Here’s a quick and exciting recap of my unforgettable Tapas and Paella Cooking Class in Madrid – easily one of the highlights of my recent 3-day itinerary. Even after 15 years of living in Spain, I still picked up new tips and tricks, all while enjoying a delicious meal in great company.

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My Amazing Tapas and Paella Cooking Class in Madrid

Is it worth it to take a cooking class in Madrid?

Madrid has long been one of my favorite destinations in Spain, and after countless visits, I thought I knew the city well. But this time, it surprised me yet again – with a fantastic new foodie experience: a Spanish cooking class led by a local chef. As Spain’s capital, Madrid brings together diverse culinary traditions from across the country, making it an essential stop on any food lover’s itinerary.

Taking a cooking class with a local chef is a deep dive into authentic culinary creativity, blending the cultural heritage with professional techniques, delivering a truly unmatched gastronomic experience.

Think you already know Spanish cuisine? Book a class with a local chef and prepare to be proven wrong – in the best way possible. You’ll leave not only with a full stomach but also with a treasure trove of secret tips and techniques to recreate Spanish tapas just like the locals do.

Sure, you can find plenty of Spanish recipes online these days – but nothing compares to the hands-on experience of learning from a local chef. Their deep expertise, personal techniques, and decades of know-how bring the dishes to life in a way no recipe ever could.

One of the best platforms to access these kinds of authentic food experiences is Eatwith – a global community that connects travelers with locals through shared meals, cooking classes, and food tours. It’s a dream come true for curious foodies looking to go beyond restaurants and into real kitchens.

During my Spanish cooking class in Madrid, we even got an unexpected bonus: a mini olive oil masterclass! Our chef, Lola, casually mentioned that she uses at least four different types of olive oil in her kitchen – which, of course, sparked a flurry of questions. Before we knew it, she was walking us through her personal tips and revealing a few of her own kitchen secrets. It was spontaneous, insightful, and delicious – everything a great food experience should be.

Top Spanish Recipes to Master in a Cooking Class

This Spanish cooking class in Madrid with Eatwith was actually my third time cooking with a local chef in Spain – following similar experiences in San Sebastián and Valencia. But since we were a small group of just six people, it felt almost like a private masterclass focused on traditional Spanish cuisine.

The atmosphere was casual and relaxed, with our chef, Lola, constantly topping up our glasses with local wine as we swapped stories about our travels across Spain. It was much more than just a cooking lesson – the delicious food and warm company made the entire experience truly memorable.

So, what did we cook during this class? These dishes felt like absolute must-makes for anyone visiting Spain and eager to master a few iconic recipes:

• Russian Salad (or Ensaladilla Rusa in Spanish)
• Spanish Ham Croquettes (or Croquetas de Jamon in Spanish)
• Black Rice (or Arroz Negro in Spanish)
• Ajoarriero Cod (or Bacalao al ajoarriero)

One of the things I loved most about the class was that Lola gave us printed recipes at the end, so we could continue perfecting our Spanish cooking skills back at home. You can catch a behind-the-scenes look at our cooking in progress in this IG Reel.

Making My First Croquettes

Authentic Spanish croquettes should honestly come with a warning label: “easier said than done.” As much as I’ve enjoyed them in restaurants – probably hundreds of times – I had never dared to make them at home. I always suspected there was a precise technique and careful balance behind achieving that perfectly creamy interior and crispy exterior.

That’s why a Spanish cooking class was the ideal setting to finally learn how to master Jamón croquettes. Getting hands-on guidance made all the difference. Now, I can’t wait to recreate them at home – and start experimenting with different fillings!

What I Learned About Paella (All Over Again)

After more than 15 years of living in Valencia, paella has become a Sunday ritual in our household. But this Spanish cooking class gave me a whole new perspective – offering a behind-the-scenes look at how paella is prepared in professional kitchens across Spain. Having already shared my Valencian mother-in-law’s home-style recipe on the blog, it was fascinating to compare it with the refined techniques and subtle touches used by chefs.

I won’t reveal all of Chef Lola’s secrets… but let’s just say, there’s a lot more to perfecting traditional Spanish rice than most people realize.

One thing worth knowing: when it comes to real paella, Spaniards are fiercely protective of tradition (just ask Jamie Oliver, who nearly caused a culinary uproar in Spain by adding chorizo to his version). Authentic Valencian paella typically includes rabbit, snails, and garrofón – large Valencian lima beans. While many travelers refer to any rice dish as “paella,” true Spanish restaurants list these variations under arroz (such as arroz negro or arroz del senyoret).

In our class, we learned to cook arroz negro – a rich black rice made with squid ink, and one of my personal favorites. It’s traditionally served with a generous spoonful of garlic alioli on the side. Lola also taught us how to achieve socarrat – the crispy, caramelized layer of rice at the bottom of the pan. As she playfully pointed out, “When a cooking technique has its own name in Spain, it means it’s a big deal.

My Favorite Tapas and Paella Cooking Class (And Why I Highly Recommend It)

All in all, this Tapas and Paella Cooking Class in Madrid was both practical and incredibly enjoyable. Our chef, Lola, was generous in sharing her culinary knowledge and personal insights into traditional Spanish cuisine. These days, many tours and classes are designed for tourists but not by locals – so it’s refreshing and meaningful to learn from someone who truly knows what they’re talking about and is passionate about sharing real cultural context with international travelers.

A cooking class in Spain isn’t just one of the top foodie experiences – though yes, it does end with a delicious local lunch! It’s also a fun, informal way to dive deeper into Spanish culture and habits. Even if you don’t plan to recreate the dishes at home, it’s a great way to explore authentic flavors and traditions in a relaxed setting. But if you do own a Spanish cookbook or have a passion for food, an authentic cooking class is a must – it will absolutely elevate your understanding and become a standout memory from your trip.

As I mentioned during my recent Cider House Tour, there’s something magical about how easily connections form over a shared meal. This Spanish cooking class only reinforced that belief – food gatherings are about so much more than just eating. They’re moments of joy, culture, and human connection.

Unique Foodie Experiences in Madrid

Madrid is one of the best places in Spain to dive into cooking classes and unforgettable foodie experiences. As the nation’s capital and crossroads of all regional roads, the city serves as a vibrant culinary hub – where traditions from every corner of Spain come together in creative and delicious ways.

Here, you can explore the diverse flavors of Spain’s many regions and provinces, and pick up expert tips from locals that will help you cook Spanish dishes like a true pro.

Here are a few standout foodie experiences you shouldn’t miss while in Madrid:

• Tapas Cooking Class & Lunch in a secret venue (check availability) – this one was my Spanish Cooking Classes in Madrid
• Madrid Tapas Walking Tour & Flamenco Show (check availability)
• Spanish Tapas Experience & Sangría Show-cooking (check availability)
• Eat Local Farm Products by a 10th Century Castle (check availability)
• Tapas Cooking Class & Dinner (check availability)
• Croquettes and Tapas workshop in Madrid (check availability)
• Magical Seafood Spanish dinner and drinks in Las Letras (check availability)

Check out the video from this Madrid cooking class:

Read more about my foodie adventures in Spain:

• 40+ Things to Do in Madrid: An Ultimate Guide to the Spanish Capital (read it)
• Best Spanish Tapas and How to Make Them at Home (read it)
• Best Local Food Experiences in Spain Not To Miss (read it)
• Top Foods in the Pyrenees of Spain (read it)
• Tapas & Flamenco Tour in Barcelona (read it)
• Delicious Breakfast in Madrid: My Favorite Spots & Avocado Toasts (read it)
• Family, Countryside, and Cooking The Traditional Paella (read it)
• Visiting Basque Cider House near San Sebastian (read it)
• Breakfast in Valencia: Cute Cafes You Will Love (read it)
• Spanish Eating Habits: Almuerzo in Valencia (read it)
• 10+ Best Local Food Souvenirs from Spain (read it)
• Traditional Spanish Food in Local Villages: Part 1 (read it)
• An Amazing Artichoke Tasting Menu in Benicarlo (read it)
• Gastronomic Weeks in Spain: A Hazelnut Menu (read it)
• Winter Foods in Spain: The Best Hearty Spanish Stews and Soups to Try (read it)
• A Local’s Guide to the Best Spanish Sweets to Try and Buy as Souvenirs (read it)

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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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