Traditional Persian Cooking Class in Stockholm with a Local

A Taste of Persia in Stockholm: A Deep Dive into Mahnaz’s Private Cooking Class

Looking for a way to connect with Stockholm’s rich culinary scene beyond the usual restaurants? This Traditional Persian Cooking Class with Mahnaz offers a unique opportunity to learn the secrets of Persian cuisine straight from a passionate local. What makes this experience truly stand out is Mahnaz herself — a scientist by day, food enthusiast by night — who combines her curiosity and cultural pride to create a memorable, hands-on culinary journey. For just about $112 per person, you get a three-hour intimate class that promises not just cooking but also a genuine conversation about Persian culture and ingredients.

Two things I particularly love about this experience are the personal touch of a private home setting and Mahnaz’s willingness to accommodate dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian requests. It’s clear that her guests are more than just paying customers — they’re friends sharing in her love of cooking. The second highlight is the authenticity of the dishes; from fesenjan to zereshk polo, every bite offers a taste of Iran’s culinary soul.

The one point to keep in mind is that this experience is location-dependent — starting in Bromma with no hotel pickup included. If you’re staying outside the city center, you’ll need to plan your transportation. Still, the value of learning to prepare such dishes from scratch and sharing a traditional Iranian meal makes it well worth the effort.

Key Points to Take Away

• Authentic Persian Cuisine: Learn to make dishes like fesenjan and zereshk polo with a passionate local host.
• Intimate, Private Setting: The class takes place in Mahnaz’s home, allowing for personalized attention.
• Customizable Menu: Vegan and vegetarian options available upon request, making it flexible for dietary needs.
• Cultural Exchange: Beyond cooking, Mahnaz shares stories about Persian ingredients, traditions, and culture.
• Tasty Finish: Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a sit-down meal, served with wine and Persian desserts.
• Valuable for Food Lovers: A well-priced experience, especially given the quality of instruction and authenticity.

Entering a World of Persian Flavors in Stockholm

This private Persian cooking class in Stockholm offers a rare chance to step into a local chef’s kitchen and learn authentic recipes. Hosted by Mahnaz, an Iranian-born scientist—whose day job involves cancer research—this experience combines her scientific precision with her culinary passion. Her warm personality and dedication to sharing her culture create an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like a guest in a friend’s home.

What’s striking is the personalized nature of the experience. With Mahnaz’s flexibility to cater to vegan and vegetarian diets, you can expect dishes tailored to your preferences. The class lasts about 1.5 hours of hands-on cooking, giving you ample time to craft two dishes from a menu that could include favorites like kashk-e-bademjan, an eggplant dip, or the fragrant shirazi salad with fresh herbs and citrus.

The shared meal at the end, featuring your own creations, is the perfect way to taste the fruits of your labor. Many reviewers appreciated how Mahnaz made the experience feel relaxed and friendly, going out of her way to ensure everyone felt comfortable and included. One guest noted, “Her home was very clean, she made a beautiful and delicious meal, and we had great conversation,” highlighting how personal and welcoming this experience is.

Dive Into the Menu: What Will You Cook?

The menu is designed to introduce you to a variety of Persian dishes, each with its own story and flavor profile. Mahnaz might guide you through preparing fesenjan, a rich stew with ground walnuts and pomegranate paste, served with fluffy Persian rice and crispy tahdig. Alternatively, you might try zereshk polo ba morgh, a vibrant barberry rice paired with tender chicken, garnished with pistachios and almonds.

The kashk-e-bademjan eggplant dip is a must-try, offering smoky, savory flavors that pair beautifully with traditional flatbread. To refresh your palate, the Shirazi salad adds a bright, herbal note, essential to balancing the richness of the stews and dips.

Dessert is not forgotten — Persian ice cream flavored with saffron, rose water, and pistachios provides a sweet, aromatic conclusion. As one reviewer put it, “The food was super good and the host was incredible!”

The Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting at Mariehällsvägen in Bromma, you’ll meet Mahnaz and settle into her cozy kitchen. The experience is strictly private — only your group will participate — which means she can tailor the lesson to your interests and skill level. The class involves hands-on preparation of two dishes, guided step-by-step by Mahnaz, who’s generous with tips and stories about Persian ingredients.

Throughout the session, she shares insights about the key ingredients, like pomegranate paste, barberries, and saffron, explaining their importance in Persian cooking. Many guests appreciated her patience — one said she was “very patient while I took notes of the recipes she was making.”

After cooking, you’ll sit down at her dining table to enjoy the meal you helped create. The convivial atmosphere and the chance to swap stories make this much more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a cultural exchange.

While transportation isn’t included, the location is near public transit, making it accessible for most visitors. The class lasts about 1.5 hours, with additional time for eating and chatting.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is ideal for curious food lovers eager to try their hand at Persian dishes or travelers seeking a genuine, intimate cultural experience. It’s suitable for small groups, couples, or even solo travelers who want to meet someone new and learn home-style recipes. The fact that Mahnaz can modify the menu for vegan and vegetarian diets broadens its appeal.

If you’re someone who appreciates knowledgeable guides, enjoys authentic recipes, and values an experience that feels more like visiting a friend’s home than attending a commercial class, this is a fantastic choice.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $112 per person, this experience is quite reasonable considering the personalized instruction, the high-quality dishes, and the opportunity to share a traditional Persian meal. Many reviews highlight the excellent value, emphasizing how Mahnaz’s warmth and expertise make it worthwhile. Because the class includes all taxes, fees, and even alcoholic beverages, there are no hidden costs — just a straightforward, enriching experience.

Final Thoughts: Why This Experience Stands Out

This private Persian cooking class in Stockholm isn’t just about learning recipes — it’s about connecting with another culture through food in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Mahnaz’s blend of scientific precision and culinary passion results in an experience that’s both educational and heartfelt. The opportunity to taste the dishes you prepare, paired with the stories she shares, creates a memorable connection to Persian culture.

It’s perfect for travelers who value authenticity, enjoy hands-on activities, and want to bring a piece of Iran’s culinary tradition back home. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small group of friends, this class offers a genuine, flavorful, and fun way to spend a few hours in Stockholm.

FAQ

Is the experience private?
Yes, this is a private class tailored to your group, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What dishes can I expect to prepare?
Typical dishes include fesenjan, zereshk polo ba morgh, kashk-e-bademjan, and shirazi salad, but menus may vary seasonally.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Absolutely. Mahnaz offers vegan and vegetarian options upon request, and you should specify dietary needs when booking.

Where does the experience take place?
It begins at Mariehällsvägen in Bromma, in Mahnaz’s home kitchen, and ends at the same location.

Are alcohol drinks included?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are included with the meal, enhancing the experience.

How long does the class last?
Approximately 1.5 hours of hands-on cooking, plus time to enjoy your meal afterwards.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation isn’t included. The location is near public transit.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 2 days prior are not refunded.

Can I book for a larger group?
The experience is private for your group; larger groups should inquire about availability.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the hands-on nature and focus on authentic recipes suggest it’s best suited for older children or teenagers interested in cooking.

In summary, this Persian cooking class in Stockholm offers a thoughtful, authentic glimpse into Iranian cuisine, guided by a warm, knowledgeable host. It’s a savory, cultural treasure that’s well worth the modest investment, especially for those keen on discovering genuine flavors and stories from someone passionate about sharing her heritage.