Barcelona: Spanish Cooking Class with a Social Enterprise

Discover Catalan Flavors While Making a Difference: A Review of the Barcelona Spanish Cooking Class with a Social Enterprise

Trying local dishes is one of the best ways to connect with a new city, and what better way than hands-on cooking? This 2-hour Spanish cooking class in Barcelona offers more than just culinary skills — it’s an opportunity to taste authentic Catalan flavors while supporting a meaningful cause. Run by ExperienceFirst, this experience combines fun, education, and social impact, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking genuine experiences.

What really draws us in is the chance to learn traditional recipes like gazpacho, paella, and crema catalana, guided by a local chef in a cozy, slow-food kitchen. Plus, the fact that the proceeds support a nonprofit working with refugees and marginalized communities adds a warm, feel-good element. One minor consideration is that transportation to the venue isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get there.

This class suits those who love food, want a taste of Catalan culture, and enjoy supporting social initiatives. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an authentic, interactive experience in Barcelona will find this a worthwhile addition to their trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Recipes: Learn to cook classic Catalan dishes like gazpacho, paella, and crema catalana.
• Social Impact: Your participation helps a nonprofit providing free job training to refugees and marginalized groups.
• Seasonal & Sustainable: The ingredients used are seasonal and sustainable, emphasizing slow-food principles.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for kids over 6, with options for vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
• All-Inclusive: Includes a drink of your choice and recipes to take home.
• Accessible & Convenient: The class is wheelchair accessible and held at the Mescladís restaurant in Barcelona.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Setting the Scene: Mescladís and Its Mission

Your culinary adventure begins inside Mescladís, a restaurant and social enterprise dedicated to fostering connections through food. Located at Carrer del Comte Borrell 122, the venue radiates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a hands-on class. The space is designed to encourage interaction, making it ideal for both solo travelers and groups.

One of the standout features is the restaurant’s mission: offering free training to refugees and marginalized communities. When you step into the kitchen, you’re not just learning recipes — you’re supporting a cause that gives people new opportunities. That sense of doing good while having fun adds a meaningful layer to your experience.

The Cooking Class: What to Expect

The class kicks off with an introduction from an expert local chef, who guides you through each step of preparing three iconic Catalan dishes. You’ll start with gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup that’s perfect for hot days. The chef shares tips on selecting the freshest, seasonal ingredients, and the process is relaxed and interactive.

Next up is paella, which you can opt to make with meat or as a vegetarian version. The chef emphasizes the importance of using quality rice and the right cooking technique to achieve that perfect socarrat (the crispy bottom). Some reviews mention that the instructor was generous with helpful tips, making the process accessible even for beginners.

Finally, you’ll craft crema catalana, often described as Spain’s answer to crème brûlée. You’ll learn how to achieve a silky texture and the caramelized top — a delicious way to finish your meal.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Atmosphere and Learning Style

The setting encourages a slow-food philosophy, where you’re invited to enjoy the process and savor the flavors. The small group size ensures ample attention from your instructor, which enhances the learning experience. You’ll also have a chance to pick up practical tips to recreate these dishes at home, making this a valuable culinary skill-building session.

Post-Cooking Meal and Drinks

Once the dishes are prepared, everyone gathers around for a family-style meal. The presentation is hearty, and the shared experience fosters camaraderie among participants. Options include wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juice, or seltzer. Several reviews note that the drinks were a nice touch, complementing the dishes and adding to the relaxed vibe.

Supporting a Better Future

The most unique aspect of this class is its social mission. All proceeds help provide free training for refugees and marginalized communities, opening up career opportunities in hospitality. Participants often appreciate knowing their participation directly contributes to positive change, making the meal and experience more meaningful.

Value for Money

At $90 per person, the price includes the interactive cooking class, drinks, recipes, and an authentic Catalan lunch. Considering the personalized instruction, the quality of ingredients, and the social impact, many travelers find this experience to be a great value — especially when you factor in the intangible benefit of supporting a worthwhile cause.

Practical Tips

• Arrive 15 minutes early at the Mescladís restaurant to check-in and settle in; the class starts promptly.
• No transportation is included, so plan how to get there, especially if you’re staying outside the city center.
• The class is wheelchair accessible and accommodates families, with children as young as 6.
• Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available — a plus for dietary restrictions.
• Alcohol is served only to those 18 and older, with minors receiving non-alcoholic drinks.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is perfect for food lovers eager to learn authentic Catalan recipes in a relaxed, social setting. It’s also ideal if you want to support a social cause while traveling, making your trip more meaningful. Families with children over 6, couples, and solo travelers looking for a cultural and culinary immersion will find plenty to appreciate here.

If you’re interested in sustainable, seasonal ingredients and enjoy a slow-food approach, this class offers a gentle, enjoyable way to connect with Barcelona’s culinary traditions. Plus, those wanting an interactive experience with a local chef will feel right at home.

Final Thoughts

This Spanish cooking class at Mescladís combines tasty, authentic cuisine with a chance to contribute to something bigger. The intimate setting and expert guidance make it suitable for all skill levels, and the social mission adds a heartfelt dimension to the experience. It’s a smart choice for travelers who value genuine, local experiences and want to support community initiatives.

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a curious traveler, or someone eager to learn new skills, this class offers a generous taste of Barcelona’s culinary soul, with the added bonus of making a positive impact.

FAQ

Is transportation to the venue included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Mescladís at Carrer del Comte Borrell 122.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, the class offers options for vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, making it accessible for various dietary needs.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, kids as young as 6 are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. It’s designed to be family-friendly.

What drinks are included?
You can choose from wine, beer, or non-alcoholic options like soda, juice, or seltzer, depending on your preference and age.

How long does the class last?
The experience is approximately 2 hours, with check-in 15 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.

Is the class accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.

What is the main focus of this experience?
It’s about learning traditional Catalan dishes while supporting a nonprofit that provides culinary training to marginalized communities.

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

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of authentic recipes, social impact, and the cozy, community-oriented setting makes it a memorable experience for those wanting more than just sightseeing.

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