Barcelona: Vegan Paella and traditional rice dishes

Trying to find a way to enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine without compromising your vegan lifestyle? If so, this Vegan Paella and traditional rice dishes class in Barcelona might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this class, I’ve researched it thoroughly, and what stands out is its focus on plant-based recipes that bring a taste of Spain’s beloved rice dishes directly to your kitchen.

Two things I really appreciate about this experience are its emphasis on vegan recipes—which are often hard to find in traditional cooking classes—and the chance to enjoy a communal tasting after the cooking, making it a fun and interactive way to learn. The downside? It’s a group experience starting from just 2 people, so if you’re traveling solo or with a small group, you’ll need to check availability early since spots can fill up.

This class is particularly suited for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone curious about plant-based cooking. It works well for those who enjoy hands-on experiences, want to learn authentic recipes, and aren’t afraid to get a little messy in the kitchen. Just a heads-up—it’s not designed for kids under 10, so families with younger children might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Authentic vegan recipes: Learn how to prepare traditional Spanish rice dishes, entirely plant-based.
• Interactive experience: You’ll cook and taste multiple dishes in a lively group setting.
• Inclusive and accessible: The class is wheelchair accessible and conducted in several languages, including Catalan, English, German, and Spanish.
• Flexible booking: Can be reserved now with the option to pay later, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Price point: At $90 per person, it offers a hands-on culinary experience that’s quite good value considering the duration and learning component.
• Ideal for food lovers: Perfect if you want to bring home new skills and enjoy a communal meal with fellow travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Experience

This four-hour class is based in In Bloom Cooking School, conveniently located behind Arenas mall and Plaza España. The location is accessible, and the session typically starts in the late morning or early afternoon, with exact times depending on availability. You’ll be part of a small group, usually starting with a warm welcome and a drink—probably a local beverage—and then diving into the kitchen.

The course covers multiple recipes. Depending on group size, you might make:

• Paella Valenciana with bomba rice, green beans, Valencian fava beans, and marinated grilled Heura chicken-style strips. The broth is vegan, but you get the authentic flavors of classic paella.
• Arròs al forn, a baked rice dish with vegan sausage, chickpeas, potatoes, and tomato, featuring bomba rice and a hearty vegetable broth.
• Arròs negre, the black rice variant with seaweed broth and vegan prawns made from konjak, which adds a fun, seafood-like flavor without any animal products.
• Fideuà, a pasta version of paella with aubergine, red pepper, and vegan squid made from konjak, cooked in seaweed broth.

Throughout the class, you’ll learn tips for cooking rice perfectly—something that can be tricky even for seasoned cooks—and how to marinate and grill vegan proteins to mimic traditional flavors. The recipes are designed to be tasty and satisfying while keeping everything vegan, proving that plant-based versions can be just as flavorful and impressive.

After all the dishes are prepared, the group gathers around to enjoy a buffet-style tasting, which is one of the highlights. Sharing the meal adds a communal, convivial atmosphere, and it’s a great way to compare notes and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can purchase drinks on-site, paying at the end, which lets you pair your dishes with local wines or soft drinks.

The Real Deal: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The interactive, hands-on approach makes the learning engaging and memorable.
• The recipes are authentic, and the focus on vegan adaptations means no compromise on flavor.
• The group setting fosters a friendly atmosphere, perfect for meeting fellow travelers or locals.
• The location is convenient and accessible, making it easy to include in your day.
• The included drink and the shared buffet create a relaxed, social vibe.

Cons:

• The class requires a minimum group size of 2, so if you’re traveling solo, you’ll need to check availability early.
• It’s not suitable for children under 10, so families with young kids might want other options.
• The price at $90 per person, while reasonable for a four-hour class, might be a stretch for budget travelers.
• Drinks outside the included one are paid separately, which can add up if you’re not mindful.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys cooking and learning new recipes, this class offers a rewarding experience that yields practical skills. It’s ideal for vegans or plant-based eaters wanting to master authentic Spanish rice dishes, especially paella—arguably Spain’s most iconic dish. Foodies who appreciate shared meals and lively atmospheres will find this particularly enjoyable.

Travelers who prefer structured, educational activities with a social element will get the most out of this. It’s less suited for those seeking a quick, casual tasting or a purely sightseeing experience. If you’re after a fun, immersive cooking lesson with tasty results, this could be a highlight of your Barcelona trip.

Pricing and Value

At $90, the class offers a full four hours of hands-on cooking, tasting, and learning. Compared to other culinary experiences in Barcelona—like market tours or upscale classes—this presents good value, especially considering the recipes you leave with and the shared meal. You’re not just tasting; you’re actively creating dishes that you can try at home. The inclusion of a drink and the convivial atmosphere adds to the overall experience.

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Practical Tips for Booking

• Check the availability early, especially if you’re traveling solo or in a small group.
• Bring a Tupperware or container for leftovers—sometimes you’ll have extra food you want to take home.
• Wear comfortable clothes, as you’ll be moving between stations and working with ingredients.
• Consider pairing the class with other sightseeing, as the location is central.
• Think about dietary preferences; since everything is vegan, it’s suitable for plant-based diets.
• Remember, no children under 10 allowed, so plan accordingly if traveling with family.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to teach traditional rice dishes in an approachable way. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, you’ll find the instructions clear and doable.

How many dishes will I make during the class?
The number of recipes depends on the group size, but expect to learn and prepare multiple rice dishes, including paella, baked rice, black rice, and pasta paella with vegan squid.

Can I purchase drinks during the class?
Absolutely. You can buy a variety of drinks at the location and pay at the end. One drink is included in the price, which is a nice perk.

Where does the class take place?
The class is held at In Bloom Cooking School, located behind Arenas mall and Plaza España, making it easy to access from different parts of the city.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the class is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a Tupperware or container if you want to take leftovers home. Comfortable clothes and an eagerness to learn and taste are all you need.

Final Thoughts

For anyone craving an authentic taste of Spain’s rice dishes but adhering to a vegan diet, this Vegan Paella and rice dishes class in Barcelona stands out as a memorable and practical choice. You get the chance to learn from knowledgeable instructors, prepare multiple recipes, and enjoy a shared meal in a friendly environment. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your culinary skills while engaging with local flavors.

While it’s not perfect for solo travelers or families with young kids, it’s an experience that offers real value for food lovers, aspiring chefs, and those eager to expand their plant-based repertoire. Whether you’re in Barcelona for a few days or looking for a meaningful activity, this class could be a highlight of your culinary adventures in Spain.

In summary, if you want an engaging, authentic, and delicious cooking experience that leaves you with skills and recipes to replicate back home, this class is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to check availability ahead of time, arrive ready to cook, and enjoy the convivial atmosphere that makes it more than just a cooking lesson.

You can check availability for your dates here: