BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo

Buenos Aires’ famous empanadas come alive in this intimate cooking class in Palermo. For $46 per person, you’ll spend about an hour and a half learning how to craft these iconic snacks with a native host. The small-group setting, limited to just 12 participants, ensures personalized attention while sharing this culinary tradition. From choosing between meat or vegetarian fillings to tasting your homemade empanadas, this experience offers a genuine taste of Argentine culture.

What we appreciate most about this class is the hands-on approach—you don’t just watch, you participate fully in the process. Plus, the friendly atmosphere and cultural insights, like enjoying local mate tea, make it feel less like a lesson and more like hanging out with friends who happen to be great cooks.

One thing to consider is that the class could benefit from a little more personalization, especially concerning the preparation of the meat fillings, as one review pointed out. But overall, this experience is perfect for food lovers and families eager to learn a beloved local recipe. If you want a fun, authentic, and tasty activity that leaves you with a new skill and a full belly, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Argentine Cuisine: Learn to make traditional empanadas with expert guidance.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Cultural Experience: Enjoy local mate tea and insider tips on Argentine food.
• Dietary Options: Choose between meat or vegetarian empanadas.
• Tangible Souvenir: Feast on the empanadas you make, plus optional alfajores.
• Value for Money: At $46, it combines a cooking lesson, cultural insights, and a delicious meal.

What Is This Tour All About?

The Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo offers a combination of culinary education and culture. For about 90 minutes, you’ll be guided by a native host who will teach you how to craft these famous Argentine snacks, from preparing the dough to filling and sealing the empanadas. The class is designed for all skill levels, whether you’re a confident cook or a total novice.

The tour begins at a conveniently located meeting point on Gorriti Street, where you’ll gather with a small group of fellow travelers. You’ll be offered ingredients and tools, and are encouraged to participate actively. The focus is on learning authentic techniques, with guidance on how to make the fillings, how to fold the empanadas, and tips for baking or frying them to perfection.

What sets this experience apart is its personalized approach—with only 12 participants, everyone gets plenty of individual attention. You’ll also get a taste of Argentine culture by enjoying mate tea, a traditional infusion, alongside your cooking lesson. One of the highlights is the opportunity to choose between meat or vegetarian fillings, allowing flexibility for dietary preferences.

The Itinerary and Cooking Experience

The class is quite straightforward but packed with meaningful details. You and your fellow participants start by learning about the history and significance of empanadas in Argentina. The guide, often a native, shares cultural insights that deepen your appreciation of this humble yet beloved dish.

Next, you move on to preparing the dough, which is a critical step for achieving that perfect, flaky crust. The chef demonstrates how to roll and cut the dough, emphasizing techniques that maintain texture and flavor. The filling is next—either a classic meat mixture seasoned with local spices or a vegetarian option, depending on your choice.

Many reviews praise the quality of instruction. For example, one noted that “Catarina was our host and instructor and she did a superb job of teaching us how to make empanadas.” The process involves assembling, sealing, and then cooking your empanadas, either by frying or baking, depending on your preference or the recipe.

While the process is hands-on, some participants mentioned that a bit more individual guidance, especially on handling the meat, could improve the experience. Nonetheless, most feel that they leave with a solid understanding of the technique and a batch of delicious snacks.

Feasting on your homemade empanadas is the final—and most satisfying—part of the class. The guide encourages everyone to taste their creations and compare different fillings. Besides the empanadas, you’ll also get to try alfajores—sweet treats that complement the experience perfectly.

Cultural extras include sampling authentic mate tea, Argentina’s national beverage. It’s a social ritual that connects people, and you might find yourself sharing stories over the traditional drink.

The Food and Cultural Highlights

The taste of the empanadas is what truly makes this class memorable. As one reviewer put it, “the empanadas were delicious,” and that’s a sentiment echoed by many. You’ll appreciate the balance of flavors—savory fillings wrapped in a tender, flaky exterior that’s been mastered by your instructor.

The optional alfajores, sweet cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche, are a delightful surprise. Making them adds an extra layer of fun, especially for families or those with a sweet tooth. The inclusion of traditional mate tea creates a genuine Argentine atmosphere, making the experience feel even more authentic.

The personal attention from your host enhances the cultural aspect. Expect to learn not just the how, but also the why behind each step, and some local stories that deepen your understanding of Buenos Aires cuisine.

Practical Details and Considerations

The class lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, a good amount of time to learn, cook, and enjoy. The meeting point is easily accessible on Gorriti Street, close to public transportation, which makes planning your day straightforward.

At $46 per person, the price covers ingredients, guidance from a native host, and drinks like mate tea. Considering you get to make and eat several empanadas—plus learn a new skill—this offers excellent value. You might consider this a culinary souvenir that you can recreate at home.

While transportation isn’t included, the location and small size make it convenient for most travelers staying in Palermo. Tips are not included, so if you enjoy the experience, tipping your guide is customary.

One potential drawback is that the class could be more individualized, especially regarding the meat preparation, as some reviews noted. Also, a suggestion for future improvements would be providing aprons or clearer hygiene instructions upfront.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This class is ideal for food lovers eager to learn how to make authentic Argentine empanadas from scratch. Families or groups looking for a fun, hands-on activity with cultural depth will find it particularly appealing. It’s also suitable for anyone interested in a local, culinary experience that’s more intimate than a large tour.

If you’re curious about Argentine culinary traditions or want a practical skill you can impress friends with back home, this class hits the mark. It’s a great way to connect with Buenos Aires beyond sightseeing, offering a genuine taste of local life.

Final Thoughts

For those visiting Buenos Aires who want more than just passing through, the Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo offers a memorable and delicious cultural experience. The combination of expert guidance, authentic flavors, and a friendly atmosphere makes it a worthwhile activity—not only for foodies but also for travelers seeking a more personal engagement with Argentine culture.

The value for money is clear: you learn a local culinary tradition, enjoy plenty of tasting, and walk away with new skills—and perhaps a new favorite snack. The intimate size and cultural insights elevate this beyond just a cooking class; it’s a window into Argentine hospitality and home-style cooking that you’ll remember long after your trip.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this class provides a practical, flavorful, and fun experience that captures the essence of Buenos Aires’ culinary spirit.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. The meeting point is easily accessible by public transport near Palermo, making it simple to reach.

Can I choose between meat or vegetarian empanadas?
Yes, the class offers a choice between meat or vegetarian fillings, allowing you to tailor the experience to your dietary preferences.

How long does the class last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to learn, cook, and taste.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers ingredients, guidance from a professional native host, and drinks like mate tea. The empanadas you make are yours to enjoy.

Is this activity suitable for families?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly activity, especially since it’s hands-on and fun for all ages. It’s also a good way for kids to learn about Argentine culture.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included. If you enjoy the experience, tipping your guide is appreciated.

What should I bring?
Aprons or protective clothing aren’t provided, so consider bringing an apron or wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a little flour on.

Is this experience accessible for non-Spanish speakers?
Most guides are native speakers and the focus is on guidance and demonstration, so language barriers likely won’t be an issue.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

This detailed review should help you determine if this empanada class is the right fit for your Buenos Aires adventure. It’s a genuine, tasty, and culturally rich activity that offers more than just a meal—it’s a chance to connect, learn, and bring a piece of Argentina home with you.