Barcelona: Vegan Paella and traditional rice dishes

A Fresh Take on Spanish Cuisine: Vegan Paella and Rice Dishes in Barcelona

If you’re interested in experiencing Barcelona through a culinary lens that’s both ethical and delicious, this vegan cooking class at In Bloom Cooking School offers a unique opportunity. For four hours, you’ll learn how to craft traditional Spanish rice dishes—like paella valenciana, arròs al forn, and arròs negre—without any animal products. This isn’t just a cooking class; it’s a lively, hands-on journey into the heart of Catalonian cuisine, all within a 100% vegan setting that’s rare in this food-loving city.

What sets this experience apart are a few standout features. First, the small group size—starting from just two people—creates an intimate atmosphere where you’ll feel more like a guest in a local kitchen than a tourist. Second, the emphasis on plant-based recipes means you get to enjoy the full richness of Spanish rice dishes without guilt, which is especially appealing if you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply curious about how traditional flavors translate into cruelty-free versions.

That said, a potential consideration is that this experience might suit those who are comfortable spending a good chunk of time in a kitchen—about four hours of active cooking and tasting. If you’re expecting a quick, sightseeing-style activity, this could feel a tad lengthy. However, most reviews praise the relaxed, convivial atmosphere, making the time fly by. The fact that you get to enjoy your creations buffet-style, tasting all the dishes you’ve made, makes it well worth the investment at $90 per person.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Spanish flavors meet vegan innovation through creative recipes like vegan paella and arròs negre.
• Small group sizes foster personalized attention and a more intimate, relaxed environment.
• All recipes are shared and tasted together, promoting a communal, friendly experience.
• Includes one drink in the price, with options to purchase more—ideal for pairing with your dishes.
• Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later, giving you peace of mind to plan your trip.
• The location is convenient — starting at In Bloom Cooking School, behind Arenas mall and Plaza España, with easy access and a familiar setting.

Discovering Barcelona’s Vegan Culinary Scene

Stepping into In Bloom Cooking School, you’ll immediately notice the warmth and lively atmosphere. It’s clear the team takes pride not only in their recipes but also in creating an engaging experience for visitors. The instructor, who speaks multiple languages including Catalan, English, German, and Spanish, guides you through each dish with expertise and patience.

The focus is on teaching you how to recreate classic rice dishes—like paella Valenciana, Arròs al forn, and Arròs negre—with a vegan twist. These dishes are staples in Spanish households, often associated with family gatherings or fiestas. Learning how to make them cruelty-free not only broadens your culinary horizons but also gives you a greater appreciation for how adaptable traditional recipes can be.

The Itinerary: From Prep to Plate

The class begins with a warm welcome and a quick introduction to the ingredients. You’ll learn how to prepare the vegetable broth that forms the backbone of many dishes, emphasizing the importance of quality stock in achieving authentic flavors. Each recipe is explained step-by-step, with plenty of hands-on participation.

Paella Valenciana gets special attention, featuring bomba rice, green beans, and garrafó (Valencian fava beans). The marinated, grilled Heura chicken-style adds a smoky, savory element. Watching the instructor handle the vegetable broth and rice with care, I appreciated how the focus remained on flavor depth rather than animal products.

Next up is Arròs al forn, a baked rice dish with vegan sausage, potatoes, chickpeas, and tomatoes. The inclusion of vegan sausage made from black beans offers a satisfying, meaty texture that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The process involves simmering, baking, and flavor layering—so you learn all the tricks.

The third dish, Arròs negre, is a striking black rice with grilled vegan prawns made from Konjak and seaweed broth, giving it that signature color and umami punch. The instructor emphasizes the importance of seaweed and black rice in mimicking the seafood flavor, a clever vegan substitute that I found surprisingly convincing.

Finally, the class wraps up with Fideuà, a paella-like dish made with fine pasta and vegan squid. You’ll see how Konjak can be shaped into squid and grilled, adding visual and textural interest. The dishes are then shared in a buffet-style tasting, where everyone gets to enjoy each creation while swapping tips and impressions.

What to Expect: Atmosphere, Tasting, and Practical Tips

The experience is not just about cooking but also about sharing stories and food. Many reviews highlight the “amazing food and ambiance,” thanks to the friendly guides and convivial group setting. It’s a great way to connect with fellow travelers or locals, especially since the class is conducted in multiple languages.

You’ll have the opportunity to purchase additional drinks, pairing wines or soft drinks with your meal. The included beverage is a nice touch, making the experience feel more complete. Remember to bring a Tupperware to take home leftovers—trust me, the portions are generous, and you won’t want to waste any of that delicious food.

The class ends back at the starting point, allowing you to plan your next exploration in Barcelona with a confident new set of culinary skills.

Is This the Right Experience for You?

If you’re a foodie eager to learn authentic recipes, this class is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suitable for those interested in vegan or plant-based cooking who want to see how traditional Spanish dishes can be adapted without sacrificing flavor or authenticity.

Travelers who appreciate small, interactive group settings will enjoy the personal attention and relaxed vibe. It’s also a great fit if you enjoy tasting multiple dishes in one sitting, making it ideal for those who want a full meal and cooking lesson rolled into one.

However, if you prefer quick activities or are traveling with children under 10, this 4-hour class may be less suitable. The focus on hands-on cooking and tasting demands time and patience, and the age restriction suggests a more mature experience.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $90 per person, this culinary experience offers a solid value for the quality of instruction, ingredients, and the opportunity to learn authentic Spanish rice dishes in a vegan format. The inclusion of a drink, the buffet-style tasting, and the chance to take home leftover food all add to the value.

Compared to other classes in Barcelona, which might focus on tapas or general cooking, this experience’s niche focus on vegan paella and rice dishes makes it stand out. It’s a chance to gain skills that you can recreate at home or impress friends with authentic, cruelty-free Spanish flavors.

Who Should Sign Up?

This class is perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or curious eaters eager to see how traditional dishes translate into plant-based cuisine. It’s also ideal if you want a fun, interactive activity with a local touch, away from crowded tourist spots. Travelers who love food stories, sharing meals, and learning new techniques will find this experience particularly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

In Bloom Cooking School’s vegan paella and rice dish class offers a relaxed, friendly setting to master the art of Spanish rice dishes. You’ll walk away with new skills, a full belly, and the satisfaction of having cooked and tasted authentic flavors — all without any animal products.

The mix of hands-on participation, cultural insights, and convivial atmosphere makes this a worthwhile addition to your Barcelona itinerary, especially if food is a big part of your trip. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this class offers a practical, memorable way to connect with Catalonian cuisine and its vegan potential.

FAQ

• How long does the class last?
  The class is approximately four hours, providing ample time for cooking, tasting, and socializing.

• Is the class suitable for children?
  No, it is not recommended for children under 10 years old, mainly due to the duration and nature of the activity.

• Can I book the class in advance?
  Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, which offers flexibility for your travel plans.

• What languages are spoken during the class?
  The instructor speaks Catalan, English, German, and Spanish, making it accessible for a diverse group.

• Do I need to bring anything?
  Yes, bringing a Tupperware is recommended to take home leftovers.

• Are drinks included?
  One drink is included in the price; additional beverages can be purchased at the venue.

• What recipes will I learn?
  You’ll learn how to prepare vegan versions of Paella Valenciana, Arròs al forn, Arròs negre, and Fideuà.

• Is the location easy to find?
  The class starts at In Bloom Cooking School, located behind Arenas mall and Plaza España, both easy to access.

• What is the group size?
  The class begins from a minimum of two participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

• Can I cancel my booking?
  Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.