Book cooks

PICK YOUR CLASS AND BOOK YOURSELF IN FOR A TASTY SESSION WITH LOCAL EXPERTS WHO WILL SHARE A FEW OF THEIR SECRETS AND TEACH YOU HOW TO SHOP AND COOK UP A SPECIAL TREAT. HERE'S OUR MENU OF SIX OF THE BEST COOKERY CLASSES IN THE ALGARVE

Words: SALLY DIXON

ASIDE FROM the glorious sunshine and expansive beaches, many of us come to the Algarve for the delicious foods and local produce that go into Portuguese cuisine. With farmer’s markets spilling over with just-picked fruit, vegetables and herbs, and fresh seafood readily available, don’t miss the opportunity to have a go at cooking up your own Algarvian storm. Time to get your inner MasterChef out.

1. TERTÚLIA ALGARVE

A trip to Portugal isn’t complete without a traditional cataplana – not only is it a much-loved meal but it also refers to the utensils used to create it. This four-hour cooking class will take you from market to table utilising this iconic piece of Portuguese cooking equipment. You’ll get to learn the flavours and techniques of Algarve cuisine. Along with an apron and participation certificate, the class includes:

– A visit to Faro Municipal Market to purchase all the ingredients for making the cataplana

– Screening of video about the cataplana

– Cookery lesson

– Full meal (drinks included)

– Visit to the shop selling regional products at Tertúlia Algarve

Praça Dom Afonso III, 13-15, 8000-167 Faro

T: 963 636 567

E: info@tertulia-algarvia.pt

W: tertulia-algarvia.pt/en/content/ cataplana-all

2. MIMO ALGARVE

Pine Cliffs, a name synonymous with luxury and good food, has its own cooking school within the resort. MIMO Algarve is home to culinary workshops, featuring everything from Portuguese classics and family pastries to plant-based options, cookies, and cupcakes. Classes run from Tuesday to Saturday. Prices start from €65 per person. Pine Cliffs Resort Praia Da Falesia

8200-909 Albufeira

T: 289 500 300

W: pinecliffs.com/en/mimo-algarve/

3. ALGARVE FOOD EXPERIENCE

Algarve Food Experience brings together a collection of unique immersive food and drink experiences, including cookery classes. Whether it’s a market-to-table cooking experience, orange picking and jam cooking on a farm, a cheese making workshop and picnic with the shepherd or beekeeping for the day, check out their interactive calendar for what’s coming up next. Prices vary depending on the experience.

T: 192 750 9140

E: info@algarvefoodexperience.com

W: algarvefoodexperience.com

4. PORTUGAL FARM EXPERIENCES

‘Farm-to-table’ has become something of a buzz phrase in the culinary world and we’re all for it. Portugal Farm Experiences helps you enjoy the best of local producers throughout Portugal. We love the sound of the Bread & Roasts cooking class, held at a traditional farmhouse in Tavira and for parties of two to ten people. Learn to cook traditional Portuguese bread and a complete roast meal in a wood-burning oven, then get to eat it after! The five-hour class starts at €119 per person and includes:

– Arrival at the farm and welcome

– Cooking class

– Tasting: Complete meal, bread, and drinks (water, wine, coffee, tea)

– All materials and products used

T: 937 848 011

E: hello@portugalfarmexperiences.com

W: portugalfarmexperience.com/cookingclasses-algarve/

5. ALGARVE CUISINE ACADEMY

Executive chef José Domingos is the name behind the Algarve Cuisine Academy. If you’re serious about cooking then this kitchen academy offers intensive 60-hour and 100-hour courses, alongside cooking courses for young teenagers and day workshops, offering wide ranging topics including healthy cooking, Italian, French, Mexican, and Indian cuisines, quick cooking, pastries, cookies, and gluten-free cooking. Prices vary depending on the workshop.

Rua Dr. Joaquim da Rocha Peixoto

Magalhães, Bloco-D Loja-B

8000-536 Faro

T: 919 963 564

E: algarvecuisineacademy@gmail.com

W: algarvecuisineacademy.com

6. TASTE ALGARVE

If you’ve got a group looking for private tuition, then check out Taste Algarve who can organise cooking classes for groups on request.

Classes take place at their traditional farm in Monte do Álamo and involve creating a three-course meal rich in Algarvian flavours. If you book on the right day, you can even get a trip to Tavira market in and get involved in the selection of the ingredients. Minimum of two people to confirm a group. Prices start at €125 per person for a group size of 4-10 people.

Monte do Álamo, Tavira

T: 281 098 209

E: mariana@tastealgarve.com

W: https://www.tastealgarve.com/cookingclass-3-courses