Makati: Hands on Manila Cooking Class — A Flavorful Introduction to Filipino Cuisine
If you’re looking for a practical, fun, and authentic way to dive into Filipino food and culture, the Makati: Hands on Manila Cooking Class might just be your best bet. Set in the heart of Makati, this 2-hour session costs around $65 per person and promises a lively, family-friendly experience that combines learning, tasting, and storytelling. Led by a personable guide — often someone like Chyl, based on reviews — you’ll get to prepare a variety of classic Filipino snacks and dishes using fresh ingredients and simple techniques.
What we love most about this experience are two key features: first, the chance to learn tips and tricks directly from locals who share stories about their culinary traditions, making each dish meaningful. Second, the outdoor, open-air setting ensures a relaxed atmosphere, far from the clutter of busy kitchens. On the flip side, some might find the venue’s exposure to weather a minor challenge, especially if rain hits unexpectedly.
This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities and want a taste of Filipino culture beyond sightseeing. It’s ideal for families, solo travelers, or friends who appreciate good food and storytelling in a friendly environment. Keep in mind, it’s not designed for children under 9 or those with visual impairments, and hotel pickups are not included, so plan on getting yourself to the meeting point.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic Recipes: Learn to cook Filipino snacks like lumpia, pancit, and turon.
- Local Guides: Guides share engaging stories and cultural insights along the way.
- Family Friendly: Suitable for most ages above 9 with a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
- Outdoor Setting: Enjoy an al fresco experience in the heart of Makati.
- Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 4 participants) ensure personal attention.
- Value for Money: For $65, you get ingredients, equipment, drinks, and an unforgettable experience.
A Practical Look at What to Expect
This interactive cooking class is designed to be accessible, enjoyable, and packed with local flavor. The meeting point is conveniently located in Makati, right in front of a coffee kiosk in an outdoor courtyard — a spot that immediately evokes a sense of community and casual charm. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will prepare everything in advance, ensuring that your experience runs smoothly.
Duration-wise, the class lasts about 2 hours, which is just enough time to get hands-on without feeling rushed. The group size is typically small, limited to 4 participants, fostering a friendly and personalized environment. This also means you’ll have ample opportunity to ask questions, get tips from your guide, and really learn about the process.
The Cooking Itinerary
The core of the experience involves preparing a full ‘Meryenda’ or Filipino snack platter. You’ll learn how to cook a filling noodle dish like pancit, a crunchy or savory spring roll called lumpia, and sweet treats such as turon (banana spring rolls). The ingredients are pre-measured and fresh, and you’ll use modern but simple cooking equipment provided for the class.
The guide will walk you through each step, sharing little tips and tricks that make Filipino food so beloved — like how to get perfect spring rolls or how to balance sweet and savory flavors in your dishes. As Emilie from reviews mentions, “Chyl did a wonderful job teaching me,” which highlights the quality of instruction participants can expect.
Tasting and Cultural Insights
The best part might be tasting your own creations at the end. Many reviews rave about the deliciousness of the dishes and how satisfying it is to have cooked them yourself. Vanessa notes, “Chyl is a delight — I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon (and the food!),” which speaks to the warmth and friendliness of the guide.
Beyond just cooking, guides share fascinating background stories about each dish, connecting food to Filipino traditions and history. This storytelling aspect makes the experience more than just a cooking lesson — it feels like a cultural exchange.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Value Proposition
For $65, you’re not just paying for ingredients and equipment — you’re gaining a deeper appreciation of Filipino cuisine, new skills, and memorable stories. Reviewers often emphasize the value for money, with many mentioning they left with recipes they could easily replicate at home and a better understanding of Filipino culinary culture.
Why It Works Well for Travelers
This class is a great choice for those who want more than just sightseeing. If you’re curious about the food and stories behind Filipino dishes, this is an engaging and enriching way to spend a couple of hours. It’s also perfect for families with children over 9, friends, or solo travelers who enjoy interactive experiences.
While it’s not suited for those seeking a luxury or private experience — as the venue is outdoors and the group size is small — it makes up for it with authenticity, warmth, and genuine learning.
Detailed Breakdown of the Experience
The Venue and Meeting Point
The outdoor courtyard in Makati feels informal yet inviting. It’s close to key areas like Greenbelt Mall and the Peninsula Hotel, making it easy to reach by taxi or ride-share apps like Grab. The open air means you’ll enjoy the breeze and a bit of local life, but be prepared for occasional weather surprises; a sudden rain could cause some inconvenience, as noted by a reviewer who wished for a more covered venue.
The Guide: Your Cultural Host
Guides like Chyl receive high praise for their warmth, patience, and storytelling skills. Emilie mentions, “I enjoyed learning from Chyl, who did a wonderful job teaching me,” which underlines the importance of a passionate, knowledgeable guide. They don’t just instruct on recipes but also share storytelling that makes the dishes come alive.
The Cooking Process
Each participant gets their own station with all necessary equipment and ingredients. The recipes are straightforward but representative, including popular Filipino snacks and staples that are easy to replicate later. The process includes prepping ingredients, cooking, and assembling finished dishes, with the guide offering tips and anecdotes along the way.
Tasting the Results
After cooking, you sit down with your fellow participants to enjoy your homemade Filipino snacks. Many reviewers describe the food as “yummy,” “mouth-watering,” or “delicious,” confirming that the effort pays off. Leftovers are common, so you’ll often get to take some home — a bonus if you want to share your culinary creations.
The Cultural Context
Guides often weave in stories about Filipino food culture, celebrations, and history, transforming the class from mere technique to cultural appreciation. Gini notes, “It’s a cool spot to make friends,” highlighting the social aspect of the experience.
Price and Value
At $65, the class offers a well-rounded experience: hands-on learning, ingredients, equipment, drinks, and engaging storytelling. Considering the personalized attention due to small group size and the high-quality instruction, this is a fair price for a memorable cultural activity. Several reviewers highlight how much fun and how delicious the dishes were, which suggests good value for the price.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re interested in learning real Filipino recipes from friendly locals, this class is perfect. It’s especially well-suited for beginners or those who want to add simple Filipino snacks to their culinary repertoire. If you’re traveling with family (children over 9), a group of friends, or even solo, you’ll find this activity both educational and enjoyable.
However, if you prefer indoor spaces or private tours, or if you have mobility issues that make outdoor venues difficult, you might want to explore alternative options. Also, remember that hotel pickup isn’t included, so plan your transportation accordingly.
FAQs
Is transportation included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes are recommended since you’ll be actively involved in cooking.
Is this suitable for children?
Children under 9 years old are not suitable for this activity, but older kids and teens who enjoy cooking may find it fun.
Will I get to cook all the dishes myself?
Yes, you’ll be hands-on with the preparation, cooking, and assembling of the dishes, guided step-by-step.
Can I join if I don’t know how to cook?
Absolutely. The class is designed to be accessible for beginners, with clear instructions and friendly guidance.
What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll prepare a variety of Filipino snacks, including noodle dishes, spring rolls, and sweet treats like turon.
Is there a chance to learn about Filipino culture?
Yes, guides share stories and trivia about Filipino food traditions and history, enriching your culinary experience.
In the end, the Makati: Hands on Manila Cooking Class offers a genuine taste of Filipino culture, combined with the joy of creating and tasting your own dishes. For travelers who want to bring a bit of Manila home in their cooking and memories, it’s an experience worth considering. With personable guides, engaging storytelling, and delicious results, this class provides a meaningful glimpse into the heart of Filipino cuisine — all in a relaxed outdoor setting that’s perfect for sampling and socializing.
You can check availability for your dates here: