Private Tour
Authentic Greek Cooking & Foraging Experience in Syros with Maria
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This immersive cooking class in Syros is ideal for travelers looking for authentic culinary experiences with locals. Forage wild herbs and greens on a guided walk with a professional chef. Learn about traditional Cycladic cooking techniques and local ingredients. Prepare an authentic Greek meal in a local home using foraged herbs, organic produce, and ancient grains. Enjoy a personalized, seasonal menu paired with local Greek wine.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Private cooking class and foraging experience with your host Maria
What To Expect
Cook with local ingredients in Maria's home in Syros. Depending on the season, your culinary journey begins with a walk near Maria’s home, where she will teach you how to identify and gather wild herbs and greens. Maria will share her deep knowledge, both historical and scientific, about these plants, including their uses in herbal medicine and how to incorporate them into unexpected, delicious recipes. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, return to Maria’s home kitchen to transform these wild plants, along with organic vegetables and legumes, into a memorable meal. This hands-on Syros cooking experience is guided by Maria, who will share cooking techniques, nutritional insights, and personal stories throughout the process. You’ll prepare a unique, traditional Greek meal that goes beyond the usual Greek dishes, featuring local cheeses, vegetables, legumes, and grains. Since meat was traditionally used sparingly, the focus is on vegetable-rich dishes enhanced with small amounts of meat. This immersive cooking class in Syros is ideal for travelers looking for authentic culinary experiences with locals.
Sample Menu
starter
Seasonal peasant's salad decorated with wild flowers
or Wild rock samphire salad with carrots and beetroots and "petimezi" sauce
main
Fava
“padremeni” (yellow split peas topped with onions, sun-dried capers, and tomatoes) or Patates adinaktes (potatoes cooked in red wine with coriander)
main
Tourlou
(seasonal vegetables baked with chickpeas) or Fresh black-eyed peas or Melitzanes dellagratsiano (a local version of moussaka with eggplant)
dessert
Semolina halva with saffron or A homemade sweet
dessert
Greek wine
Options
Cooking and lunch (in French)
French Translator: This option includes a French translator.
Cooking class and dinner
Cooking class and lunch
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Would highly recommend!
Kenneth G,
Jul 2, 2024
- Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience! Maria was extremely knowledgable about her craft, and she spent lots of time ensuring that we walked away with new knowledge about herbs, flavors and ingredients native to Syros. She is passionate about cooking and teaching others. The food was absolutely delicious--even the meat eaters in our family thoroughly enjoyed the vegetarian meal. Overall this was a great learning experience with great conversation. We would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Syros who is interested in learning about the local produce and traditional dishes.
Best cooking experience!
Kim P,
Jun 19, 2024
- Viator
5.00Maria’s cooking class was unique and fascinating ; a wonderful blend of local ingredients and authentic Greek cuisine with Maria’s special take. Maria is so welcoming and kind. The meal was delicious and we highly recommend this experience.
It’s what Syros is all about!
Robert P,
Sep 14, 2023
- Viator
5.00Maria is incredible! Her knowledge about local herbs and spices in cooking and how it relates to your health is unprecedented! One comes to Syros to be off the beaten path to get true local color. Maria doesn’t disappoint! I only wish we could bring her to America to cook for us! Thank you Maria for a truly wonderful meal and experience!
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