Overview
Step inside the kitchen with Sofia for an authentic, hands-on cooking lesson of Yucatecan and Mayan delicacies.
Sofia prepares traditional Yucatecan dishes such as sikil pak (traditional pumpkin seed dip), sopa de lima (chicken soup with lime), empanadas de chaya, and pollo o cochinita pibil (perhaps the Yucatan’s most famous dish of slow-cooked chicken or pork which has been marinated in an achiote and sour orange marinade, wrapped in banana leaves).
Sofia will teach you to prepare traditional recipes from scratch so be prepared to get your hands dirty. You will learn to prepare the entire meal as well as a fiery habanero salsa. Enjoy the delicious meal you helped prepare with your host (and her family on occasion) in her modest home in Merida.
Please note that Sofia runs a homestay so while your experience will be private, there may be other guests present in her home. Enjoy this private, authentic, immersive Yucatecan food experience with a local!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 2 days before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Bottled water
Lunch
Private cooking class with your host Sofia
Dinner
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Please meet your host Sofia at her home in Bulevares de Chuburna neighborhood of Merida. Please check the 'Before you go' section on your confirmation for the exact address. The above only offers neighborhood details, and not the exact address.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Address: Calle 17ᴬ 102A, Bulevares de Chuburná, 97205 Mérida, Yuc., México
Meeting location: Meet your host Sofia at her house. Her house is located between Calle 22-A and Calle 24. Here is a Google Maps link to your host's home: https://goo.gl/maps/NaGBbHqQ76r6Fojq7
Public transport directions: From Centro (downtown), take bus Chuburna 21 and get off at Calle 24 in Chuburna. Then walk north 2 blocks to Calle 17A, turn right and walk to the end of the street where you will see a gray and white house.
If you need assistance, please contact Sofia at +52 (999) 154 7756 or casacasellas@gmail.com
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food.
Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.
We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!
What to expect
Join expert, home-cook Sofia in the kitchen to learn to prepare a traditional Yucatecan meal from scratch. Yucatecan cuisine has been influenced by a variety of cultures, such as the indigenous Mayan people, Spanish colonizers, and the Dutch and Lebanese people who migrated to the region.
Your menu might include dishes such as sikil pak con tostadas (traditional dip made from ground pumpkin seeds, served with tortilla chips), sopa de lima (chicken soup with lime), Yucatecan tamales, empanadas de chaya con queso de bola (pastries flecked with a local green, chaya, stuffed with Edam cheese), pollo o cochinita pibil (perhaps the Yucatan’s most famous dish of slow-cooked chicken or pork which has been marinated in an achiote and sour orange marinade, wrapped in banana leaves).
For dessert, Sofia serves homey dishes like dulce de papaya con queso de bola (papaya stewed in sugar served with Edam cheese). Enjoy the delicious meal you helped prepare while learning about Yucatecan cultural and culinary heritage. You can expect the cooking lesson to last about 3 hours, followed by your meal.
Please note that Sofia lives in a modest home with no air-conditioning. In summer months, it may be warm. Family in Mexico can be very social so you may be joined by members of Sofia's family who stop by on occasion.
You will leave your authentic culinary experience with new recipes, new friends, and lifelong memories.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 2 full days before the start time: 100% refund.
Cancel within 2 days of the start time: 0% refund.
Times are local to the experience (America/Merida).
Additional Information
- This is not a professional cooking class, rather this experience is a visit into an authentic, local home to meet a local person and share the culture and cuisine together
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home
How long does Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home take?
It takes about 5 hours.
What's included?
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Private cooking class with your host Sofia
- Dinner
What's not included?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English, Spanish.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Traveling Spoon
