Paella and Sangria Workshop in Malaga

Getting a taste of local cuisine can be the highlight of any trip, and this Paella and Sangria Workshop in Malaga offers a hands-on, authentic journey into Andalusian flavors. Priced at around $77 per person, this experience lasts approximately three hours and is run by Lebasi Taller de Cocina. It’s designed to be fun, participatory, and packed with genuine cooking tips — perfect for travelers eager to learn a local recipe or simply enjoy a lively, cultural activity. The class is limited to a small group of 12, ensuring plenty of personal attention and interaction with the chef, which I find makes all the difference when you’re trying to pick up culinary secrets.

What I really appreciate about this experience is how much it focuses on local dishes beyond just paella. You’ll start by making ajoblanco, a cooling almond soup, and Malaga soaked, a regional specialty from the Costa del Sol. These are dishes that aren’t always on tourist menus but give a real taste of local ingredients and traditions. The class culminates in preparing the original Valencian paella, a dish so iconic that it’s almost a culinary passport. As a bonus, you’ll be making homemade sangria, complete with tips from the chef on where to buy the best ingredients, which adds a fun, social element. All along, the instructor shares insider tips that make you feel more like a local than a tourist.

One of the main draws is the warm, friendly guides—whether it’s Laura or Diego—who are praised consistently for their knowledge and engaging teaching style. Multiple reviewers mention how they went beyond recipes to share tips about Malaga’s gastronomic scene and local spots, making this more than just a cooking class. The class ends with a surprise gift for everyone, adding a playful, memorable touch. The only consideration? The class requires a minimum of 4 participants to run, so if you’re traveling solo or in a small group, it’s worth confirming availability in advance.

Key Points

Authentic regional dishes: You’ll learn not only paella but also lesser-known local specialties like ajoblanco and Malaga soaked.
Intimate setting: Small groups of up to 12 ensure plenty of personal attention and interaction.
Expert guides: Instructors like Laura and Diego combine knowledge and humor, making complex techniques approachable.
Cultural tips: The chef shares advice on where to buy good ingredients and highlights Malaga’s gastronomic spots, enriching your trip.
Delicious end product: Expect to sit down and enjoy a feast of your creations, including a well-made paella, tasty sangria, and regional desserts.
Great value: At approximately $77, the experience provides not just a meal, but new skills and insider knowledge you can recreate at home.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and the Flavors You’ll Master

The three-hour class begins with a warm welcome at the local kitchen, where the instructors—Laura or Diego—set a lively tone. From the start, the emphasis is on participatory learning, ensuring everyone gets their hands dirty. The journey kicks off with ajoblanco, a cold almond soup that’s both refreshing and surprisingly simple. The instructor explains the importance of good quality almonds and olive oil, giving practical tips on where to buy the best products. This dish is a refreshing departure from typical hot soups, perfect for Malaga’s warm climate.

Next up is Malaga soaked, a regional dish rooted in local ingredients and customs. Reviewer Sandra_O notes how they learned to make this authentic dish, which adds a regional touch to the meal. With detailed guidance, you’ll see how simple pantry ingredients can become a delightful dish with the right techniques. The instructor shares insider tips, so you’ll learn where to find good quality local products beyond the tourist-heavy stores.

The highlight, of course, is paella — traditionally considered Spain’s national dish. The instructor explains the origin of the original Valencian recipe and leads you through the process of cooking the rice to perfection. As highlighted in multiple reviews, the instructor like Laura is praised for her clear, friendly instructions and shared secrets to achieving the ideal rice texture. The process involves creating a flavorful sofrito, adding the right amount of rice, and managing heat—all in a fun, relaxed environment.

While the rice simmers, everyone makes homemade sangria—a social culinary activity that creates a festive atmosphere. The instructor offers advice on selecting the best wines and fruits, so your homemade sangria will be both authentic and delicious. The experience concludes with a tasting of all dishes, including regional desserts that offer the perfect sweet ending to your cooking adventure.

What’s Unique and Valuable?

Here’s where this class shines—the emphasis is on learning practical skills you can replicate at home. Multiple reviews mention how the recipes are shared digitally, making it easy to recreate them later. Reviewers like Karina_B and Emil_H appreciate the instructors’ clarity and willingness to share tips, which demystifies cooking traditional Spanish dishes. Laura and Nahuel don’t just teach—they share stories about living and eating in Spain, giving you a richer context that elevates the experience.

Group Size, Cost, and Practicalities

The experience is designed for a small group—maximum 12 participants—which creates an intimate, friendly atmosphere. This size allows for plenty of personalized tips and a relaxed environment where questions are welcomed. At $77, this isn’t just a cooking lesson; it’s a culture that provides value through practical techniques, regional insights, and a delicious meal. The price includes all ingredients, instruction, and the surprise gift, which adds a fun element for returning home with a memory and possibly a new culinary hobby.

The class meets at C. Martínez Campos in Malaga’s city center, conveniently near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. It’s worth noting that vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available if you provide prior notice, making it inclusive for dietary restrictions.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for food lovers, families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy cooking or want to gain a deeper understanding of Andalusian cuisine. If you’re curious about regional dishes or want a memorable, hands-on activity that’s more than just sightseeing, you’ll find this class fulfilling. The friendly guides and small group size mean you’ll get to ask questions, share stories, and leave with new skills—and recipes.

Final Thoughts

This Paella and Sangria Workshop in Malaga offers a lively, authentic glimpse into Spanish culinary traditions in a relaxed setting. You’ll gain practical skills in preparing regional dishes, learn insider tips from knowledgeable guides, and enjoy a delicious meal you’ve crafted yourself. It’s a perfect way to connect with Malaga’s rich food culture without the fuss of traditional tours or overcrowded restaurants.

The experience’s low-key, participatory style combined with expert guidance makes it stand out as an enriching activity, especially for those eager to bring home a taste of Spain. Whether it’s your first time cooking paella or you’re simply looking for a fun, cultural activity, this class delivers value, charm, and plenty of flavor.

FAQ

How long does the class last?
It lasts approximately three hours, giving you plenty of time to learn, cook, and enjoy your creations without feeling rushed.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll learn to prepare ajoblanco, Malaga soaked, paella, and sangria. There’s also a regional Andalusian dessert at the end.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the class is limited to a maximum of 12 people, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available if you notify the organizer in advance.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers all ingredients, instruction, and a surprise gift at the end. Recipes are typically shared afterward for you to recreate at home.

Where is the meeting point?
The class starts at C. Martínez Campos, 15 in Malaga’s city center, which is near public transportation options.

What if I cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the class for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

This cooking class offers a genuine, flavorful slice of Malaga right from the source—perfect for anyone eager to learn, eat well, and take home stories and recipes to impress family and friends.