One of the things I get asked for a lot is a recommendation for the best cooking classes in Buenos Aires.
Where can I learn how to make an empanada like a local?
Finally, after many years, I finally made it to a Buenos Aires cooking class and am so happy to recommend it here because I have to say, we had a lot of fun (and ended the night by eating very well).
Criolla is a new cooking and wine space in the heart of Palermo Soho.
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Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires: What to Expect
When looking for a cooking class in Buenos Aires you need to ask yourself if you want to be in a kitchen or at a grill.
In classic cooking classes you’ll learn how to make things like empanadas, a dessert like a flan or alfajores, and other staples which can vary depending on the class.
If you want to learn how to grill like an Argentine, you’ll need to take an asado specific cooking class.
Luckily, Criolla offers both, as well as bespoke wine tastings.
I was invited to try their Foundations of Argentina Cooking class and this article is all about my experience, as always all gluttonous opinions are my own.
Criolla Cooking & Wine: The Best Cooking Class in Buenos Aires
My friend and I walked up to the doors of Criolla already giddy, both being moms of two young toddlers each we were ready for this night out.
And lucky for us tired moms, the night started early for Argentine standards, at 7:30.
That’s because you’ll spend a couple of hours cooking before digging in to all of your creations for a decadent dinner.
The beginning of the class felt like arriving at a friends house for a dinner party.
It was casual and relaxed as we all got to know each other and the sommelier taught us how to create a classic vermouth cocktail to kick off the night.
Vermouth in hand, we mingled, all quickly bonding and getting very chatty.
I actually don’t think the chatter stopped until we were in taxis at the end of the night, something about cooking together (and the wine) created quite the dinner party vibe.
Getting down to business, the chef welcomed us, we were given aprons, knives and cutting boards.
The night was very organized.
We were all assigned tasks to help prepare the empanada fillings, learning how to properly dice each vegetable and how to treat the meat.
Learning how to cook what we just prepared, we took turns at being the ones at the stove versus the ones watching.
Overall, and it’s even more clear looking back, the night was very well put together with an easy flow.
Tasks were divided up so everyone had something different to do, but at the same time everything was clearly demonstrated.
I feel we learned all the tasks to be able to successfully recreate these recipes at home.
It flowed easily from prepping the ingredients to mixing the doughs for chipa and the empanadas by hand to the most important part of the night…
Learning how to properly close an empanada.
Things that look easy rarely are and when it comes to closing an empanada, it’s an artform that I’m far from having perfected.
Buenos Aires Cooking Class turned Dining Experience
When the knives and aprons were put away and the flour washed from our hands, we all sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
We cooked everything we’d be eating except for two things: dessert (which we watched and learned how to make at the beginning of the night) and our steak.
As we sat down, our chef talked us through the preparation of the meat and the decadent malbec sauce that would accompany it.
By the time we’d eaten our starters, prepared EXPERTLY by us if I do say so myself, the steak was ready.
Everything was tastefully paired with Argentine wines with explanations from the house sommelier.
Dessert and coffee marked the end of the night because a meal in Argentina is never complete without a sweet.
How to Reserve Your Buenos Aires Cooking Class
If you’re ready to book your night with Criolla, click here to select your class (foundations or asado) and date.
Kid friendly? Criolla is kid friendly, allowing children 8 and up. Keep in mind that it is a late night, we left at almost 11 pm, you know your children’s interests and limits best.
Click to reserve your cooking classIf you’re wanting something private or more curated, reach out to them to organize something to fit your needs.
Maybe you have a large family and want to accommodate the children at a more convenient hour or you’re traveling with a large group of friends, email them to see what Criolla can put together for you.
