Meet
Josh (Boqueria)
Josh grew up in Portland, Oregon, and moved to Spain in 2002, where he fell in love with the language, culture, and food. Inspired by local families and their traditions, he learned to cook using fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially Spain’s incredible seafood. Today, he hosts guests in his cooking studio, sharing regional recipes, stories, and the rich culinary culture of his adopted home. A percussionist as well, he’s always happy to share his favorite local music during the experience.
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.
Cooking experience:
(4-10 guests)
Enjoy a private, hands-on Barcelona cooking class in a centrally located Gràcia studio with local host Josh or his chef colleague. Learn how to make authentic Spanish paella from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients, with step-by-step guidance and practical cooking tips.
Start your experience by preparing refreshing sangria together - chopping fresh fruit and learning how to balance flavors to create this classic Spanish drink. Then, create a traditional crema catalana and learn how to perfectly caramelize its signature topping.
This immersive Barcelona paella cooking class is fully interactive - you’ll chop, prep, and cook alongside your host while learning about Spanish food culture and local traditions. Choose from seafood, meat, or vegetarian paella options.
On days when Josh is unavailable, his colleague and fellow chef will host you. The cooking studio is located one floor above ground level and is accessible by elevator for those who cannot take the stairs.
End your experience by enjoying the meal you prepared together over conversation about food, travel, and music. Each experience includes 1–2 glasses of sangria. This Barcelona cooking experience is perfect for all skill levels and those seeking an authentic, local connection in the city. Your host is happy to tailor the menu to accommodate dietary preferences, so please include them when booking.
Market visit:
(4-10 guests)
Explore La Boqueria, Barcelona’s most iconic food market, on a guided market tour with your local host Josh or his equally passionate chef colleague. Begin with a tasting of Spanish jamón at a trusted Catalan charcuterie and learn how premium Iberian ham is sourced and prepared.
Walk through the vibrant market as your host introduces you to favorite vendors offering fresh, locally sourced seafood, meats, cheeses, and produce. Sample specialties like salt cod and marinated olives, and learn how to identify high-quality ingredients. Along the way, gain insight into Catalan food culture and what makes it unique within Spain.
During your 45-minute Barcelona market tour, you may also pick up fresh ingredients such as squid or peppers to use in your paella cooking class. After the tour, enjoy included transportation to your host’s cooking studio, where your hands-on Barcelona cooking class begins.
Notes:
1. Josh requires a minimum of four guests to host this private culinary experience, or payment equivalent to four guests if your group is smaller.
2. Market tours are not available on Sundays and Mondays.
3. You can choose between seafood, chicken, or vegetable paella. Kindly share your preference with Josh ahead of time, or seafood will be prepared by default.
Languages spoken:
English, Catalan and Spanish
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
The class was a big success. Very well done, chef was excellent, & facility was perfect. Our friends were impressed and loved every minute!!!
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Robert
April 30, 2026
