Authentic Cooking Class in Porto: From the Portuguese Kitchen with Love

Step into a warm and welcoming family home in Porto for an evening that captures the very essence of Portuguese hospitality. This hands-on culinary experience invites you to join a local family — parents and two sons — in their terrace kitchen overlooking the city, where you’ll cook, taste, and share an authentic Portuguese meal together.

The evening begins with a friendly introduction as you settle into the open kitchen, glass of local wine in hand. You’ll discover the cherished tradition of petiscos, the Portuguese version of tapas, made from family recipes passed down through generations. Under the guidance of your hosts, you’ll prepare several small plates using fresh, seasonal ingredients — perhaps crispy codfish cakes, grilled alheira sausage, octopus with olive oil and garlic, or clams à la Bolhão Pato bursting with flavor.

Next comes the preparation of the main course, where the family will teach you to make some of Portugal’s most iconic dishes. You may create bacalhau à Brás, a comforting mix of shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs, or a creamy sea bass rice with shrimp and coriander that reflects the country’s deep connection to the sea. For those who prefer meat, the menu could include oven-roasted pork leg with potatoes and vegetables or slow-cooked lamb stew, where every bite melts in your mouth.

Throughout the experience, each participant will help prepare two starters and one main course, creating a shared table of flavors just as Portuguese families love to do. The hosts adapt easily to dietary preferences or ingredient changes, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at home.

Once the dishes are ready, you’ll sit down together to enjoy the meal you’ve cooked, accompanied by a curated selection of Portuguese wines — white, red, and Vinho Verde — chosen to enhance each course.

To finish, the experience concludes on a sweet note with freshly baked pastéis de nata, the beloved custard tarts of Portugal, their crisp layers and creamy centers filling the air with warmth and sweetness.

This is more than just a dinner — it’s a moment of connection, laughter, and cultural exchange. Between bites and conversations, you’ll discover what makes Portuguese cuisine so special: the joy of sharing, the love of homemade food, and the pleasure of spending time together around the table.

An unforgettable evening of cooking, tasting, and celebrating life, hosted by a family eager to share the true heart of Porto with you.