San Sebastián has a reputation as a gastronomic heavyweight and consistently ranks among the top cities in the world for dining. It’s home to more Michelin stars per capita than almost any other city, and even a humble family meal can be a source of great gastronomic pleasure. This shared half-day activity introduces you to the region’s cuisine with all its traditions and influences, teaches you the basics of making a traditional Basque meal, and helps you choose wines to accompany your dishes. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that brings you closer to the culinary heritage of the region.
You’ll meet your chef and the rest of your group at a small purpose-designed cooking school in the heart of the city. Over a welcome drink, you’ll learn a little about San Sebastián’s cuisine and how it draws inspiration from all over the Basque Country — fish and seafood from the small fishing villages along the coast to fresh and cured meats from the mountain provinces and pastries and confectionery from the French border areas.
Then, guided by the professional chef, you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn traditional cooking techniques as you prepare a multi-course meal of typical Basque food.
Depending on the day, you might make a hearty entrée of lamb or chicken, or perhaps a lighter meal of fish or soup. Meanwhile, you’ll snack on appetizers ranging from fresh vegetables to local seafood, and finish up by preparing a typical Basque dessert.
Once the meal is ready, you sit down with the rest of your group to enjoy what you’ve cooked. Each course is paired with a carefully curated selection of Spanish wine, the last followed by a local digestif.
At the end, you’ll take away copies of the recipes and a souvenir, as well as a new-found appreciation for the history and traditions of Basque Country life.