San Sebastian Cooking Class & Market Tour

Authentic Basque cuisine, local ingredients & the city’s most iconic cheesecake.

Let’s Cook Together

Discover Basque cuisine the way it’s meant to be experienced : Through the market, the seasons, and the joy of cooking together.

We begin at La Bretxa Market, the historic heart of San Sebastián. Here, you’ll learn how Basque cooking really starts: choosing pristine fish, chatting with farmers, and discovering the ingredients that make this region one of Europe’s culinary capitals. It’s your chance to meet the people behind the flavors; the fishmongers, butchers, and producers who supply the city’s best kitchens.

Then we walk to Kookin Donosti, roll up our sleeves, and prepare a full Basque menu together. This is a hands-on workshop from the first cut to the last bite, guided step-by-step so everyone can enjoy cooking, regardless of experience. You’re not watching a demonstration: you’re the chef.

Our menu changes with what’s fresh at the market, but a typical class includes:

Starter – Cod Omelette
A classic Sidrería (Cider house) favorite, made with salt cod, slow-cooked onions and eggs.

Main – Hake in Green Sauce
Perhaps the most iconic Basque seafood dish: silky hake, clams, parsley and olive oil.

Main – Rib Steak with Piquillo Peppers
Txuleta-style rib steak paired with the sweet, smoky peppers that define Basque cooking.

Dessert – Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Our signature recipe: caramelized on the outside, creamy at the center: the perfect finale.

A closer look at one of the traditional bidding systems in La Bretxa. A small piece of San Sebastián market history.

A closer look at one of the traditional bidding systems in La Bretxa. A small piece of San Sebastián market history.

A vibrant selection of fresh fish at our trusted fishmonger: the starting point for many Basque recipes.

A vibrant selection of fresh fish at our trusted fishmonger: the starting point for many Basque recipes.

Chef Carlos giving a personalized technique explanation during the class, helping guests master each step with confidence.

Chef Carlos giving a personalized technique explanation during the class, helping guests master each step with confidence.

Demonstration of Basque beef cuts during the market tour, with insights into local traditions and techniques.

Demonstration of Basque beef cuts during the market tour, with insights into local traditions and techniques.

A proud guest cooking a steak during the hands-on session: Great smell, sizzling pans, and great vibes all around.

A proud guest cooking a steak during the hands-on session: Great smell, sizzling pans, and great vibes all around.

Guests proudly photographing the dishes they just cooked: the best kind of ‘we made this!’ moment.

Guests proudly photographing the dishes they just cooked: the best kind of ‘we made this!’ moment.

Guests working together in the cooking studio while preparing traditional Basque dishes.

Guests working together in the cooking studio while preparing traditional Basque dishes.

Carlos assisting guests during the class, helping them master Basque techniques step by step.

Carlos assisting guests during the class, helping them master Basque techniques step by step.

Exploring the traditional salted cod stand at La Bretxa, where we learn why bacalao is a cornerstone of Basque cooking.

Exploring the traditional salted cod stand at La Bretxa, where we learn why bacalao is a cornerstone of Basque cooking.

A Feast You’ll Want to Cook Again

Throughout the class, you’ll enjoy local wine pairings chosen to match each dish. When everything is ready, we sit down together at the table and enjoy the full menu you’ve created.

You’ll take home:

• A souvenir Kookin apron

• All the recipes you prepared

• New skills, new flavors, and a beautiful Basque experience to remember

This experience is intimate (maximum 12 guests), relaxed, and designed for curious travelers who want to connect with San Sebastián through its flavors. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a confident home cook, you’ll feel right at home in our kitchen.

Join us for an immersive journey from market to plate — and cook Basque cuisine like a local.

 FAQs

  • Absolutely. No experience needed — we guide you step-by-step through every recipe.
    If you love food, you're in the right place.

  • We can adapt some parts of the menu with advance notice.
    Please let us know when booking so we can do our best to accommodate you.

  • Yes. Your experience includes local wine pairings that complement each dish.

  • The entire experience lasts around 3.5 to 4 hours, including the market tour, cooking time and the shared meal.

  • Just comfortable shoes for the market visit and an appetite.
    We provide everything else, including tools, ingredients, and a souvenir Kookin apron.

  • This class is designed for adults and young adults 14+.
    For families with younger children, we recommend booking a private class.

  • Yes! You’ll take home all the recipes you prepare, so you can recreate the dishes anywhere.

  • Yes. All group classes are taught in English.
    (Private classes can also be booked in Spanish.)

Why Travelers Love This Experience

  • Explore the Local Market

    Shop fresh fish & produce at La Bretxa with Carlos, our chef.

  • Cook Authentic Basque Dishes

    Learn traditional techniques and regional flavors you won’t find in restaurants.

  • Make the Famous Basque Cheesecake

    Our signature recipe. Creaminess is non-negotiable