Valencia Paella Cooking Class with Mercado Central Visit
5
Valencia Paella Cooking Class with Mercado Central Visit
By Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana
About
Take home more than souvenirs from Valencia after taking part in this hands-on paella-making immersion class, during which you receive guidance from a chef and tour the Central Market alongside a bilingual guide. Ideal for novices and experienced cooks alike, this paella workshop is a great way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture.
Ages 1-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 4h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More
Highlights
- Learn to prepare paella in Valencia during a hands-on cooking class
- Tour Central Market and pick up ingredients in the company of your bilingual guide
- Enjoy a 3-course meal accompanied by complimentary local wines
- All necessary cooking equipment, food, and drinks are included
- English and Spanish translator
- Cooking equipment
- Wine tasting
- Complete lunch
- Beverages
- Souvenir photos
- Taxes
What's not included- Transportation to/from attractions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- ESCUELA DE ARROCES Y PAELLA VALENCIANA, C/ del Bisbe en Jeroni, 8, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, SpainAddress: Calle Obispo Don Jerónimo nr. 8 46003 - Valencia Spain Directions: Barrio del Carmen (Oldtown) Public Car Park available at Plaza de la Reina (2 minutes walking)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 47775P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Children and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and pay a child fee
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 47775P1
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Pablo C0 contributionsIt is a fantastic experienceAttended with my wife and 2 other people. we had fun, excellent food and the chef Pepe was incredible to each you the real paella recipe. it is a great experience and enjoyable oneWritten May 1, 2022
- Christine B0 contributionsScrewedWe were excited to book a cooking class while traveling in Spain. When the quarantined prohibited us from traveling, I wrote to cancel and ask for a refund. NO reply, just a automatic replay, repeatedly. Yes, I received a reminder a day prior and now am asked to write a review. Really??! I want my money back!Written June 3, 2020
- JSCSPSTS0 contributionsLoved it!! ❤️We had such a great time doing the paella class!! It was delicious!! We had never done a cooking class before so it was an extra special experience in Valencia!! 😃Written June 1, 2020
- Stummer-Bruder0 contributionsDid not take placeUnfortunately we could not take the appointment due to the Convid 19 crisis. Unfortunately nobody answered our E-MAils or telefoan calls. We paid 240 Euro and didn't even get an answer. That is a great pity.Written May 13, 2020
- MsAnnC0 contributionsA Huge Hit!!We had family and friends visiting us in Valencia and spent a big part of the day learning to shop for and make paella. So engaging and fun!! Carolina is amazing — she really knows her stuff and has such a great personality for this kind of teaching. My guests could not say enough about it—all 8 of us, including teens, had a great time.Written March 15, 2020
- 100paulr0 contributionsDon’t miss this authentic València experience!Outstanding! Very fun and informative and absolutely the best paella We’ve ever had. Fun to go to the Mercado Central to shop for ingredients and we had a small but lively group to enjoy the day with. Highly recommend!Written March 10, 2020
- danieldeath20200 contributionsExcellent food and great funWe loved our afternoon learning how to cook paella at the cookery school. Our chef was excellent and so much fun to work with. We found our trip the central market very interesting and a great start to our experience. The end result of our paella was very tasty as well as the wine that went with it!!! A really fun day and a must for anyone visiting Valencia. Remember, no lemon!!!Written March 10, 2020
- janjK2781CY0 contributionsA top school for learning how to prepare Paella Valenciana (in just 4 hours)The school is situated in the older part of Valencia (El Carmen). Inside the building there was a modern restaurant-like setting, with a big kitchen aside of the middle. There are 3 cooking sessions a day. I would advise to take the first one (starts at 10.00) because then you also visit the famous Mercat Central for shopping the vegetables (and fish for the seafood variant of paella). This was done under guidance of the charming assistent of the Meastro. By returning we immediately started in the kitchen. El Maestro de la cucina introduced each essential part of the whole process, but after that each particpant had to repeat it again. The process was accompanied with some rituals. It was a very educative and tasty session, with many moment of laughter (the Maestro had also much unexpected humor). At the end everyone had to eat its own meal, under the pleasure of a good bottle of wine (or else). I can fully recommend this course to everyone (don't be a tourist, become an Valencian !). The location/setting was good, the Maestro and his assistance were top, and I was very lucky with the other members of the group (Americans, Japanese, Germans and Dutch). My tip: take part of the course in the early part of the year or in the later part in the year. It is than much quieter, less hot, and the groups are not that big (we were with 9 people, perfect).Written March 7, 2020
- jshook950 contributionsVegetarian paella cookingWe had a fantastic time with maestro Carolina and the lovely Maria. We went on a Tuesday, so there was only myself and my friend, and another couple who were cooking a seafood paella. We were greeted, and soon made it to the central market where a few details about our ingredients were explained. When we made it back, we were invited to relax for a moment while the kitchen and our stations were prepared before we were set to chopping and stirring. Carolina and Maria made the process fun and interactive, and gave us some useful tips and tricks for our own cooking along with imparting their wisdom about paella. They explained the basics without getting too technical. Once all the water was in, we had a 30 minute break, where we were served wine and Spanish tortillas and muscles. It turned out that they'd been looking after our paellas in the meanwhile. Once everything was ready, we sat down to eat, with some more lovely wine to accompany, and lots of photo opportunities throughout. The food was delicious. And they served us a rice pudding after too. They really were lovely hosts and overall it was a fantastic experience and fantastic value for money. The only fault I would give them, was that although we had let them know ahead of time that my friend was vegan, they hadn't catered for this, and tried to serve her non-vegan starter and desert with no alternatives. But otherwise a lovely experience, with a few momentos to take away as well.Written March 4, 2020
- Bled_SloveniaCilka0 contributionsGood fun, great way to get to know more about Valencia and its foodMaria and chef carlota, thank you so much for a great day in Valnecia. It was a highlight of my visit. I was the only foreigner, accompanied by four Spanish ladies and we had so much fun. I can't cook well but it was all explained so well that I can hardly wait to try it at home. Not to mention good wine, mussels and the tortilla during the break. Joining this class is a must in Valencia. It starts with the visit to the beautiful market, buying the ingredients and a lot of infomration about Valencia and its food. Thank you so much!Written March 3, 2020
- atritelli0 contributionsExcelenteWe had a excellent time. The teacher was a real pro. Learned a lot about how to cook a original paella valenciana.Written March 2, 2020
- PJurecka0 contributionsEntertaining and InformativeA great way to spend an afternoon. The staff were entertaining but also careful to explain the fine points of making a Spanish classic. We learners enjoyed meeting each other and sharing our results ( and a few glasses of wine)Written February 12, 2020
- OxanaD730 contributionsA lot of fun and amazing resultNice and friendly people teach you how to cook paella. There is no chance to fail, so even if you don't have a lot of cooking experience this place is definitely worth visiting.Written February 10, 2020
- dragusta0 contributionsVery fun!The paella we made was delicious, the guide and chef were well versed and personable. There was plenty of time to engage with others in class and the facility was clean and the ingredients the freshest!Written February 10, 2020
- Adventure568179473870 contributionsFantastic experience learning to make paellaWe were fed, given wine, and taught the intricacies of making authentic Valencian paella. It was worth every penny and I want to take the paella marisco class when I go backWritten January 28, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
189 reviews
Excellent
186
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
texascajun1
Houston, TX184 contributions
Mar 2020
We had such an amazing time at our cooking class that began with a trip to the Central Market to shop for the ingredients for the authentic paella dish that we later made. Diana and Pepe were both very good but also so much fun! While the paella rice was cooking, they treated us to snacks of mussels and a potato & egg dish and white wine. Then, we got to eat our creations that were so delicious! And, the red wine was also great! Overall, a most wonderful experience!
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written March 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul N
Pucol, Spain11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
What a great way to spend several hours in Valencia. If you like good food and good company I can't recommend this enough. We cooked the Valencia paella though there is fish and vegetarian options also. The trip also included a trip to the impressive Central market.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Explore508806
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Family
We loved our paella cooking class. Pepe and Elena were excellent host/chefs. They walked us through the paella preparation with deliberation and humor. They also easily accommodated our vegetarian request. Our meal was delicious, and the class was a fabulous experience!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Family Travels and Adventures
Valencia, Spain46 contributions
When my parents came to visit us in Valencia, I thought a paella class would be great for my dad and me, both of whom love to cook. Although we ended up being the only two in the morning class, we really enjoyed ourselves. I appreciated coffee on arrival, wine and “almuerzo” while we waited for the paella to cook, and a very friendly, adaptable chef Pepe. It was also great that they took pictures throughout the class and left you with a souvenir. Better still, you really do learn how to make a truly delicious paella!
Written February 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written February 13, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lozpaul
London, UK74 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted warmly by the staff. Although we booked a group tour, it was just the two of us so we were fortunate enough to experience the market tour class more immersively. The market tour included a really useful explanation of the different type of saffrons, Elena and Orla were great guides and it seemed well co-ordinated.
The actual class was the right amount of hands on and learning. There were no measured quantities, just chef’s instinct. And Orla’s translation seemed to work really well. When we all gathered together to eat afterwards, we actually appreciated how delicious the paella tasted. We’ve eaten a few here in Valencia but this one from scratch was totally worth the experience. The wine alongside and the setting was really relaxed and this made it feel like an informal dining experience too.
We will remember this one for many years to come.
The actual class was the right amount of hands on and learning. There were no measured quantities, just chef’s instinct. And Orla’s translation seemed to work really well. When we all gathered together to eat afterwards, we actually appreciated how delicious the paella tasted. We’ve eaten a few here in Valencia but this one from scratch was totally worth the experience. The wine alongside and the setting was really relaxed and this made it feel like an informal dining experience too.
We will remember this one for many years to come.
Written January 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written February 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
suz62878
Woking, UK29 contributions
We started with a trip to central market to buy all the ingredients required for a typical Valencian paella and then, thanks to Pepe, we went into the kitchen and learnt how to make it. Preparing the paella was brilliant fun and our hosts explained beautifully and made the event really fun. We then sat down (about 12 of us) and ate a big Spanish lunch which included our own home-made Paella. Of course, being in Spain, we were served plenty of wine and took our time to enjoy the wonderful food and drink. Great fun, well organised and I look forward to making paella in the UK sometime
Written October 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written October 28, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EirikSP
Oslo, Norway3 contributions
Great cooking class, visit to Mercat and great food. The host and the chef were friendly.
The information given where relevant even for me that have visited the city of Valencia atleast 20 times before, and I’ve eaten a lot of paella on those visits. This is easily top 3 pealla eaten.
The information given where relevant even for me that have visited the city of Valencia atleast 20 times before, and I’ve eaten a lot of paella on those visits. This is easily top 3 pealla eaten.
Written March 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written March 25, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy W
7 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Perfect experience. I've thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of it from buying the ingredients at the Central Market to cooking the paella and enjoying the meal with other participants! Please book this experience - the paella was so delicious!
Written December 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written December 23, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MalcolmA02
Scotland, UK521 contributions
Dec 2019
I was called by the school to ask if I wanted to change time/date as no-one else was coming at the same time - I thought just in respect of no-one other than me doing the seafood paella, but as it turned out it was literally no-one else in the class but me! Whilst it would have been nice to meet other people, my husband was going to join me to eat the fruits of my labour so really it wasn't just me on my own for the whole class. As it was I had the pleasure of meeting Diane and a lovely chef (Pepe). Diane took me to the market and was very informative about the history and produce and she acted as interpreter when my Spanish wasn't up to scratch or Chef's English (better than my Spanish) - to be honest it wasn't that difficult once you have a grasp of what's being discussed and I already know a good few cooking terms. They took me through the whole process and made sure I did a good bit of the work with their expert guidance and also made it a very relaxing and fun experience. Needless to say the paella was top notch!! Had a great afternoon and my husband was delighted to meet the team and share the goodies. Definitely worth it. Such lovely people and I learned a new skill.
Written December 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written December 23, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ANP71
Cascais, Portugal224 contributions
This is definitely one of the funniest and tastier experiences of my life. Carolina and Elena make this cooking class an unforgettable experience. The market is beautiful! The class is a blast, you cook, laugh, drink, have fun and learn so much! I definitely recommend! 💯
Written December 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope that you have the opportunity to put into practice all that you have learnt and cook delightful paellas for your family and folks. Remember that the recipe is always available in our website. It would be very helpful for us to have your recommendation and you to spread your experience to everyone who visit Valencia. We promise to keep on working to provide a top quality service to our clients. Best regards.
Written December 9, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tmirelle
Vancouver Island, Canada17 contributions
We took your class...I don’t believe we have received the follow up photos. Also would like to make sure I ha e the steps
Am I missing anything?
Choose pan diameter by number of people Eg 3 persons
High heat -oil -to fill with hands width on either side
Add meat-two pieces per person. Allow to fully brown before flipping. Move meat to sides of pan
Toss in the beans-we used two local beans-fava (shelled)& ???
Two large tomatoes-cut in half. Rub on grater in circular motion-leaves skin behind
Toss tomato with with beans in center of pan.
Next pour the water into the pan until it almost reaches the top of the pan. Bring the mixture to the boil, when it starts to boil add the smoked paprika (2tsp) & saffron. Then taste and salt-one per person & one for the pan (with finger tips)
add the fresh rosemary twig, which must be taken out in 10 minutes to avoid an excess of flavour.
Cook approx 30mins
Volume should be approx 1finger below edge of pan
Add rice. Simple long line-diameter of pan. Must be white
Slowly stir rice under all edges-even coverage. Cook down under med-low for 20mins
Sound right?
Tmirelle
Vancouver Island, Canada17 contributions
We took your class...I don’t believe we have received the follow up photos. Also would like to make sure I ha e the steps
Am I missing anything?
Choose pan diameter by number of people Eg 3 persons
High heat -oil -to fill with hands width on either side
Add meat-two pieces per person. Allow to fully brown before flipping. Move meat to sides of pan
Toss in the beans-we used two local beans-fava (shelled)& ???
Two large tomatoes-cut in half. Rub on grater in circular motion-leaves skin behind
Toss tomato with with beans in center of pan.
Next pour the water into the pan until it almost reaches the top of the pan. Bring the mixture to the boil, when it starts to boil add the smoked paprika (2tsp) & saffron. Then taste and salt-one per person & one for the pan (with finger tips)
add the fresh rosemary twig, which must be taken out in 10 minutes to avoid an excess of flavour.
Cook approx 30mins
Volume should be approx 1finger below edge of pan
Add rice. Simple long line-diameter of pan. Must be white
Slowly stir rice under all edges-even coverage. Cook down under med-low for 20mins
Sound right?
tokyoexpat
Sydney, Australia221 contributions
Sounds right to me.
Did you get the wooden spoon to use to measure the depth of the water? Don’t forget that tip.
Debbie K
Warminster, PA4 contributions
Can I book this class with Seafood Paella? Also how far are you located from where the cruise ships are docked?
gill-m27
York, UK2 contributions
You can book this with seafood paella. On our course four people were making traditional Valencian paella and two were making seafood. Just make sure you specify which you’d like to make on booking as there is a charge to change on the day.
Debbie S
Tel Aviv, Israel1 contribution
hi is it possible to make the paella without rabbit meat?thank you
Yes, just let them know and they will accommodate you.... they even do Vegetarian style
Debbie S
Tel Aviv, Israel1 contribution
hi is it possible to make the paella without rabbit meat?thank you
Andrew M
Cheltenham, UK3 contributions
Probably worth contacting the School directly to put them on notice that you don't want rabbit meat included. I can't see any issues. One of the couples in our event were vegetarian and the School taught them how to make a vegetarian paella. One thing to bear in mind that Valencian Paella contains chicken and rabbit, so strictly speaking it wouldn't be a Valencian. I don't see any issues and you will have a blast! Its great fun.
Azuzut H
Taipei, Taiwan
Can we come on Sunday for the class? Do we still get the chance to visit the Mercado central market if we sign up the Sunday’s class?
KS
Ossendrecht, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands13 contributions
The market is closed on Sundays but you can do the workshop without visiting the market.
edj23
Kyoto, Japan6 contributions
Hi, can my 2 kids age 7 and 10 join the cooking tour with me and my Husband? If so, how much do we have to pay for them?
Family Travels and Adventures
Valencia, Spain46 contributions
I’d definitely take a 10 year old, but it may be a little hard for the 7 year old due to the height of the counter and the hot oil towards the beginning. I know they have an “eating only” option... maybe that could work for the 7 year old.
Hola, somos tres pero no querriamos aprender separados. Se puede hacer esto juntos?
Antoinette Cuasito
San Francisco, CA
Hi, I am looking to book for Aug 4 Sunday for my husband and I. We will be in Valencia for the day on a cruise stopover from 7am to 9pm. I noticed it says something on the info that there are no “departure except Sundays”. Could someone please elaborate?
KS
Ossendrecht, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands13 contributions
Google Escuela de Arroz Valencia
Hi, I would like to book but will be coming with a baby (3month old). They can be in the pram while cooking and can be carried in a sling for the market tour. Would this be ok?
Jane Grahame
Edinburgh, UK15 contributions
You would need to check this out with the operator as a kitchen can be a dangerous place. The course was very enjoyable and we even took home some of our tasty effort