The 7 Most Authentic Cooking Classes in Lisbon, Portugal from a Local
Have you been wondering about cooking classes in Lisbon? I’ve got you covered!
I have been a resident in the Lisbon area for the last 8 years, and during that time I have had the pleasure of taking several Portuguese cooking classes. When I first moved here, I didn’t know how to make any of the traditional Portuguese dishes my partner loved so much.
It bothered me a lot more than it bothered him, but when we went to the Time Out Market one summer day, I realized they gave cooking classes! That’s when I enrolled in my first class – and needless to say, it was an absolute revelation. I’ll never wrinkle my nose at salted cod again!
Although it did take me a bit to hit the right recipes, he (and my mother-in-law!!) has since given my home-cooked Portuguese dishes his seal of excellence! And after a few more classes, as well as a few more disasters under my belt, I felt confident enough to cook salted cod for all our friends over Easter this year!
I’ve compiled a list of the best cooking classes offered in English in Lisbon so that you can start your own culinary journey while in Portugal. From learning the basics of traditional Portuguese cuisine to creating delicious desserts, there’s something for everyone to love.
Read on to find out where you can learn to truly bring the best flavors out of Portuguese ingredients.
⭐ Top 3 Quick Guide:
Here’s a quick guide to the best English cooking classes in Lisbon
My Top 3 Picks: Cooking Classes in Lisbon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Market Tour, Cooking Class and lunch
✅ Private class for a personalized touch
✅ Authentic experience in a local’s home
✅ Get to enjoy a local food market
Hands-on Portuguese Cooking Class
✅ Professional cooking school with your own cooking station
✅ Have a fun evening meeting other people in the group
✅ Learn to cook both a fish and a meat dish
✅ Great atmosphere in a small cooking school
✅ Recipe is easy to reproduce at home
✅ Small group means very hands-on
Best 7 Cooking Classes Lisbon
1. Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class by Homecooking
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ CLASS LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Belem
At the Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class, you’ll spend three hours with a professional chef in Homecooking’s fabulous kitchen learning the recipes that have been passed down through generations.
You’ll create a range of dishes—an appetizer, two entrees, a side and dessert—all while enjoying local wines or beer and the famous cherry liqueur to pair with your meal. This is the only tour which includes both savory and sweet offerings as well as a variety of spirits and is the most rounded experience. I really loved it!
What I liked most was the intimate class setting; with a maximum of eight people in each group, you get to meet some people but also have plenty of one-on-one time with the instructor. You also have the pleasure of dining with the group, so it’s a really fun way to mingle with the group.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this class! I did this class with my little boy who was 7 at the time and we both really enjoyed mingling with the group and creating delicious dishes! You don’t need any prior cooking experience—just enthusiasm! The chef provides step-by-step guidance as you prepare some of the country’s most beloved recipes.
Recipes are provided after the class, but don’t have too much wine so you remember how to make them at home! This is an immersive hands-on experience that left a great impression on me. Not to be missed!
This class is appropriate for children above 6 years of age.
This was the highlight of my trip! Pedro was a great teacher. The other people in the class were very good company as well. It was a fun and informative class. We made an appetiser, a few entrees, a side and a dessert. We had wine while we cooked, which was included. Our meal came out really nice. I highly recommend.
– John (Read more reviews)
Getyour Guide
2. Hands-on cooking class offered by Compadre Cooking School
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ CLASS LENGTH: 3 hours 📍 LOCATION: Anjos
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This amazing Hands-on Cooking Class is a great way to learn about the Portuguese culture with locals, all while having fun! Although I haven’t personally done this class, the highlight of this experience is the instructor’s storytelling gift and sense of humor!
The teaching style makes learning about the history of each recipe and how it has been passed down through generations truly meaningful.
At the end of the class, you will sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you made with other visitors, paired with local wines. The instructor easily conveys how important food and wine is to Portuguese culture and the cultural exchange is definitely a highlight of the experience.
Although the class can hold up to 12 people, groups are usually smaller than this, offering a more intimate encounter.
The standards for cleanliness and safety were excellent. Great recipes were shared electronically. The clam dish couldn’t have been better. Teaching skills were obvious as was relationship building. We were not allowed to clean up. The owners claimed that as their job. We enjoyed eating our delicious meal together with a serving of wine.
-Don (Read more reviews)
Viator
3. Petiscos Cooking Class by Homecooking
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ CLASS LENGTH: 3 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Belem
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Petiscos Cooking Class is another class offered by Homecooking, but this time food centers around finger foods and appetizers. Your chef will take you on a culinary journey that begins with preparing five petiscos, or small bites, which are staples in Portuguese cuisine.
You’ll learn how to make each dish using the traditional cooking methods used by locals while sipping on some of Portugal’s best wines. And when you’re done working in the beautiful stainless steel kitchen, you’ll get to enjoy your delicious creations in the relaxing atmosphere.
This unforgettable evening of learning and fun is for up to 8 people, but groups are often smaller.
Pedro did an amazing job of making us all feel welcome, teaching us some new recipes and allowing us to explore traditional/local cuisine. He gave us great cooking advice in a phenomenal atmosphere that allowed us to have a great evening! We will take our new knowledge home and share with friends! Loved learning the petiscos!!
-Christine (Read more reviews)
Viator
4. Pasteis de Nata Baking Class by Lisboa Food Studio
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ CLASS LENGTH: 1.5 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Belem ✅ Book it!
Ever wonder how they get the edges so crispy on the pastel de nata? Join this baking class and bring the secret home with you! Learn how to make this iconic Portuguese delicacy by following the chef’s instructions and preparing everything from scratch.
This was one of my favourite classes! Since my mother in law didn’t know how to make these and baking is my forte, I was dying to find out how they get that trademark swirl on the bottom of the tart. I also really liked that I could take this class in the morning since most are offered late afternoon to evening.
Flaky puff pastry and delicious custard filling await you at Lisboa Food Studio. And while the tarts were in the oven, I enjoyed a drink and learnt a little about the history and chemistry of this delightful treat.
With classes limited to 12 people, I got individual attention and plenty of time to practice my technique. Plus, everyone took a few pasteis de nata for their friends and family back home! Make sure to book this class if you’ve got a craving for a sweet experience!
Absolutely loved, loved, loved, the class. Took it on may 11th, 2023–would highly recommend it The recipe was so easy and tasted sooo much better than the ones we were eating out from the bakeries. It was a ton of fun and a great activity to do while in Lisbon!
-Zainab (Read more reviews)
Viator
5. Market Tour and Private Cooking Class in Lisbon
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ CLASS LENGTH: 4 hours| 📍 LOCATION: Arroios
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The Market Tour and Private Cooking Class offers tourists a personalized experience. The experience starts at the local Arroios market, where you’ll spend some time with Maria visiting the best local market stalls. You’ll get to sample their products and choose with her what to cook for a tailored menu based on your own preferences.
Then Maria will take you home where her partner Louis will welcome you into their home to start cooking together. In her kitchen, you’ll make two starters, a main dish, and a dessert.
Although this tour is private, it can accommodate up to 4 people. I haven’t done this class myself, but it’s highly recommended if you’d like something unique that goes beyond the typical tourist traps. If you’re looking for an authentic Portuguese vibe, this is your ticket!
Maria met us at the market and explained what and why she was buying. She asked our preferences about everything. Once we purchased very fresh ingredients, we walked to her house. We were made very comfortable and served water and wine. She put together some starters and we had some of those. She gave us directions and we helped prepare the meal. Everything was delicious. We had great conversation, good food and lovely wine. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We learned a great deal about Portuguese culture along with our meal. Thank you Maria and Luis!
-Mary (Read more reviews)
Viator
6. Cooking Class at TimeOut Market
⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 2-3 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Cais do Sodre ✅ Book it!
Time Out Market is the perfect place to placate the foodie in you while in Lisbon. They offer classes for all ages and abilities, from beginner to advanced. The Portuguese cooking classes provide an authentic taste of the country’s cuisine, with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.
And if you’re a fan of World Food, their international classes are just as delicious! For those who love Pastel de Nata, there’s also a class dedicated to that! Plus, kids will love the Masterkids experience where they use professional tools and techniques with a Michelin-star chef.
It’s an unforgettable experience for any family looking to have some culinary fun while exploring Lisbon! To top it all off, these classes are some of the best-priced on the market, so make your reservation quickly or you’ll miss out! If you’re having trouble booking online, you can inquire at the shop or send them an email since classes do sell out quickly online.
We have just participated in a cooking workshop that involved walking through the market place, cooking our own food, learning new techniques, with a great wine and desert. Our chef leader (Miguel Mesquitta) and his sub-chef (Esmeralda) were great fun. Now I can cook two very typical Portuguese dishes. Great fun! And a good way to spend three hours meeting new people
-Ian (Read more reviews)
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7. Shared Market Tour and Cooking Class
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ CLASS LENGTH: 5 hours |📍 LOCATION: Arroios
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The Shared Market Tour Cooking Class is a great way to experience Portuguese food and culture as part of a group instead of privately. The fun here is to learn the traditional recipes from a local chef and get inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the local market.
The experience starts with a trip around the market to pick up all the necessary ingredients for the cooking class, and then you join the chef in a hands-on lesson to learn how to make a fish dish, a meat dish, and a dessert.
The best part is sitting with your new foodie friends after the cooking and getting to enjoy what you cooked at the end of the class! Cooking Lisbon has an excellent kitchen with room for up to 12 participants in the class.
We had a wonderful day with Hugo. The class takes place in a kitchen store that had a variety of useful products. We had a fun experience with Hugo going to the market and he really made us comfortable by telling stories. The market was the best we saw in Portugal. He helped to negotiate purchases of sardines, cheese and sausage. The class was also a blast. There were 12 present and each of us had a task to perform. As the day progressed so did the wine drinking and soon the 12 of us were the best of friends, and talking together. Hugo kept his eye on the progress of the meal. He made sure each of us had something to do so we felt we contributed. He did a dessert that involved boiling bacon yes bacon in the creme/butter mixture. It gave the pudding a smoky flavor. He served sausage , traditional cod fish and potatoes. A wonderful experience and I am glad we did it.
-Greg (Read more reviews)
Viator
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What to Consider When Choosing Lisbon Cooking Classes
1. Choose a cooking class that suits your mood. If you are looking for something relaxed and fun, opt for a leisurely class in someone’s home. If you’re looking to challenge yourself with more techniques and recipes, look for a more serious, professional setup like at TimeOut.
2. Consider the menu and ingredients used in each class – some classes may focus on traditional Portuguese cuisine while others may take a more global approach with dishes from around the world. As a foodie, a tour of the market may be particularly interesting to you. You’ll also want to decide whether you want to bake or cook dinner.
3. Make sure to book early if possible – especially during high season when many classes can fill up quickly!
4. Check the reviews of the cooking class before booking to get an idea of what other people think about their experience.
5. Timing – Find out how much time is allocated for each course and what time it takes place, so you can walk the streets and fit the class around other activities in Lisbon!
6. Decide whether you prefer a private class or a group class so you can meet other people over a glass of wine. Group classes are also cheaper which may be the best option if you’ve got a smaller budget.
FAQs About Cooking Classes Lisbon
What food is Lisbon famous for?
Lisbon is famous for its seafood and Portuguese cuisine. Fresh fish, such as bacalhau (cod) & caldeirada (fish stew), are staples in Lisbon’s restaurants. Along with seafood, grilled sardines, pasteis de nata (custard tarts), and Carcavelos wine are all widely popular among locals.
Are any drinks included with the cooking classes?
Yes! All the recommended cooking class include complimentary drinks, including beer, wine or cherry liqueur.
How long do the cooking classes last?
Each cooking class lasts approximately 3 to 5 hours, during which participants will learn how to prepare several different dishes with guidance from the experienced chef leading the class.
What kind of meals are cooked in the cooking classes?
Cooking classes in Lisbon feature meals from all over Portugal, ranging from traditional recipes to modern interpretations of classic dishes. All the ingredients used are fresh and locally sourced, especially if you go to a market, so guests can expect to be served delicious food that’s packed with flavor.
🤩 Market Tour and Cooking Class is an incredible authentic Portuguese experience in Maria’s home
Final Thoughts: Cooking Class Lisbon
Lisbon cooking academies are a great way to explore the city’s culinary culture and pick up some valuable kitchen skills.
From traditional Portuguese recipes to modern takes on old favorites, you will be sure to find something that gets your mouth watering! So tie on your apron and lets get cooking!
