Paisa cooking classes in Medellín: an authentic experience
Medellín is a city meant to be lived through the senses: the green of its mountains, the joyful rhythm of its streets, the creative energy of Provenza, and, of course, the warmth of its traditional cuisine. For travelers who want to go beyond conventional tourist plans, taking paisa cooking classes has become one of the most authentic and memorable experiences the city has to offer.
If you’re staying at 23 Hotel, located in the heart of El Poblado, this activity is not only geographically close but emotionally connected: it blends the essence of Medellín with boutique design, warm hospitality, and the tropical style that characterizes the hotel and its Rooftop del Sol, one of the best places to enjoy the sunset in the city.
Why learn paisa cooking in Medellín?
Taking a cooking class while traveling is not a casual activity; it’s a meaningful way to connect deeply with local culture. In Medellín, paisa cuisine is a symbol of identity: generous dishes, homemade flavors, ingredients from the land, and recipes passed down through generations.
These classes allow travelers to understand the culinary history of Antioquia, the rural origins of many recipes, and the way Medellín has blended tradition with gastronomic innovation.
Additionally, Medellín has become one of the most dynamic culinary destinations in Latin America. Neighborhoods such as Provenza, Manila, and El Poblado are home to signature restaurants, artisanal cafés, and historic markets that reflect the city’s gastronomic evolution. Learning to cook here means experiencing that transformation from within.
This experience is ideal for:
- Travelers seeking authenticity
- Foodies interested in local techniques and ingredients
- Couples looking for an intimate and creative activity
- Tourists who want to experience the emotional roots of the city
By integrating this activity into your itinerary, you don’t just learn recipes—you build a deeper connection with Medellín and its people.
The experience: markets, chefs, tradition, and design in Provenza
Just steps from 23 Hotel, in the heart of Provenza, you’ll find cooking classes designed especially for travelers. These experiences blend paisa tradition with tropical design, green terraces, and open kitchens where the atmosphere feels warm, close, and inspiring.
Traditional classes with local chefs
These workshops teach you how to prepare:
- Traditional Antioquian arepas
- Homemade-style fríjoles paisas
- Crispy local-style patacones
- Classic sauces like hogao
- Desserts made with panela or guava paste
Chefs explain the origin of each recipe, the emblematic ingredients, and their emotional connection to paisa culture. For many travelers, this is the first time they truly understand why Colombian cuisine is so diverse, generous, and full of stories.
Classes with visits to local markets
Several experiences include tours of:
- La Placita de Flórez
- La Minorista
Here you can discover tropical fruits such as corozo, lulo, passion fruit, and chontaduro; local vegetables; traditional spices; and artisanal products. It’s a perfect experience for photographers, culture lovers, or curious travelers.
Private workshops for couples or groups
These classes take place on terraces designed in a contemporary tropical style, with warm lighting, good music, and an intimate atmosphere. They’re ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply enjoying a unique moment in Medellín.
Healthy and vegan cooking classes
Provenza’s wellness scene has grown significantly, and you’ll find workshops focused on:
- Plant-based cooking inspired by Colombian ingredients
- Healthy cooking techniques
- Modern reinterpretations of traditional recipes
Complete your day at Rooftop del Sol
After your class, walking a few minutes back to 23 Hotel and heading up to Rooftop del Sol is the perfect way to end the day. There you can enjoy:
- Tropical cocktails
- Sunsets overlooking the greenery of Provenza
- Relaxed ambiance and soft music
- A boutique space perfect for unwinding
It’s one of the most recommended places to watch the sunset in Medellín.
FAQs
Where is the best area to take cooking classes in Medellín?
In the neighborhoods of Provenza, El Poblado, and Manila, where you’ll find culinary studios, boutique terraces, and proximity to traditional markets.
What is recommended to make or try in a paisa cooking class?
The most representative dishes are:
- Traditional arepas
- Antioquian-style beans
- Crunchy patacones
- Hogao
- Panela-based desserts
Trying tropical fruits that don’t exist in other countries is also highly recommended.
What is the best time of day for a cooking class?
The morning is ideal if the class includes a visit to markets, as they are more active. Afternoon classes are recommended for private workshops and romantic plans.
Participating in a paisa cooking class in Medellín is far more than learning a recipe: it’s connecting with the flavors, emotions, and traditions that make this city unique. If you want an authentic experience filled with design, warmth, and local essence, staying at 23 Hotel and ending your day at Rooftop del Sol will make your trip truly unforgettable.When you’re ready to taste Medellín from the inside out, 23 Hotel will be waiting to accompany you in every experience.
