Playa del Carmen Cooking Class: Authentic Traditional Mexican Cuisine Instruction
4.6
16 Ratings
Playa del Carmen
Learn the art of traditional Mexican cuisine at Isa's Authentic Mexican Cooking School in Playa del Carmen. Get hands-on experience and discover the secrets of authentic flavors.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Calle 24 Nte 158 - As the session commences in Isa’s domestic culinary space, a preliminary conversation will take place about the agenda for the day and the culinary creations you’ll embark on. You’ll have the opportunity to select ONE principal entree from our illustrative menu. In addition to this, you’ll craft authentic salsas, two varieties of guacamole, handmade corn tortillas, and a refreshing drink concocted from fruits of the season. Post-discussion, a visit to the local Market DAC is scheduled, renowned for its premium selection of produce in Playa. Please be aware that certain recipes may require seasonal components, and alternative ingredients may be utilized if necessary.
What's Included
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
  • Small-group cooking class - limited to 8 people.
  • Print out of recipes.
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from class (although we are happy to provide info on how to get to class.
Meal Options
  • Side Dishes - Prepare two traditional Mexican salsas, and two types of guacamole served with tortilla chips.
  • Main Dish Options (choose one) - Mole Poblano w/ Chicken, Green Mole w/ Chicken, Pork or Fish (Mexico City)
  • Main Dish Options - Tiikin Xic Fish (Yucatan), A la Talla Fish (Guerrero), Fish a la Veracruzana (Veracruz), Cochinita or Chicken Pibil (Yucatan)
  • Main Dish Options - Tostadas w/ beef or fish (Mexico City), Fresh Fish Ceviche (Caribbean), Chicken Tinga (Mexico City), Tacos al Pastor (Mexico City)
  • Main Dish Options - Chile Relleno w/ cheese or shrimp & cheese, Chiles en Nogada (Puebla) and only available in August.
Additional Information

Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking School is the first culinary school teaching cooking classes in the heart of down town Playa del Carmen. Isa’s cooking classes are dedicated to the art of classic traditional Mexican cuisine. The school is is located in a home kitchen close to the local market where you will visit and learn about Mexican ingredients (as well as purchase some of the ingredients you will need for your class). In this class you will create a well-rounded, multi-dish lunch in a small class setting (no more than 8 students in class). Classes are hands-on and some demonstration, so be prepared to work!

Chef Isa (and/ or Chef Pavel, Isa’s cooking partner and husbad) is not only a cooking class teacher, she is also a professional chef with over 10 years of cooking experience. She/ he is thrilled to share their knowledge on cooking techniques in addition to teaching you how to make authentic Mexican dishes.

  • Vegans & vegetarians welcome.
  • No children under the age of 8. Children 8 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location
Calle 24 Nte 158
Calle 24 Norte
Isa's kitchen is located in downtown Playa del Carmen. Name is Casa Suave. She is on the 5th floor (Circuito 26 Norte No. 158 Mza-84 Lt-13 Quintas del Carmen, Solidaridad, Q. Roo 77720). Isa (or Chef Pavel, Isa's cooking partner and husband) will meet you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(16 Ratings)
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Vanessabu6630ac
Apr 11, 2024
Mexican cooking class - We really enjoyed our cooking experience. I highly recommend the course because you learn a lot of information about Mexican spices, foods and techniques. A complete experience with a great chef! You also eat your fill, of course!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Loraw751
Mar 5, 2024
The best food experience. - I really enjoyed the experience. They took us to the market to get the ingredients that we needed for the dish that we chose. Pavel and Isa explained how to choose the best ingredients and what flavors each would add to the dishes. Once we got back to the appartment the fun began. We each had a job to do in making each dish. We made everything from scratch. It was fun to get to know the other people in our class and by the end we felt like a family. We shared the meal that we prepared over delightful conversation. It was the most delicious food I highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alan
Mar 5, 2024
Best Mexican Cooking Experience! - The cooking class with Chef Isa and Chef Pavel in Playa Del Carmen was a gastronomic delight. The tacos al pastor were a symphony of flavors, with perfectly marinated meat complemented by a medley of spices and a hint of citrus. The guacamole was a creamy masterpiece, blending ripe avocados with zesty lime and just the right amount of cilantro. Salsa, vibrant and fresh, added a kick to every bite. The mole, a complex fusion of rich, velvety chocolate undertones and a subtle heat, showcased the chefs' mastery of intricate flavors. Pollo tinga, tender and smoky, highlighted the perfect balance of spices. The homemade corn tortillas were a revelation, offering a warm, pillowy canvas for our culinary creations. Every dish unfolded like a culinary story, and the chefs' expertise and personal touch elevated the experience. It was an unforgettable journey through Mexican cuisine, leaving my taste buds dancing and my appreciation for the art of cooking greatly enriched. A resounding 5-star culinary adventure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Flyer826843
Mar 5, 2024
Pastor tacos class - Loved this class !! I learned so much from this family. Wish I could have taken this class every day of our trip. Food was amazing so excited to share these recipes when I get home.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bret_g
Feb 14, 2024
Amazing Class - We had a blast with Chef Isa and crew! They took us to a local market and explained some of the ingredients that we would be using. The Mole Poblano and Chicken Pibil were amazing and she even gave us the recipe we used, which was her mother's recipe.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_f
Dec 31, 2023
Definitely book this experience! Wonderful! - Chef Isla was welcoming and so knowledgeable about the ingredients. She taught us how to use all the parts of each ingredient and understand the love Mayans have for cooking. It was an educational and fun experience shopping at the local market and then cooking with her and others like family.
Review provided by Viator
Peter_g
Nov 26, 2023
Great Traditional Culinary Experience - This was a great culinary experience. Wonderful hosts who carefully explained every part of the meal from buying fresh food at a local market to preparing the sauces and main meal. We enjoyed helping with several traditional Mexican dishes and then eating everything afterwards. This was a great afternoon that I would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Rick5508
Sep 26, 2023
Wow! - The class was wonderful. We went to the market with the class instructor to see how he picked out ingredients. In the class we made cactus salad and two types of guacamole. Main course was chicken enchiladas with mole sauce. Every step was hands on. Both instructors were very friendly. We totally enjoyed it! Recommended for everyone
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amanda_l
Aug 10, 2022
Cooking Class - The chefs were amazing - good time and great food! Lovely to learn how to cook authentic food from locals in a small group setting.
Review provided by Viator
Mariannewh9911nz
Mar 28, 2023
Cooking class - Nobody showed up at the meetingpoint. When I called them, they said there is no spot left, but nobody informed me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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