Bahian Cooking Class

Learn all the secrets of a true Bahian moqueca

The authentic flavors of Bahia’s cuisine are the perfect invitation for a cooking class in Salvador.

Bahia is a true melting pot of flavors, seasoned with a mix of African, Indigenous, and European influences. Its striking cuisine, with unique aromas and ingredients, awakens the palate and reveals a bit of the state’s culture. From the famous acarajé made by the Bahian women to vatapá and the unmissable moqueca, every dish is filled with ancestral memories.

In Salvador, gastronomy goes far beyond the simple act of cooking: it is a celebration of identity, made with dendê (palm oil), coconut milk, peppers, and a touch of axé. Knowledge and techniques have been passed down through generations, keeping the traditions of the people alive. For food and culture enthusiasts, a Bahian cooking class is the perfect invitation to discover the secrets of these traditions that captivate the world.

The experience lasts about 4 hours and promises to show, step by step, the art of preparing an authentic Bahian moqueca!

CHOOSING INGREDIENTS AT THE MARKET

It all starts with a visit to one of the largest and most traditional markets in Salvador: the Mercado Modelo. Listed as a Cultural Heritage site by the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), the Mercado Modelo retains the same original neoclassical architecture from the time of its construction in 1861. In addition to the craft fair, the place offers a huge variety of typical foods and fresh ingredients.
Upon entering the market, you will be greeted by an explosion of colors and scents. The guide will help you with the essential ingredients for moqueca, such as dendê oil, fresh coconut milk, and cassava flour. You will understand the importance of each item and hear stories about their use in everyday life in Bahia!

BAHIAN GASTRONOMY MUSEUM

Leaving the market, your guide will take you on a walk to the Bahian Gastronomy Museum, where the history of Bahian food and the African influence on local cuisine is told. Panels and ancient objects reveal how culinary knowledge crossed the ocean and blended with Indigenous and European flavors, giving rise to a unique cuisine. It’s an inspiring stop that helps you understand the soul of traditional Bahian dishes!

COOKING CLASS

Now that you know the ingredients for a good moqueca, it’s time to roll up your sleeves! In a relaxed environment, the cook will show you step by step how to prepare Bahia’s most famous dish. Everything starts with the preparation of the ingredients. Under the cook’s guidance, you’ll chop, mix, and season the dish, as the delicious aroma of dendê (palm oil) fills the kitchen.

During the class, you’ll learn traditional preparation techniques and tips that make Bahian moqueca so special. At the end, it’s time to taste the moqueca, accompanied by a crunchy farofa and the famous pirão. The flavor is simply amazing, and every bite is a journey to the tastes of Bahia. The experience ends with a delicious local dessert, completing the meal with a sweet touch.

This is an experience to carry in your memory and heart. Taking a cooking class in Salvador is much more than learning a recipe—it’s understanding the essence of Bahia and the flavor of its traditions.

HOW TO GET THERE

Salvador International Airport