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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Viviana Acosta

San Juan, Puerto Rico

USD
$169-$265 per person

Puerto Rican Cooking Class with a Personal Chef in Your San Juan Home

Host offerings
  • House
  • Professional cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Viviana Acosta

With 23 years in the culinary industry, Chef Viviana brings extensive experience from working in restaurants and as a private chef abroad. She has also contributed as a recipe tester, developer, and food writer for magazines and cookbooks. Today, she is excited to offer her personal chef services to guests in San Juan and share her passion for Puerto Rican cuisine.

When we asked Viviana why she wanted to be a Traveling Spoon host, she shared: “I believe that it is through tradition, food, and the gathering at the table that you can really get to know a country and its people. Knowing its food and its table antics makes it easier for the traveler to navigate through the country they are visiting.” Her philosophy perfectly captures the spirit of her classes: more than just cooking, guests experience Puerto Rican culture, tradition, and the joy of gathering around the table, creating lasting memories of their visit to San Juan.

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: (7-15 guests) Chef Viviana offers an intimate private chef experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico, blending professional culinary training with the soulful flavors of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Trained in French and international cooking, Chef Viviana’s true passion is preserving and sharing the gastronomy of Puerto Rico through family recipes passed down for generations. Ideal for travelers, couples, families, or small groups seeking a personal chef in San Juan, this in-home dining experience is both cultural and delicious. Chef Viviana prepares an authentic Puerto Rican menu featuring classic dishes such as tostones (crispy fried plantains), arroz con habichuelas (rice and stewed beans with Caribbean pumpkin), and piñón de amarillo y picadillo (sweet plantain lasagna layered with seasoned ground beef). Each dish reflects the island’s rich culinary heritage and local ingredients. Your private dining experience concludes with a homemade panetela de guayaba (guava shortbread), served with freshly brewed coffee. More than just a meal, this private chef service in San Juan offers meaningful conversation, cultural storytelling, and a true taste of Puerto Rico in the comfort of your home. This is a BYOB experience. Chef Viviana is happy to offer a small welcome toast of traditional coquito (Puerto Rican rum drink) upon arrival, as well as a traditional anise digestif served after your meal.

Cooking experience: (5-15 guests) Enjoy a private, hands-on Puerto Rican cooking class in your own home or vacation rental in San Juan, led by local chef Viviana. This personalized in-home cooking class with a private chef is perfect for travelers, couples, families, or small groups looking to learn traditional Puerto Rican recipes in a relaxed, intimate setting. During this 90-minute cooking class, you’ll prepare classic Puerto Rican dishes from scratch, including sofrito, the fragrant herb and vegetable base of many island recipes, arroz con habichuelas (rice and stewed beans with Caribbean pumpkin), and tostones (crispy smashed fried plantains). Chef Viviana shares authentic techniques and family recipes passed down through generations, making this experience engaging and accessible for all skill levels. After cooking, sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare, creating a meaningful cultural and culinary experience in San Juan. This is a BYOB experience. Chef Viviana offers a small welcome toast of traditional coquito (Puerto Rican rum drink) upon arrival, as well as a traditional anise digestif after dinner. She takes care of the cleanup, so you can relax and enjoy your meal.

Notes: Dietary Accommodations: Chef Viviana is happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free requests. Please let her know at the time of booking so she can customize the menu and prepare accordingly. Cancellation Policy: A 7-day cancellation policy applies instead of the standard 48-hour policy. To receive a full refund (minus a payment processing fee), please cancel at least 7 days prior to your experience. This policy allows your host adequate time to prepare, especially for larger groups. Location: Viviana can host you in your San Juan home. If you are staying outside San Juan, she charges an extra fee. Group Size: Viviana does host smaller groups. If you are a group that has fewer than 7 guests, please email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com for a custom quote.

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.
  • Tostones (smashed fried plantains)
  • Arroz con habichuelas (stewed beans with Caribbean pumpkin)
  • Piñón de amarillo y picadillo (sweet plantain lasagna with spiced ground beef)
  • Panetela de guayaba (guava shortbread)
  • Welcome aperitif and traditional after-dinner digestif

Viviana Acosta

$169-$265 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+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered Not offered $169
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $265
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered Not offered $169
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $265
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 11:00am-1:00pm 5:00pm-7:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm 4:00pm-7:00pm

Meet Viviana Acosta

With 23 years in the culinary industry, Chef Viviana brings extensive experience from working in restaurants and as a private chef abroad. She has also contributed as a recipe tester, developer, and food writer for magazines and cookbooks. Today, she is excited to offer her personal chef services to guests in San Juan and share her passion for Puerto Rican cuisine.

When we asked Viviana why she wanted to be a Traveling Spoon host, she shared: “I believe that it is through tradition, food, and the gathering at the table that you can really get to know a country and its people. Knowing its food and its table antics makes it easier for the traveler to navigate through the country they are visiting.” Her philosophy perfectly captures the spirit of her classes: more than just cooking, guests experience Puerto Rican culture, tradition, and the joy of gathering around the table, creating lasting memories of their visit to San Juan.

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: (7-15 guests) Chef Viviana offers an intimate private chef experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico, blending professional culinary training with the soulful flavors of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Trained in French and international cooking, Chef Viviana’s true passion is preserving and sharing the gastronomy of Puerto Rico through family recipes passed down for generations. Ideal for travelers, couples, families, or small groups seeking a personal chef in San Juan, this in-home dining experience is both cultural and delicious. Chef Viviana prepares an authentic Puerto Rican menu featuring classic dishes such as tostones (crispy fried plantains), arroz con habichuelas (rice and stewed beans with Caribbean pumpkin), and piñón de amarillo y picadillo (sweet plantain lasagna layered with seasoned ground beef). Each dish reflects the island’s rich culinary heritage and local ingredients. Your private dining experience concludes with a homemade panetela de guayaba (guava shortbread), served with freshly brewed coffee. More than just a meal, this private chef service in San Juan offers meaningful conversation, cultural storytelling, and a true taste of Puerto Rico in the comfort of your home. This is a BYOB experience. Chef Viviana is happy to offer a small welcome toast of traditional coquito (Puerto Rican rum drink) upon arrival, as well as a traditional anise digestif served after your meal.

Cooking experience: (5-15 guests) Enjoy a private, hands-on Puerto Rican cooking class in your own home or vacation rental in San Juan, led by local chef Viviana. This personalized in-home cooking class with a private chef is perfect for travelers, couples, families, or small groups looking to learn traditional Puerto Rican recipes in a relaxed, intimate setting. During this 90-minute cooking class, you’ll prepare classic Puerto Rican dishes from scratch, including sofrito, the fragrant herb and vegetable base of many island recipes, arroz con habichuelas (rice and stewed beans with Caribbean pumpkin), and tostones (crispy smashed fried plantains). Chef Viviana shares authentic techniques and family recipes passed down through generations, making this experience engaging and accessible for all skill levels. After cooking, sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare, creating a meaningful cultural and culinary experience in San Juan. This is a BYOB experience. Chef Viviana offers a small welcome toast of traditional coquito (Puerto Rican rum drink) upon arrival, as well as a traditional anise digestif after dinner. She takes care of the cleanup, so you can relax and enjoy your meal.

Notes: Dietary Accommodations: Chef Viviana is happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free requests. Please let her know at the time of booking so she can customize the menu and prepare accordingly. Cancellation Policy: A 7-day cancellation policy applies instead of the standard 48-hour policy. To receive a full refund (minus a payment processing fee), please cancel at least 7 days prior to your experience. This policy allows your host adequate time to prepare, especially for larger groups. Location: Viviana can host you in your San Juan home. If you are staying outside San Juan, she charges an extra fee. Group Size: Viviana does host smaller groups. If you are a group that has fewer than 7 guests, please email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com for a custom quote.

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.
  • Tostones (smashed fried plantains)
  • Arroz con habichuelas (stewed beans with Caribbean pumpkin)
  • Piñón de amarillo y picadillo (sweet plantain lasagna with spiced ground beef)
  • Panetela de guayaba (guava shortbread)
  • Welcome aperitif and traditional after-dinner digestif
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered Not offered $169
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $265
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered Not offered $169
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $265
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 11:00am-1:00pm 5:00pm-7:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm 4:00pm-7:00pm
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 4% 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.