Meet
Paula
Born into a Goan family with roots in Goa, Mozambique, and Portugal, Paula is a true reflection of the cultural diversity woven into Portuguese cuisine. Her love for food began in childhood, inspired by her mother, a gifted home cook who often welcomed entire communities into their home. From traditional Portuguese dishes to Goan specialties like handmade samosas, Paula learned both the flavors and the hospitality that define her cooking today.
When her mother passed away, friends who missed her cooking turned to Paula, encouraging her to continue the family tradition. This led Paula into a second career in food, where she began recreating beloved Portuguese and Goan recipes. After training in cake design, she also discovered a passion for baking and opened her own cake studio, creating intricate cakes alongside her catering work.
Today, Paula welcomes guests into her Lisbon-area home to share authentic Portuguese meals with Goan influence. A true artist with food, she brings warmth, creativity, and cultural depth to every dish, helping travelers experience both Portuguese cuisine and everyday local life in a meaningful way.
What to expect
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)
Your culinary experience takes place in Almada, just a quick 7-minute ferry ride from downtown Lisbon. Paula will meet you at the ferry and guide you on a short walk through town to her home, where you’ll be welcomed with a glass of Portuguese wine from a historic 200-year-old Alentejo winery. (If you’re traveling south, Paula can even recommend a visit to this award-winning vineyard and underground cellar.)
Begin with appetizers that showcase both traditional Portuguese cuisine and Goan flavors shaped by Portugal’s history. Sample pataniscas de bacalhau (classic Portuguese cod fritters) alongside Goan gram flour fritters, while Paula shares the cultural stories behind each dish.
Then gather around Paula’s table for a family-style meal featuring a mix of Portuguese and Goan specialties. Depending on your preference, your menu might highlight Portuguese favorites, or a Goan-focused feast with dishes such as rich crab curry. The experience concludes with a sweet dessert and coffee or tea.
Cooking experience:
(1-6 guests)
Join Paula in her cozy Lisbon home for an intimate Portuguese cooking class with a Goan twist. In this hands-on Lisbon cooking experience, you’ll prepare 2–3 traditional dishes side by side, learning authentic Portuguese and Goan recipes. Start with appetizers like pataniscas de bacalhau (crispy Portuguese cod fritters) and Goan bojas (spiced gram flour fritters with onion and cumin). For the main course, choose from classics such as bacalhau à Brás (cod with shredded potatoes and egg), Amêijoas á Bulhão Pato (Portuguese-style clams in a garlic and herb sauce), or a flavorful Goan curry.
After cooking, gather at Paula’s dining table to enjoy your homemade meal paired with local flavors, ending with a sweet dessert like the iconic pastel de nata and coffee or tea. This Lisbon cooking class is ideal for food lovers, couples, and families with children who want an interactive and authentic culinary experience. Vegetarian options are available upon request. Learn the secrets of Portuguese and Goan cuisine while connecting with local culture in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
Market visit:
(1-6 guests)
Join Paula for a guided market tour in Lisbon and discover the flavors of a traditional neighborhood market. Paula will meet you at the ferry exit and walk with you 15–20 minutes to the local market she has visited since childhood. Many vendors still greet her by name, creating a warm, authentic experience. As you explore the vibrant stalls, Paula will introduce you to seasonal Portuguese ingredients and help you select fresh vegetables, meat, and fish for your cooking class. After 15–20 minutes at the market, you’ll return to Paula’s home to begin your hands-on Portuguese and Goan cooking class.
Market tours are available Tuesday through Saturday mornings.
Notes:
1. Please note that Paula shares her home with her family and has a cat. As this is a lived-in family home, guests should expect a casual, homey environment, and cat food may be present in the kitchen area.
2. Paula is happy to accommodate a vegetarian diet, if informed in advance.
3. If you are a group of 7 or more guests, email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com as Paula can host you in her friend's home.
Languages spoken:
English, Portuguese
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
Tour was fantastic! Our guide took us to wonderful places with a variety of foods. Everyone was completely full by the e d. The walk was very good too, only one small hill, everything else was flat.
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cathleen
October 15, 2026
If you are looking for an authentic and delicious taste of Portugal, look no further. Joining Paula for a local market tour and cooking class was easily one of the best parts of our trip.
Our experience started at the market, where Paula walked us through the local stalls, showing us fresh seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, and traditional produce while sharing fascinating insights into local food culture.
Back in the kitchen, the cooking portion was an absolute blast. Paula is a warm, engaging, and knowledgeable guide who made every step of the process enjoyable and easy to follow. We had so much fun preparing the dishes together and learning authentic techniques that we can’t wait to recreate at home.
And of course, the best part was eating our delicious meal together! Every dish was incredible, fresh, and packed with traditional flavor. If you want great food, fantastic conversation, and a hands-on cultural experience, do not hesitate to book with Paula.
Highly recommended!
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eric
October 07, 2026
Paula made our day special with lots of attention to detail and her bubbly personality! Was a really fun day. Thanks Paula!
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cam
October 03, 2026
Paula is such a kind person. She was a wonderful guide through the market and local stores. Paula was very accommodating with any food likes and dislikes. She was very welcoming into her home and taught us how to prepare a traditional Portuguese meal. She was patient and kind as she taught us how to prepare and cook the meal. We highly recommend this experience.
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tim
October 01, 2026
We had great food and great conversation. It was a fun night. Thanks Paula!!
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khaoff
September 02, 2026
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