Guided Cooking Class with a Local in Samara

Overview

Available languages

English

French

Spanish

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Our project aims to help you discover the secrets of this cuisine. To learn to cook alongside a passionate chef, who will take pleasure in explaining to you in English or Spanish, and to help you master the techniques and specialties of this dear country.

Empanadas, plátanos, picadillo de gallo, frijoles molidos, tamales. Vegetarian or not, you are welcome for this new experience.

It's a 3-hour course with the preparation of a dish and a juice that's a little out of the ordinary.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Kitchen equipment

What To Expect

Learn to cook alongside a passionate Tico. Jorge is a Tico born in Samara, who has been cooking since he was little. He first learned to cook rice, the most popular food in Costa Rica, from his family. And then, he helped his mother cut the vegetables, taste the dishes, balance the spices and aromatics. Here, the majority of men know how to cook. In the school curriculum, a few hours are devoted to cooking. Empanadas, plátanos, picadillo de gallo, frijoles molidos, tamales. Vegetarian or not, you are welcome for this experience. It's a 3-hour course with the preparation of a dish and a juice that's a little out of the ordinary. Group or private lessons, at home or with our chef, vegetarian or not. Do not hesitate to ask us for more information. The course includes: 3 hours with the chef to learn, cook, practice. In French, English or Spanish. Tasting of the products made that day where you can also take them home.

Sample Menu

main

Platanos

Plantain fritter

main

Picadillo de Gallo

Small salad of tomato, onions, coriander

main

Sweet frijoles

Homemade bean pastes to dip your chips

main

Empanada

Slipper

main

Case Juice

delicious

Options

Guided Cooking Class with a Local in Samara

Reviews

4.94

18 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great way to learn about local cuisine
rd467,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time cooking with Jorge. With his guidance, we created delicious, local dishes and learned about Costa Rican cuisine.
Awesome Experience A Must Do!
terrymM1351AP,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My husband and I appreciated the welcome Jorge provided to his home. His attention to detail in teaching us the preparation of authentic Costa Rica cuisine was outstanding. We were delighted to have such a nontraditional approach to our Thanksgiving making for a very special and educational evening. Plan to visit with Jorge for an inspirational time and exploration in the wonders of Costa Rican cuisine.
Authentic Costa Rican experience!
Beverly J,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Jorge welcomed us into his home for a delightful & delicious Costa Rican cooking class. He put us right to work chopping ingredients for ceviche and he accommodated my dietary needs (vegan) beautifully! We made two kinds of ceviche, one with fish, one with a local vegetable. We made patacondes and beans & enjoyed a delicious local drink made with tamarind. Highly recommend as we practiced our Spanish in addition to delicious food.
Authentic!
alexbL3146RB,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Chef Jorge was extremely friendly and passionate about local cuisine. The most authentic cooking class I’ve ever been to.
Local Touch
dougdX3458HL,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Jorge and Jose were very friendly and flexible in our meal planning. We used tuna and mahi mahi that we caught on a fishing trip. The mahi mahi ceviche was delicious. The shrimp sauce on the tuna was delightful. Jose washed dishes, utensils in our condo before we used them to prepare the meal. We were surprised they did not bring their own chef knives. Each dish was explained as we prepped it, except the shrimp sauce. During the meal, we asked Jorge to provide details on the contents and cooking sequence of the shrimp sauce. We were also surprised they did not stay and help clean up. It was a lovely evening of meal prep and sharing good food:
Local Tico cuisine and culture!
geewalt,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great local experience with Jorge. My wife and I love to take cooking classes when we travel to absorb some local culture and this experience did not disappoint. We opted to go to Jorge's place just on the outskirts of Samara (he will also come to your place). Though his kitchen was tiny, we were able to make several dishes including guacamole, fried plantains, fresh corn tortillas and chicken with vegetables. Very fresh ingredients and he guided us through the process allowing us to do the chopping and prep work. Meal was fantastic and the whole experience was worth it.
Great experience
mitchmxxx,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great educational experience where we learned how to cook some authentic food, but also had the opportunity to learn more about their culture in the area as well. It was a good overall experience. We do highly recommend him.
Cooking with Jorge and Jose
lauriesU1947ZP,
Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked the Guided Cooking Class with Jorge and Jose for a Costa Rican cooking experience, and it was such fun from start to finish. They arrived with all the ingredients and supplies needed, making the entire process seamless and stress-free. Jorge and Jose guided us through the preparing and cooking of several delicious Costa Rican dishes, sharing recipes and cultural highlights during the cooking process. One of the highlights was learning how to make a special Costa Rican drink, Cacique Guaro, a unique and flavorful addition that made the evening even more memorable. Their joy and professionalism for Costa Rican cuisine made the experience not only educational but incredibly fun. We laughed, learned, and enjoyed every bite together. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a hands-on, authentic culinary adventure. And they did the dishes! Thank you, Jorge and Jose, for such a fun evening 😊
When in Samara, cook with Jorge.
Heyeonlife,
Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time. You can tell Jorge loves to share his passion for cooking and Costa Rica. We prepared a few unique dishes. I can’t wait to try these at home.
Delicious and educational!
FarAway41408,
Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing time with Jorge. He was thoughtful and intentional about teaching us and accommodated our food preferences. We learned about Costa Rican food and cooking - but also about the rich culture and history of the country and Guanacaste province. The amazing food we cooked was icing on the cake! Thanks to this wonderful teacher and host.