El Chef Soy Yo Workshop

A Practical, Authentic Colombian Cooking Experience in Bogotá

Imagine spending a day in Bogotá where you can explore the city’s signature dish, Ajiaco Santafereño, from start to finish. For just $80 per person, you get a hands-on, 6-hour workshop that takes you behind the scenes of Colombian cuisine. Located in the north of Bogotá at the atelier of artist Gabriel Bohórquez, this experience combines culture, culinary skill-building, and a dash of creativity.

What we especially love about this workshop is how it balances learning and fun. First, you’ll appreciate how the instructor guides you through identifying key ingredients, giving you an understanding of Colombian flavors and their roles. Second, the opportunity to plate your own Ajiaco from scratch lets you put your personal touch on a dish that’s emblematic of Bogotá’s comfort food.

One minor consideration is that the workshop lasts around four hours of actual cooking, so it’s best suited for those with a genuine interest in hands-on culinary experiences. If you’re a food lover eager to understand local flavors and enjoy creative kitchen activities, this workshop will hit the spot. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, engaging, and delicious cultural activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Cooking: Learn to prepare Bogotá’s iconic Ajiaco using traditional ingredients and techniques.
• Creative Plating: The workshop encourages self-expression in presenting your dish, making it memorable.
• Local Setting: Held at an artist’s atelier, offering a unique blend of culinary and artistic inspiration.
• In-Depth Experience: Includes market visit, ingredient exploration, and practical cooking practice.
• Value for Money: For $80, you gain a full day of immersive activity, including lunch and ingredients.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, allowing for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Location

The workshop begins at Smart Cultural Center in Bogotá, a convenient central spot for most travelers. The journey then takes you to a local food market—an ideal introduction to Colombian ingredients. This visit lasts about an hour and offers a chance to see the raw materials that define Bogotá’s cuisine. You’ll encounter creole potatoes, corn, capers, peas, guasca leaves, and more—each with its own story and culinary role.

Walking through the market is a colorful, sensory-filled experience. We loved the way our guide explained each ingredient’s significance in traditional dishes, making the upcoming cooking session more meaningful.

The Cooking Class

After the market, it’s time to head to Gabriel Bohórquez’s atelier, a vibrant space where art and culinary creativity come together. The class itself lasts around four hours. Here, you’ll learn about the ingredients of Ajiaco and practice key techniques like washing, cutting, and measuring—an excellent way to connect with Colombian culinary traditions.

What’s special about this workshop is how it emphasizes learning by doing. With the instructor guiding, you’ll get hands-on experience with the traditional recipe, understanding how each component—shredded chicken, creole, Pastusa and Sabanera potatoes, corn, and herbs—comes together into a comforting bowl.

The teacher, Gabriel, is praised in reviews for being welcoming and passionate, creating an environment where questions are encouraged, and mistakes are part of the learning process.

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Creativity in Plating

The workshop’s highlight is personalizing your presentation of Ajiaco. Using your imagination and a few artistic touches, you’ll learn how to plate the soup attractively, adding slices of avocado or a dollop of cream in ways that make your dish look as good as it tastes. This part is especially fun, allowing you to step outside the traditional mold and showcase your creativity.

Lunch and Final Remarks

After the cooking, everyone sits down to enjoy their homemade Ajiaco—fresh, warm, and layered with flavors. The meal includes traditional sides like onces bogotanas, a kind of local snack or light meal. As one reviewer said, “Toda la experiencia es excelente,” emphasizing the overall quality of the food and the experience.

Practical Details

Although the activity is self-paced within the six-hour window, the actual cooking and tasting take about four hours, making it a full but manageable day. The price covers ingredients, supplies, and lunch but does not include transportation—so plan accordingly for your trip to and from the atelier.

The group size is limited to eight, which keeps things intimate and allows the guide to give personalized tips. The activity is in Spanish, but a proactive attitude and a little knowledge can make the experience accessible for non-native speakers.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to other culinary experiences, this workshop is priced fairly when considering the scope: market visit, multiple cooking steps, creative plating, and a sit-down lunch. Learning about Ajiaco—Colombia’s beloved comfort food—adds a cultural layer that’s often missing from generic cooking classes.

The setting at Gabriel’s atelier also enriches the experience, making it more than just a cooking lesson but a chance to connect with Bogotá’s creative spirit. The inclusion of market exploration and ingredient explanation means you will leave with more than a recipe—you’ll understand Colombian flavors and culinary customs.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This workshop is ideal for food lovers who enjoy hands-on activities and cultural insights. If you appreciate the idea of not just tasting but learning how traditional dishes are made, this is a perfect choice. It’s also well-suited for creative types who want to add a personal touch to their cooking.

Travelers interested in authentic, local experiences—beyond tourist menus—will find this workshop a valuable and memorable addition to their Bogotá trip. The small group size, friendly guide, and focus on local ingredients make it both intimate and educational.

Final Thoughts

In a city like Bogotá, where culinary traditions run deep yet are often overshadowed by sightseeing, this workshop offers a genuine slice of local life. You’ll not only learn how to cook Ajiaco, but you’ll also gain insight into the ingredients and techniques that define Colombia’s heartwarming cuisine. The creative plating session keeps the activity lively and personal, making it more than just a cooking class—it’s a cultural exchange.

If you’re looking for a fun, immersive way to spend part of your day, and want a memorable, delicious souvenir of Bogotá, this workshop is a winner. It’s especially suited for those who value authenticity, hands-on learning, and a cozy, artistic environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the price?
No, transportation to and from the atelier is not included, so you’ll need to plan your own way there.

What should I wear?
Clothes that can get dirty are recommended, as you’ll be actively cooking. Comfortable, personal style clothing is encouraged.

Is the activity suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
The activity is conducted in Spanish. A proactive attitude and basic understanding can help, but it may be helpful to have some language basics or a translator.

Are the ingredients and supplies included?
Yes, all ingredients and supplies for menu preparation are provided.

What about dietary restrictions?
The description doesn’t specify, but since the menu is fixed, it’s best to confirm with the provider beforehand if you have specific dietary needs.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts about 6 hours total, including market visit, cooking, and lunch.

What is the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Is the workshop accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a curious traveler, or someone eager to learn Colombian customs through cooking, the El Chef Soy Yo Workshop offers a warm, hands-on, and tasty way to connect with Bogotá’s culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby