Meet
Paula
Born into a Goan family with roots in Goa, Mozambique, and Portugal, Paula is a true reflection of the cultural diversity woven into Portuguese cuisine. Her love for food began in childhood, inspired by her mother, a gifted home cook who often welcomed entire communities into their home. From traditional Portuguese dishes to Goan specialties like handmade samosas, Paula learned both the flavors and the hospitality that define her cooking today.
When her mother passed away, friends who missed her cooking turned to Paula, encouraging her to continue the family tradition. This led Paula into a second career in food, where she began recreating beloved Portuguese and Goan recipes. After training in cake design, she also discovered a passion for baking and opened her own cake studio, creating intricate cakes alongside her catering work.
Today, Paula welcomes guests into her Lisbon-area home to share authentic Portuguese meals with Goan influence. A true artist with food, she brings warmth, creativity, and cultural depth to every dish, helping travelers experience both Portuguese cuisine and everyday local life in a meaningful way.
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:
(1-6 guests)
Your culinary experience takes place in Almada, just a quick 7-minute ferry ride from downtown Lisbon. Paula will meet you at the ferry and guide you on a short walk through town to her home, where you’ll be welcomed with a glass of Portuguese wine from a historic 200-year-old Alentejo winery. (If you’re traveling south, Paula can even recommend a visit to this award-winning vineyard and underground cellar.)
Begin with appetizers that showcase both traditional Portuguese cuisine and Goan flavors shaped by Portugal’s history. Sample pataniscas de bacalhau (classic Portuguese cod fritters) alongside Goan gram flour fritters, while Paula shares the cultural stories behind each dish.
Then gather around Paula’s table for a family-style meal featuring a mix of Portuguese and Goan specialties. Depending on your preference, your menu might highlight Portuguese favorites, or a Goan-focused feast with dishes such as rich crab curry. The experience concludes with a sweet dessert and coffee or tea.
Cooking experience:
(1-6 guests)
Join Paula in her cozy Lisbon home for an intimate Portuguese cooking class with a Goan twist. In this hands-on Lisbon cooking experience, you’ll prepare 2–3 traditional dishes side by side, learning authentic Portuguese and Goan recipes. Start with appetizers like pataniscas de bacalhau (crispy Portuguese cod fritters) and Goan bojas (spiced gram flour fritters with onion and cumin). For the main course, choose from classics such as bacalhau à Brás (cod with shredded potatoes and egg), Amêijoas á Bulhão Pato (Portuguese-style clams in a garlic and herb sauce), or a flavorful Goan curry.
After cooking, gather at Paula’s dining table to enjoy your homemade meal paired with local flavors, ending with a sweet dessert like the iconic pastel de nata and coffee or tea. This Lisbon cooking class is ideal for food lovers, couples, and families with children who want an interactive and authentic culinary experience. Vegetarian options are available upon request. Learn the secrets of Portuguese and Goan cuisine while connecting with local culture in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
Market visit:
(1-6 guests)
Join Paula for a guided market tour in Lisbon and discover the flavors of a traditional neighborhood market. Paula will meet you at the ferry exit and walk with you 15–20 minutes to the local market she has visited since childhood. Many vendors still greet her by name, creating a warm, authentic experience. As you explore the vibrant stalls, Paula will introduce you to seasonal Portuguese ingredients and help you select fresh vegetables, meat, and fish for your cooking class. After 15–20 minutes at the market, you’ll return to Paula’s home to begin your hands-on Portuguese and Goan cooking class.
Market tours are available Tuesday through Saturday mornings.
Notes:
1. Please note this host has a cat.
2. Paula is happy to accommodate a vegetarian diet, if informed in advance.
3. If you are a group of 7 or more guests, email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com as Paula can host you in her friend's home.
Languages spoken:
English, Portuguese
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
A wonderfully relaxed and genuine cooking workshop! We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, the fun cooking tips, and the Portuguese culture. Highly recommended!
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monique
May 29, 2026
Paula was amazing! She was very knowledgeable and answered our many questions throughout the experience. She took us through the market and explained the differences in the local fish selection and the times of the year they are the best to eat. She even got us some local fruits to try while we were there. After a short walk to her home, we were treated to a lovely lemonade as we prepped the meal. Paula was great at explaining and teaching us how to prepare each dish, offering little tips and tricks along the way. Everything she taught us how to make was phenomenal! We drank a delicious wine she had selected as we ate and got to know each other. After our meal we got coffee at a local cafe and walked around the town. She shows us many excellent view points while explaining tidbits of history of the area. Paula was incredibly engaging and very knowledgeable in a manner of subjects. The experience was everything we wanted and more. I would recommend this experience to everyone!
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kim
May 28, 2026
My husband and I had an amazing cooking experience with Paula - we learned some new cooking prep techniques, made some delicious Goan food, as well as a fabulous dessert. Paula was a wonderful host and teacher. We would definitely recommend a cooking class with Paula to anyone who visits the Lisbon area. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Portugal!
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pamm
May 26, 2026
Wonderful local experience with Paula! Paula met us at the ferry and took us to her home where we cooked a delicious Portuguese meal. We love cooking classes when we travel and dinner with Paula was fun, entertaining, educational and delicious! Paula walked us through the local streets on the way back where all the neighborhood people were gathered having a great time together. It was a unique experience that we will fondly remember.
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mike
May 24, 2026
Absolutely amazing time with Paula. The class was excellent. Learned so much and had a
delicious meal. Paula is in no rush so it is a very relaxed time. We also learned so much
about Portugal through our many questions. This was a great experience
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joey
May 24, 2026
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