ll prepare 10 authentic dishes and drinks alongside a passionate local host.

Over four immersive hours, you’ll cook side by side with a local host while learning the techniques, traditions, and stories behind Cuenca’s most iconic homemade dishes. Between recipes, enjoy regional drinks, discover local ingredients, and experience the warm, social atmosphere that makes Ecuadorian cooking so special.

Your menu includes:

• Tortilla de Verde y Maduro con queso
A savory blend of green and ripe plantains topped with melted local cheese.

• Patacones
Crisp double-fried green plantains served with a tangy dipping sauce.

• Ceviche Jipijapa
Fresh fish marinated in citrus with bright coastal flavors.

• Locro de Papas
A traditional Andean potato soup served with cheese and avocado.

• Mapanagua
A refreshing regional beverage made with local ingredients.

• Canelazo
A warm Andean drink prepared with sugarcane liquor, cinnamon, and fruit juice.

• Seco de Pollo
Slow-cooked chicken simmered with naranjilla and spices, a staple of southern Ecuadorian home cooking.

• Fritada
Traditional crispy pork bites served with refreshing curtido.

• Dulce de Babaco
A sweet-and-tangy babaco dessert prepared with a classic regional touch.

• Espumilla
A light Ecuadorian fruit meringue dessert with a delicate texture.

Upon arrival, your host will welcome you into the kitchen and guide you step by step through each recipe in a relaxed, social atmosphere designed for all skill levels. As you chop, stir, fry, and cook together, you’ll gain practical techniques you can easily recreate back home while enjoying local drinks, stories, and conversation throughout the experience.

The class finishes with a communal feast where everyone gathers to enjoy the dishes prepared together. Leave with repeatable recipes, new cooking skills, and a deeper appreciation for Cuenca’s rich food culture.

Small groups ensure a more personal experience, with plenty of interaction, guidance, and time to enjoy every dish.