Gastronomic Arts Barcelona Review: Paella Cooking Class
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Looking for a unique culinary experience in Barcelona? Of all the things I’ve done in Barcelona, this was hands-down one of my favorite experiences I’ve had!
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, this hands-on class offers a perfect blend of education, fun, and delicious cuisine.
From preparing fresh ingredients to chowing down the final dish with new friends, you’ll love diving into the heart of Spanish gastronomy with Gastronomic Arts Barcelona. Below, I’ll share my experience and tell you exactly why this class should be on your Barcelona itinerary!
What to Expect
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this tour, but it exceeded all of my expectations! The flexibility of making it as hands-on or hands-off as I wanted was perfect. Gastronomic Arts made everything simple and fun—a great learning experience that I wholeheartedly recommend.
I would recommend this for friends or couples, but not so much for young kids. If you have teenagers, though, it could be a fantastic way to spend an evening together during your trip.
The class is located right on La Rambla. While it’s not my favorite place in the city (too crowded, too many pickpockets!), it is in a beautiful kitchen located right off the street.
The kitchen’s location is easy to get to, either by walking from nearby areas or via a short train ride. If you haven’t explored La Rambla before, consider arriving early to stroll down one of Barcelona’s most popular streets.
Learn more about Gastronomic Art’s Complete Paella Interactive Experience â–º
My Experience
When we arrived, we were greeted with a friendly ice breaker session where everyone introduced themselves—after all, we were about to cook and eat dinner together! I visited in April and we had a full class. I loved the size – a perfect small group, in my opinion.
Since I took this tour on a bank holiday, we didn’t visit the Boqueria Market. Keep in mind that markets aren’t open on Sundays or bank holidays. They’ll collect the fresh fish for you the day before, so you’ll still get a delicious meal.
But, if going to the market with a chef is on your bucket list, I’d recommend opting for another day. Taking this class on a day when the market is included is a really cool learning experience to see how the local chefs choose their fresh seafood from Barcelona’s famous markets.
After getting settled, we were treated to sangria (they taught us how to make this using pre-prepared ingredients) and a few tapas, which were unsurprisingly delicious.
The chef talked to us about how we would prepare the paella and what to expect when we entered the kitchen. This gave us a little more time to get to know each other and enjoy a classic Spanish drink while the crew prepared the kitchen.
Cooking
Finally, it was time to cook! You can choose between making a chicken or seafood paella—I went for the traditional seafood option.
Now, a lot of times, you might think that a cooking class means you watch a chef cook in front of you, and they’ll give you some tips, tricks, and pointers along the way. Maybe they’ll even let you cut a tomato or two. This is NOT that kind of class.
This class is truly hands-on; you’re involved in every step, from cutting vegetables to de-spining the squid (seriously). Don’t worry if you’re not comfortable with every task; you can do as much or as little as you like, with plenty of other guests to step in when you need!
From cutting the vegetables to despining the squid (seriously), this cooking class is HANDS-ON, and it’s all up to YOU! Don’t be too worried; really, you can do as much or as little as you want.
There will be other guests to take over if it’s not for you.
The chef teaches you everything from how to prepare and present the shrimp to how to pour the rice into the paella pan.
They will also give you a history of the process, the ingredients, and a few jokes along the way. Paella making is a process, so you’ll want to have some patience here—pour a glass of sangria, listen along, and enjoy the ride.
The crew was very supportive, answering questions and offering hands-on help. One participant even joked that he now knew that he’d been making paella wrong all his life!
Check pricing and availability with Gastronomic Arts Barcelona â–º
Eating Dinner
FINALLY! Our paella was done and ready to eat. It was truly beautiful (which I’m not sure I’ve ever said about a dish).
The team served everyone a delicious plate of paella (after we all had the chance to take a photo of our creation, of course). You’ll also be served with a delicious and traditional Catalan dessert. We had plenty of time to enjoy our meal, chat, and make new friends. Enjoying the fruits of your labor makes all that time and work worth it!
Pros
- So hands-on
- Such a unique experience: I like to say experiences are the best souvenirs.
- Delicious
- Didn’t feel too touristy
- Educational
- Great for couples, solo travelers, and friends
- Convenient location for travelers to get to
- Inside: rain of shine! Great for those scourging hot July and August dayas.
Cons
- Patience: If you don’t have much of it, a paella class may not be for you
- Not a great setup for kids: may not fit for a family night out
- Avoid pickpockets: careful going to and from class on La Rambla!
- Preparing raw seafood: if this freaks you out, you won’t like how nitty-gritty this is!
Why a Cooking Class?
This cooking class is a fantastic way to learn a new skill and enjoy a traditional Spanish meal. It’s an immersive experience that connects you to the local culture and cuisine.
Plan a cooking class with Gastronomic Arts â–º
Know Before You Go
- Come hungry! You won’t have to wait too long before snacking. Paella is a hefty meal, so you’ll want to be hungry!
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be standing for the duration of the class.
- Water, sangria, and non-alcoholic drinks are provided.
- The class lasts about 3 hours and will take up a full evening, but ends early enough that you can go get drinks or go out afterward.
Final Thoughts:
This paella cooking class was unforgettable and one of my favorite things I’ve ever done in Barcelona.
Whether you’re a foodie, a cooking enthusiast, or best of all: simply looking for a unique experience, this class is a must-do. Gastronomic Arts exceeded all of my expectations and I know they’ll exceed yours too!!
Enjoy your time, make new friends, and savor every bite of the delicious paella you create!
