Born and raised in Buenos Aires’s vibrant La Boca neighborhood, Gabriela comes from a family of Spanish immigrants who owned a beloved pasta shop selling ravioli, agnolotti, and other handmade pastas to local artists. Inspired by her grandparents’ passion for food and creativity, she learned the art of fresh pasta making and traditional Argentine cooking at an early age. After a long career in translation and education, Gabriela now shares her love of food and connection through her Buenos Aires cooking classes. Warm, friendly, and always eager to help travelers explore her city, she creates an unforgettable, authentic Argentine culinary experience filled with stories, flavor, and heart.
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal: (1-6 guests) Join Gabriela in her welcoming Belgrano apartment for an authentic Argentine home dining experience. Begin with a refreshing spritz and local appetizers featuring artisanal cheeses, hummus, and chorizo. Then sit down to enjoy a traditional Argentine meal that reflects the season—perhaps a hearty locro (local stew) or comforting humita (steamed corn cakes)—followed by freshly made empanadas filled with chicken, beef, cheese, and vegetables. Finish on a sweet note with a classic Argentine dessert such as a warm dulce de leche pancake or homemade alfajores, served with tea or coffee. This intimate experience offers the perfect taste of Buenos Aires hospitality and authentic local flavors.
Cooking experience: (2-6 guests) Join Gabriela in her charming Belgrano apartment for a hands-on empanada cooking class in Buenos Aires. Begin your experience with a welcome glass of Argentine wine or beer and a picada—a traditional platter of cheeses, jams, and nuts—served on her spacious balcony, weather permitting. Then, learn to prepare authentic empanada fillings as Gabriela shares her family secrets for perfectly seasoned meat, vegetable, and cheese varieties. You’ll also see how to make homemade dough and use locally sourced dough to shape around 50 empanadas together. After cooking, sit down to enjoy your freshly baked empanadas with a crisp salad, followed by chocotorta, a beloved Argentine dessert made with chocolate biscuits and dulce de leche. This 3–4 hour experience enjoyed over local wine offers an authentic taste of Buenos Aires home cooking and warm local hospitality.
Market visit: (2-5 guests) Meet your host Gabriela at her home and stroll a few blocks to Mercado de Belgrano for your private Buenos Aires market tour. This vibrant indoor market is beloved by local chefs for its fresh produce, gourmet ingredients, and authentic neighborhood atmosphere. As you explore with Gabriela, meet her favorite vendors and discover regional Argentine specialties, from artisanal cheeses and homemade jams to locally sourced meats and fish. You’ll sample fresh products and purchase a few ingredients to use later in your Buenos Aires empanada cooking class. Enjoy sweet treats at the outdoor tables and immerse yourself in the flavors and culture of Argentina during this one-hour guided market experience.
Notes:
1. In Argentina, dinner is typically enjoyed quite late—around 10:00 PM. If you prefer an earlier start time, please let Gabriela know when making your reservation.
2. Gabriela’s apartment is located on the 7th floor of the building. There is a small, vintage elevator available to take you up.
3. For larger groups, Gabriela may be able to host your experience at a nearby apartment owned by a friend, which offers a bit more space. If you're interested in this option, please mention it during your booking.
4. The price of your empanada-making class includes alcohol, so you’re all set to enjoy a relaxed and festive experience.
Languages spoken: Spanish, Portugese, English, Italian
The ice cream walking tour with Gaby was fabulous -- we went as a family of four (kids are 8 and 11) and she treated us like family friends she was showing her favorite spots to. We learned so much about her neighborhood and her love for her community. Gaby was a welcoming guide to BA. And we ate SO much delicious ice cream and tried flavors we normally wouldn't think too.- leena March 30, 2026
We had such a wonderful time at the empanada cooking class! Our host was absolutely amazing—warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about teaching. She greeted us right outside her apartment with such enthusiasm that we felt welcome from the very start. Even though we had no prior experience, she made us feel completely at ease and guided us through each step with patience and joy. The experience was hands-on, fun, and incredibly informative. We got to enjoy our empanadas the authentic way on her beautiful balcony, which made it all the more special. We truly hope to stay in touch with her. If you’re considering this class, don’t hesitate—book it!- Lee May 15, 2025
I appreciated that Gabby reached out to us, as soon as we booked and we even met over Zoom. She was friendly and warm and willing to help with anything we needed. We had good directions to her home and she was waiting outside to meet us. We enjoyed our walk and visit to the market but we enjoyed the empanada class more. She prepared a snack for us, before we began and she had most of the ingredients prepped and ready for us to assemble. We learned different ways to fold the dough and how to tell what is inside, based on the fold. I think we made 3 or 4 different fillings. They were all tasty but unfortunately, we got talking and the last type was a bit burned. Our 2-3 hour experience turned into 6 hours and we left feeling like we were old friends.- Audrey January 11, 2024
We had a great time during our class learning how to make delicious empanadas. It was a very fun way for our family to get together virtually from different parts of the country and celebrate a birthday! Gabriela was terrific in leading us all through the cooking.- Gab July 06, 2021
I couldn’t have asked for better! I never leave reviews, but this is worthy of one! The dynamic duo, Gabriela and Patricia, made my boyfriend and I (traveling together) feel like part of their family. Not only did they make us feel beyond welcome, but they taught us how to make delicious empanadas in order to be able to make them for our friends and family back home! It was also my birthday the day prior to this experience and my boyfriend mentioned that to them, they in turn made me a delicious cake with candles on it to blow out and gave me the most precious pearl earrings as a gift. They went above and beyond my expectations when we signed up for this! If you’re considering doing any sort of empanada cooking class while in BA, then look no further! You’ve found the best class there is! I highly suggest signing up for this amazing experience!- Sightseer606994 January 16, 2021
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