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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Doña

Bogotá, Colombia

USD
$80-$92 per person

Colombian cooking class in Bogota with a local chef

Host offerings
  • Apartment
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Doña

Dona, originally from Pacho, found her culinary calling in Bogotá, where she elevated traditional recipes to beloved family staples. Her journey in the kitchen began under her mother-in-law's guidance, who made rice and meat pasteles for weekend gatherings. Her culinary passion deepened as she explored the art of making "pastel de yuca," a traditional Colombian dish consisting of a savory pastry filled with yuca (cassava) and meat. This delicacy, often seasoned with herbs and served with a side of chili, herbs, and avocado, became a staple in her repertoire. During the pandemic, when job opportunities were scarce, Dona supported her family by selling her cassava-based products at various community events. Her exceptional pasteles and carimañolas, known for their handmade, natural quality and the finest ingredients, quickly gained fame through word-of-mouth. Working from her home in a car repair zone, without a formal factory, Dona's reputation for creating authentic, high-quality Colombian cuisine has soared. Her pastel de yuca and carimañolas are not just food items; they are a testament to her dedication and the rich culinary heritage of Colombia, making her a celebrated figure in the local food scene.

Your Bogota cooking class is co-hosted by Dona, our culinary expert, alongside an English-speaking guide to ensure smooth communication. Dona shares her deep knowledge of traditional cooking while our guides offer insights into the history and cultural influences shaping each dish. Together, we craft an engaging and informative culinary journey. Our diverse guide team, may include Andres, a historian, and a Colombian journalist or someone equally talented. You can expect a deep cultural immersion, while experiencing the diverse flavors of Colombian cuisine!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-5 guests) Step into Dona's cozy, simple home for a culinary adventure, where the expertise of a seasoned Colombian home cook meets the knowledge of an expert guide. Discover the secrets of cassava and other vibrant Colombian ingredients, tracing their origins and understanding the delicious fusion of Spanish, African, and Indigenous culinary influences. Discover, learn, and savor the unique culinary tapestry that makes this cuisine so special! A deep dive into the heart of Colombian flavors and culinary traditions.

Cooking experience: (1-5 guests) In you 2 hour Colombian cooking class in Bogota, learn to make three dishes from scratch. This is a hands-on cooking class where you will master traditional cooking techniques and transform fresh ingredients into delightful preparations. Dona will guide you every step of the way, while the guide shares stories and cultural insights that bring the history behind each dish to life. The three dishes that you will learn to cook in your Bogota cooking class are carimañola (fried cassava pockets bursting with a melty coastal Colombian cheese), pastel de yuca (a baked cassava dish with a hearty ground beef filling) and ají de aguacate (Colombia's spicy avocado dip infused with vibrant herbs, a touch of spice, and a unique Colombian flavor). After cooking, sit down to share the meal you helped prepare.

Notes: Dona can accommodate a vegetarian diet, if informed in advance, while booking the experience online.

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Jugo de Lulo: Refresh your palate with this exotic and tangy juice made from the Lulo fruit)
  • Pastel de Yuca con Ají Picante: Savory cassava pockets filled with ground beef, served with a side of spicy Ají dipping sauce
  • Carimañola con Ají de Aguacate: Crispy cassava pockets filled with coastal cheese, accompanied with creamy and lightly spiced avocado dip
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Doña

$80-$92 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $92 $86 $80
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $92 $86 $80
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-2:00pm 2:00pm-6:00pm

Meet Doña

Dona, originally from Pacho, found her culinary calling in Bogotá, where she elevated traditional recipes to beloved family staples. Her journey in the kitchen began under her mother-in-law's guidance, who made rice and meat pasteles for weekend gatherings. Her culinary passion deepened as she explored the art of making "pastel de yuca," a traditional Colombian dish consisting of a savory pastry filled with yuca (cassava) and meat. This delicacy, often seasoned with herbs and served with a side of chili, herbs, and avocado, became a staple in her repertoire. During the pandemic, when job opportunities were scarce, Dona supported her family by selling her cassava-based products at various community events. Her exceptional pasteles and carimañolas, known for their handmade, natural quality and the finest ingredients, quickly gained fame through word-of-mouth. Working from her home in a car repair zone, without a formal factory, Dona's reputation for creating authentic, high-quality Colombian cuisine has soared. Her pastel de yuca and carimañolas are not just food items; they are a testament to her dedication and the rich culinary heritage of Colombia, making her a celebrated figure in the local food scene.

Your Bogota cooking class is co-hosted by Dona, our culinary expert, alongside an English-speaking guide to ensure smooth communication. Dona shares her deep knowledge of traditional cooking while our guides offer insights into the history and cultural influences shaping each dish. Together, we craft an engaging and informative culinary journey. Our diverse guide team, may include Andres, a historian, and a Colombian journalist or someone equally talented. You can expect a deep cultural immersion, while experiencing the diverse flavors of Colombian cuisine!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-5 guests) Step into Dona's cozy, simple home for a culinary adventure, where the expertise of a seasoned Colombian home cook meets the knowledge of an expert guide. Discover the secrets of cassava and other vibrant Colombian ingredients, tracing their origins and understanding the delicious fusion of Spanish, African, and Indigenous culinary influences. Discover, learn, and savor the unique culinary tapestry that makes this cuisine so special! A deep dive into the heart of Colombian flavors and culinary traditions.

Cooking experience: (1-5 guests) In you 2 hour Colombian cooking class in Bogota, learn to make three dishes from scratch. This is a hands-on cooking class where you will master traditional cooking techniques and transform fresh ingredients into delightful preparations. Dona will guide you every step of the way, while the guide shares stories and cultural insights that bring the history behind each dish to life. The three dishes that you will learn to cook in your Bogota cooking class are carimañola (fried cassava pockets bursting with a melty coastal Colombian cheese), pastel de yuca (a baked cassava dish with a hearty ground beef filling) and ají de aguacate (Colombia's spicy avocado dip infused with vibrant herbs, a touch of spice, and a unique Colombian flavor). After cooking, sit down to share the meal you helped prepare.

Notes: Dona can accommodate a vegetarian diet, if informed in advance, while booking the experience online.

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Jugo de Lulo: Refresh your palate with this exotic and tangy juice made from the Lulo fruit)
  • Pastel de Yuca con Ají Picante: Savory cassava pockets filled with ground beef, served with a side of spicy Ají dipping sauce
  • Carimañola con Ají de Aguacate: Crispy cassava pockets filled with coastal cheese, accompanied with creamy and lightly spiced avocado dip
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $92 $86 $80
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $92 $86 $80
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-2:00pm 2:00pm-6:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can’t make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host’s profile doesn’t work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host’s family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the “Notes” section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.