Cookin' Playa
Cookin' Playa
5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
"Cookin' Playa" Mexican cooking class in Playa del Carmen, Enjoy the Flavors of the authentic Mexican cuisine while you learn about the Culture in a Fun way; in this small group cooking class in Playa del Carmen. Your Chef will guide you from shopping for the produces at the local market right back to her home kitchen for an authentic "Mi Casa es tu Casa" Experience. We have the mission to become ambassadors of Mexican cuisine and culture and we want to share with you that warm, familiar feeling that Traditional Mexican cuisine creates. More than just a cooking class, an Exceptional Culinary and Cultural Experience.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
210 reviews
Excellent
208
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Erica
Cambridge, MA10 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I feel like I can’t fully describe how amazing of an experience this was! My fiancé and I had the most wonderful time with Alma in Playa Del Carmen. From learning about the history of Playa, to shopping at the local markets for the right produce, to tasting fresh tortillas, to of course, cooking authentic Mexican food in her home! I would do this again over and over. Alma is so warm and welcoming, informative, and fun! We’d totally be friends if I was a local in Playa!! Thank you Alma! It will be an experience we will never ever forget! We can’t wait to try and recreate the recipes at home!
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Erica for your kind review about Chef Alma, we enjoy reading you, about your recent experience with Cookin´ Playa, we agree with you, she is an amazing person, all guests mention how nice she is and so generous in sharing so much about Mexico´ s Cooking. Gracias Erica!
Written February 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gill222
Playa Blanca, Spain34 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
We've done cookery classes previously and found them to be a great way to really understand local cuisine, but also to learn lots of local information. This one didn't disappoint. Alma, our chef host, was so informative and enthusiastic. The dishes we made were delicious and were things which we could easily make at home. We came away with lots of ideas and very full! I liked that each day offered a different menu, which allowed you to choose what you prefer to cook. The class also catered well for gluten-free options.
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola Gill!
Thank you for your kind words in this review, we highly appreciate it.
Hope to see you again soon!
Muchas gracias!
Written January 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mercie N
Mid Coast Maine, ME20 contributions
Apr 2018
Alma met us at the assigned location and drove us to the part of Playa del Carmen where residents live and shop- away from the touristy section of town. We then walked to local food vendors to purchase items for our cooking adventure. We tasted freshly made tortillas, learning how the tortillas were made. Alma purchase beef from the butcher where we sampled crispy pork rind- the best I have ever had! Then it was off to the vegetable market and the cheese shop. We were welcomed into Alma's home where the cooking began. Alma set us to the task of prepping the ingredients for margueritas and amazing guacamole. We enjoyed these while we chopped, stirred, rolled and tasted the meal we were preparing. We learned how to find a ripe avocado, make tortillas, prepare cactus, make mole and a mango aqua fresca. This was exactly the kind of cooking class we wanted- hands on, fun, while experiencing the local culture and community. Alma is a warm, talented woman who enthusiastically shares her love of her community and cooking traditional mexican foods. It was a great pleasure to spend the day with her and the results of our efforts were delicious!!
Written April 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muchas gracias!
It is a pleasure for us to share our culture with you.
On behalf of Chef Alma and all the Cookin' México family in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and San José del Cabo, gracias, we highly appreciate your visit!
Hope to see you again soon in any of our locations.
Cooking Experiences: Cookinvallarta.com
Instagram & Facebook: CookinPlaya
Tacos and Food tasting walking tours: JuanMoreTacoTours.com
Written March 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lunchladyNh
NH438 contributions
Feb 2020
This was our 3rd time cooking with Alma. This time we chose to make mole. I have to say, I wasn't very excited about mole, I tried it once in a "mexican" restaurant in the States and it wasn't good. Was I wrong! After tasting what it's actually supposed to taste like, I love it! Such a complex flavor.
So you meet Alma at the entrance to the Mega store in downtown Playa Del Carmen, she whisks you into her car and to an authentic neighborhood produce market where the produce is so beautiful and fresh, nothing like the markets in the US. From there, you visit the butcher shop and the tortilla factory and then off to Alma's home to cook and drink margaritas.
We made mexican coffee margaritas which were... amazing - and guacamole to start off the fun. Oh, did I mention we have met some wonderful people from different parts of the world over the years? Such fun to get to know people & learn something new.
After making the meal, we all sit down and eat what we've made. After class, Alma drops us back at the Mega store and I usually go inside to search for ingredients I can't get at home.
We can't wait to see what we will make next year.
So you meet Alma at the entrance to the Mega store in downtown Playa Del Carmen, she whisks you into her car and to an authentic neighborhood produce market where the produce is so beautiful and fresh, nothing like the markets in the US. From there, you visit the butcher shop and the tortilla factory and then off to Alma's home to cook and drink margaritas.
We made mexican coffee margaritas which were... amazing - and guacamole to start off the fun. Oh, did I mention we have met some wonderful people from different parts of the world over the years? Such fun to get to know people & learn something new.
After making the meal, we all sit down and eat what we've made. After class, Alma drops us back at the Mega store and I usually go inside to search for ingredients I can't get at home.
We can't wait to see what we will make next year.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On behalf of Chef Alma and all the COOKIN' family , we want to say : MUCHAS GRACIAS Thanks a lot for the opportunity and the favor towards our small business within these difficult times; we highly appreciate your visit.
Looking forward to host you again on your next trip to Playa del Carmen
Written July 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Léah B
Saint-Raphael, France13 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Everything was just completely perfect! Alma is really kind, she showed us the best way to select the ingredients in a local market and how to prepare the best margaritas (ever!) before teaching us how to cook a DELICIOUS and very complete Mexican meal! We wish we could eat everyday at her house 😆 We highly recommend this experience! 1000 gracias again Alma!
Written December 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gracias for your kind review, we will make sure Chef Alma reads you. We agree with you, we would also like to eat her food daily. Her classes are for 6 people, so small groups always or if you prefer to have a private class, you can book for only 2 people or the amount of people desired. Thank you for recommending us. and we would like to have you also in our kitchens in Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, offered by Chef Alma family members.
Written January 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pzzmd
London, Canada42 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I had been looking forward to this class for quite some time, and had specifically booked a Tuesday in order to make tamales - something I have never had the opportunity to try at home, or during previous travel to Mexico. After meeting at the arranged time and place, Alma drove our group of 4 to a nearby neighbourhood where we visited several small markets, and gathered the necessary ingredients to prepare our meal. I particularly enjoyed watching fresh tortillas being made at the tortilleria, and trying a still-warm sample out front on the sidewalk. Once our shopping was complete, Alma brought us to her lovely and inviting home to begin cooking. We learned how to prepare several dishes from scratch - nopales a la Mexicana, rajas poblanas, chicken tamales. We also helped prepare and enjoyed several other smaller and delicious side dishes. The entire experience felt like spending an afternoon with old friends, sharing conversation, laughs, and great food. Alma clearly puts a lot of thought and care into planning and preparing for her classes, and it shows in every regard. Thank you very much Alma - I had a wonderful time, and am very much looking forward to sharing the results of your recipes with my children and family back home for years to come.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate so much your good words about Chef Alma ´ cooking class you joined earlier this week. Chef Alma is very professional in what she is doing, she loves to share her passion, she loves to have guests that are curious to learn about Mexico ´s cooking and all the different and new produce while visiting the local markets. Chef Alma is your new friend while at the markets and she becomes your best old friends once at home. We appreciate your precious time in joining a cooking class and in writing this kind review. Chef Alma also our guide for JUAN MORE TACO Food Tours in Playa del Carmen so join her. We would like to meet you also in our classes in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Gracias!
Written January 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
donnac1225
Chicago, IL4 contributions
Jan 2020
We had a wonderful experience with Alma, from buying ingredients ending with a great, tasty dinner with Margarita's.
Alma was experienced, delightful and my husband and I felt a true cultural connection. Alma cooked in her own home and it felt just like family. There was only three of us for this class which was really a hands on. Thank you so much for a great time and recipes. Nick and Donna K
Alma was experienced, delightful and my husband and I felt a true cultural connection. Alma cooked in her own home and it felt just like family. There was only three of us for this class which was really a hands on. Thank you so much for a great time and recipes. Nick and Donna K
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Nick and Donna for your kind review on last Monday Cookin´ Playa experience, Chef Alma is a wonderful person, we are proud to have her part of our team. She is really generous in sharing her knowledge about Mexico culinary heritage and she wants her guests to feel at home, just like if the cooking session would be between friends. Now there is no good reason not to cook Mexican at Home. We would like to have you in our kitchens of Cookin´ Cabo San Lucas and in Cookin´ Vallarta. Gracias!
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tgcwatson
El Dorado, AR19 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
If you are looking for an AUTHENTIC experience in Mexican cooking, this is definitely the class for you!! Alma and Mama Alma welcomed us into their home and showed us a day in the life of a happy Mexican family. We met at the Mega and left there to discover the neighborhood markets such as the tortilleria, fruteria, the butcher, and the dairy shop for fresh ingredients. Alma then welcomed us into her kitchen and began to teach us about the food we were preparing along with its history in the culture of the country. Joined by her cousin, founder of the Cookin’ concept, Enrique Chavelas, and his beautiful wife, we made a meal that we will never forget! Words can’t describe the experience nor the hospitality we felt from this family! Choose this class! You will not be disappointed!
Written July 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On behalf of Chef Alma and Mamá Alma and family, thank you for honoring our table and for your kind review! It was a pleasure meeting you and hope you join us for another class or tour in one of other locations!
We extend an invitation to join also our cooking classes and food tours in Puerto Vallarta, Ensenada and Playa del Carmen.
Look forward to seeing you again at one of cooking classes or taco tours on your next trip to Mexico!
All the best!!
Written October 11, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tommaso
San Francisco, CA5 contributions
Wow! The only way to describe the amazing experience we had during the cooking class with Alma and Lili is wow! We made tamales, guac, tortillas and much more from scratch! Great atmosphere! Super recommended!
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a reviee for us Tommaso!
Written March 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Courtney
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Best cooking class ever! So great, I went back for a second class. If you want a cultural experience vs traditional cooking class in a school/more formal setting, you’ll be so thankful you booked with Alma. I learned so much on the history of the area, how and where to shop for specific ingredients and left with the skills to recreate my favorite Mexican dishes at home. You’ll feel at home with Alma and her Tia. I can’t wait to book a third class during my next Playa trip (or with Alma’s family in other parts of Mexico).
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We'll be happily waiting for you on your next visit to Playa del Carmen or... Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Muchas gracias! :D
#CookinPlaya part of the #CookinMexico family
Written March 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello! Checking to see if this is a family friendly experience? Two adults. Children 12 and 9.
Written June 21, 2022
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