OnlyForYou, Paella Session at a Michelin-trained Chefs Home

A Friendly Look at the Paella Session with a Michelin-trained Chef in Valencia

If you’re heading to Valencia and craving a hands-on experience that lets you truly connect with Spanish cuisine, this paella session might just be your perfect fit. Hosted in the home of a chef trained at the highest level, this experience offers more than just cooking — it’s a window into the culture, tradition, and flavors that make Valencia famous.

What we love about this experience is how personal and immersive it feels. You’re not just watching a demonstration; you’re rolling up your sleeves, learning secrets directly from a professional, and sharing a meal with fellow travelers. Plus, the close proximity to the old town makes it easy to combine with sightseeing.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is about cooking in a private setting — so it’s not a large group tour. If you’re after a more intimate, relaxed environment where you can ask questions and really get involved, this is a good choice. Travel buddies, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy culinary adventures will find plenty to love here.

This tour suits those who want a practical, memorable activity to add to their Valencia trip, especially if you’re eager to learn how to make authentic paella and want a taste of local culture without sacrificing comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Cook with a Michelin-trained chef in a private home setting.
• All-inclusive: Drinks, ingredients, recipe booklet, and a local dessert are provided.
• Flexibility: Options to choose between traditional, seafood, or vegetable paella.
• Knowledge & skills: You’ll leave knowing how to prepare your own paella at home.
• Close to the old town: Easy to incorporate into your sightseeing plans.
• Family-friendly: Kids enjoyed the experience, especially with a patient instructor.

What the Experience Looks Like

This paella session isn’t just about following a recipe — it’s about understanding what makes this dish so iconic. The host, a chef trained at the prestigious Michelin level, opens his home to you, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. As you step into his kitchen, you’ll quickly realize that this is a chance to learn real Spanish cooking from someone who clearly loves sharing their craft.

The experience begins at the IVAM Museum, a central spot that’s easy to reach, and from there, you’re invited into the chef’s kitchen. Once inside, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. You’ll be handed an apron, your ingredients, and tools, with guidance on how to use each one. The chef, who is both knowledgeable and personable, walks you through each step, sharing tips and stories about Valencia’s culinary traditions.

You get to pick from three different paellas: traditional, seafood, or vegetable — giving some flexibility depending on your dietary preferences. The ingredients are fresh, and everything is prepared right in front of you, making the process engaging without feeling rushed.

Learning the Art of Paella

We loved the way the chef explained the nuances of making authentic paella. It’s not just about tossing rice and toppings together — there’s a technique to get the rice just right, and a specific way to build flavor. The chef’s patience, especially with visitors who might be new to Spanish cuisine, makes the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Throughout the class, you’ll learn about the ingredients, how to handle them, and the steps that make a paella truly authentic. You’ll also gain insights into Valencian culture — from the choices of drinks like vermouth and Valencian wine to the traditional desserts like torrija with clementine cream.

Participants report that they leave not just with a delicious dish, but also a newfound confidence in cooking paella. One attendee mentioned, “Chef Jose was so patient with teaching my 9 and 12-year-old sons how to make paella,” highlighting how suitable this experience is even for families with children.

The Food & Drink

As part of the experience, you’ll enjoy an open bar featuring local drinks like Valencian vermouth, wine, beer, and soft drinks, which perfectly complement your cooking session. Once your paella is ready, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creation along with a local dessert — either orxata mousse with Valencian brioche or torrija with clementine cream. A shot of rice cream with Valencian wine caps off the meal, giving you a taste of regional sweetness.

Many reviews highlight the quality and variety of the drinks, making this not just a cooking class but a relaxed social event. The fact that you’re in someone’s home rather than a commercial kitchen adds to the warm, personal vibe.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details & Logistics

The experience typically lasts about three hours, with specific start times depending on availability. It begins at the IVAM Museum, a convenient starting point in the city, and ends back there, making it simple to fit into your day’s plans.

The price is $57 per person, which includes all the ingredients, tools, drinks, desserts, and a recipe booklet to take home. Considering you’re learning from a top-tier chef in a private setting, this is quite reasonable — especially given the inclusive drinks and quality of instruction.

The class is conducted in English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers. It’s designed as a private group experience, so it feels intimate and personalized, not crowded or rushed.

What We Found in the Reviews

From real travelers’ perspectives, this experience scores a perfect 5/5 across eight reviews. One traveler shared, “Chef Jose was so friendly and explained how to make paella while also giving us great information on the history of Valencia,” which highlights the educational aspect.

Another guest loved that “Jose was very welcoming,” and that they had “a lot of fun getting to know him and the Valencian culture,” suggesting that the warm environment is part of what makes this experience special. Kids, too, seem to enjoy it, especially with a patient instructor guiding them through the steps.

A common theme among reviews is the delicious food and the feeling of having learned a skill they can recreate back home — a true sign of a worthwhile culinary experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys learning new skills and wants a relaxed, authentic glimpse into local cuisine, this class will hit the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate personalized experiences and want to avoid large, impersonal group tours.

Families with children can also benefit, as the instructor is patient and welcoming. It’s perfect if you’re curious about Spanish food, enjoy social activities, or want a memorable story to tell from your trip.

However, if you prefer more active sightseeing or large group tours, this might not be the best fit. It’s a slower-paced, intimate experience designed for those who want to engage deeply with the culinary culture of Valencia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a family-friendly activity?
Yes, reviews mention that children enjoyed the experience, especially because the instructor was patient and engaging.

How long does the class last?
The session lasts about three hours, with specific start times available depending on your schedule.

What’s included in the price?
All the ingredients, tools, drinks like Vermouth, wine, beer, desserts, and a recipe booklet are included, making it a complete package.

Can I choose which type of paella I want to cook?
Yes, you can select from traditional, seafood, or vegetable paella when booking.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at the IVAM Museum and ends back there, making it easy to coordinate with other activities.

Is the experience conducted in English?
Yes, it’s offered in both English and Spanish.

Do I need prior cooking experience?
Not at all. The chef is very patient and explains each step, making it accessible for beginners.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the price per person?
The experience costs $57 per person, which covers everything for a full, immersive experience.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this paella session offers a genuine taste of Valencian culture, with the bonus of learning a skill you can use long after your trip ends. It’s ideal for those who enjoy food, culture, and a bit of relaxed socializing in a cozy, private setting.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, you’ll find value in the chance to cook alongside a top-tier chef, enjoy regional drinks, and walk away with a new recipe and memories. The experience’s intimate nature, combined with the quality of instruction and authentic atmosphere, makes it a worthwhile addition to your Valencia adventure.

If you’re after a culinary activity that’s both fun and educational without feeling touristy, this session could be just what you need to connect more deeply with Spanish traditions.

Let me know if you want to explore other culinary options or need help fitting this into your itinerary. Happy cooking!

You can check availability for your dates here: