The Mercado de Triana is built on the site of the old castle of San Jorge, and it is one of the most pleasant places in the city to learn how Andalusians cook. This evening class takes place inside the market, at stalls 75 to 77 near Calle Callao, and starts at six in the evening. The group is capped at sixteen, the class is taught in English, and it lasts about three hours. You begin with the starters, which on the standard menu include salmorejo Cordobés, the thick cold tomato soup of Córdoba that is a staple of Seville summers, and a dish of spinach with chickpeas, with the starter varying on some dates to flamenco eggs, cod fritters or garlic prawns. The main event is a Valencian paella with chicken and vegetables, cooked in the pan under the instructors' direction, and the dessert is a lemon sorbet with cava. Sangria is made and served as you cook. At the end, you eat the three-course dinner you have prepared, accompanied by two drinks per person, wine, beer or soft drink. Aprons, chopping boards, knives and utensils are provided. The class is a mix of hands-on cooking and chef-led demonstration, which is worth knowing: you will take part, but the instructors lead the key steps. Most reviewers praise the instructors, the participation and the food, and the class is rated about 4.9 from hundreds of reviews. There is no formal dietary policy to quote, though vegetarians have been accommodated, so tell the organisers when you book. The class is not wheelchair accessible, though strollers are fine, and pickup and drop-off are not provided.
Why choose it
It is an evening activity that gives you a meal, a skill and a social experience in one booking. It is ideal for couples, friends and small groups who like to cook, and it puts you in Triana at dusk, when the market and the neighbourhood are at their most atmospheric. Because the class is taught in the market itself, you also get a sense of how people shop and eat in the city.
Practicalities
The class starts at six in the evening and lasts about three hours, so plan a late finish and no other dinner. The meeting point is near Calle Callao beside Bodega Bar Callao. Free cancellation is available up to twenty-four hours before. If you have dietary restrictions, contact the organisers in advance, since the menu includes meat and shellfish on some dates. The class is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Making an evening of it
Arrive early and wander the market stalls and the streets around the Plaza del Altozano, or cross the Puente de Isabel II at sunset for the view of the Torre del Oro. After the class, a short walk along Calle Betis finishes the evening on the river. If you enjoy food, pair it with a tapas tour on another night to see the other side of Seville's table.
Even if you have never cooked a paella before, the format is forgiving: the instructors set out the ingredients, show each step and stay at your elbow, so the result is usually something you will want to make again at home. Bring an appetite, as the three courses are generous and everything you cook goes on the table.
What to expect
The experience
A hands-on cooking class of about three hours inside the Mercado de Triana, with a three-course dinner you cook, sangria and two drinks per person.
Best time
The evening class, which starts at six and replaces dinner.
How long
About three hours.
Tips
Tell the organisers about dietary needs when you book. Arrive early to see the market. It is not wheelchair accessible.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and friends who want to learn paella and eat what they cook in Triana.
- Families
- Better for older children and teenagers who like cooking.
- Couples
- A shared cooking night in the market, then a riverside walk on Calle Betis.
- Pair with
- The Triana neighbourhood walk and the Puente de Isabel II at sunset.
- Time needed
- About three hours, in the evening.
Good questions
Where does the class take place?+
Inside the Mercado de Triana, at stalls 75 to 77 near Calle Callao, with the meeting point beside Bodega Bar Callao.
What do we cook?+
The menu includes salmorejo, a spinach and chickpea starter, a Valencian paella with chicken and vegetables and a lemon sorbet with cava. Some starters vary by date.
What time does it start?+
The class starts at six in the evening and lasts about three hours. It is taught in English.
Are drinks included?+
Sangria is made during the class and two drinks per person are included, wine, beer or soft drink.
Can vegetarians join?+
There is no formal dietary policy, but vegetarians have been accommodated. Tell the organisers when you book.
