The best way to immerse yourself in the culture of a new place is to dive right in. When food’s a part of the equation, it’s even better. That’s why we highly recommend cooking classes in San Sebastian (and any corner of the world that you’re visiting).
Whether you’re looking to learn about pintxos (the Basque version of tapas), the fine arts of the local Michelin-star restaurants or just want to spend a fun afternoon cooking, there’s something for everyone in San Sebastian.
Why take a cooking class in San Sebastian?
San Sebastian in the Basque Country is a perfect place to take a cooking class due to its rich culinary heritage, access to fresh, high-quality ingredients from local markets, and its renowned gastronomic culture.
With its abundance of pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants (and those deserving of one), San Sebastian offers an impressive landscape to explore local flavors and learn from skilled chefs.
Another aspect of gastronomy culture that sets San Sebastian apart is their unique tradition of gastronomic societies called txokos (or, in Basque, elkarteak). Txokos are basically cooking clubs where locals and their close friends and family hang out, cook, and eat together. These spots are like secret foodie clubs, and there are over 1,300 of them all over the Basque Country, with a history dating back to the 19th century. While most of them are members-only, if you’re lucky, you might make a local friend who invites you to check out one of these cool places.
Simply put, the city’s culinary scene is legendary and offers a wide range of traditional and modern dishes that showcase the essence of Basque cuisine.
With that in mind, check out our list of San Sebastian cooking classes that promise a cultural immersion and a memorable addition to your trip.
Cooking class with Devour Tours
Want to master iconic Basque Country dishes and savor the region’s finest drinks? Eager to visit local markets, select fresh ingredients, and have a genuine market-to-table experience? Then you’re in the right place with this Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian.
Take part in an intimate cooking experience that brings you closer to the heart of Basque culinary traditions. This exceptional class, in collaboration with a historic family restaurant in San Sebastian’s Old Town, offers you exclusive access to their kitchen. With the guidance of a skilled professional chef, you’ll create four beloved Basque dishes: Spain’s famed potato omelet (Spanish tortilla) codfish (bacalao) in pil pil sauce, steak with red piquillo peppers, and iconic burnt Basque cheesecake.
You’ll also get to sip on a classic selection of beverages including Basque cider, red and white wines, and ice apple cider (a fermented drink unique to the region). What more could you ask for?
Ama Ur Cooking Studio: Cooking classes for Basque and international cuisine
Want to learn how to prepare the most iconic pintxos in San Sebastian? Or maybe you’re curious about cooking up dishes from around the world? Then look no further than Ama Ur Cooking Studio.
With born-and-raised Basque chef Lander Ganzo, you’ll learn the secret techniques behind the best bites in town, and more. The world-famous anchovies of Bar Txepetxa and the award-winning cheesecake of La Viña are on the menu, along with so much more.
Lander has years of experience working in the most important restaurants in San Sebastian, and beyond. Curiosity took him around the world where he studied and explored different international cuisines and ingredients. With a special knowledge of Asian gastronomic cultures and techniques, Lander offers a wide selection of workshops. Besides his classes centered around San Sebastian pintxos and traditional Basque cuisine, he provides a wide range of other classes covering topics like ramen, Thai, Indian, South Vietnamese, Peruvian, poké, Asian curries, pasta, dumplings, and more.
We love the variety of classes, and the relaxed atmosphere that they’re offered in. It feels like you’re cooking and learning with an old friend. The studio and kitchen are cozy and extremely well organized, which makes the experience simple and smooth.
As a bonus, if you want to take your foodie skills to the next level, Ama Ur Cooking Studio offers a workshop on the basics of gastronomic photography—something that comes in very handy in San Sebastian, where the bar counters are full of beautiful pintxos to photograph!
Chef Ben: Intro to Basque cuisine
For a mouth-watering intro to Basque cuisine, chef Bendur Elizondo’s cooking experiences come highly recommended.
Chef Ben has a desire to share his passion and knowledge with those interested in Basque culture and cuisine. He started offering private gastronomic experiences after many years of working in international kitchens in different countries.
Most classes start with a tour at the local markets to buy the ingredients, so fresh quality is guaranteed. The classes usually run for around four, and during that time, you’ll get a crash course in how to prepare pintxos (the famous Basque finger food), traditional techniques of Basque cuisine or even how to master a perfect paella. For those who are more into haute cuisine, there’s also a class all about Michelin star techniques.
And the best part? At the end of the class you will get to enjoy the fruit of your work with a great selection of Spanish wines.
Insider’s tip: Chef Ben offers a wide range of experiences, and even the smallest members of the family are welcome. Check out his cooking class specifically designed for parents and children.
Cooking class with Tenedor Tours
Fancy learning about the Basque history and culture while in the kitchen? We’re all on the same page.
Tenedor Tours‘ cooking classes are renowned for offering more than just culinary skills. Along with mastering essential traditional Basque recipes, you’ll also dig deep into the local culture. You’ll also step out of the kitchen to explore local markets and gourmet shops, handpicking your ingredients. What better way to guarantee top-notch quality?
As a bonus with all of these cooking classes in San Sebastian, you’ll bring back the perfect souvenir: recipes of some of the most legendary Basque dishes.
This post was updated on August 16, 2023
Get the true taste of cooking in Basque Country with our Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian, where you’ll learn the regional essentials. We’ve partnered with a professional chef who will guide you through creating several beloved Basque dishes. Don’t miss it!