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Host: Paula

Lisbon, Portugal

USD
$40-$98 per person

Traditional Portuguese and Portuguese-influenced Goan Cooking Class in Almada

Host offerings
  • Apartment
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Paula

Born to a Goan family who has lived in Goa, Mozambique and Portugal, Paula is a true reflection of the cultural diversity embedded in Portuguese cuisine. Paula’s love of food and cooking started from a young age, and food brought her family together early and often. Her mother, an artist in the kitchen, would constantly invite people into their homes (Paula remembers when she was at school she would come home on a Saturday to find her mother had invited the entire teaching staff over for a meal). Paula’s family cooked internationally – one night they might eat traditional Portuguese homecooking while the next night her mother would make Goan samosas from scratch, teaching Paula the proper technique to make the dough and fold the samosas correctly. When Paula’s mother passed away a few years ago, her mother’s friends began coming to Paula, saying how much they missed her mother’s cooking. It was this that started Paula on her second career, in food. She began by cooking the family recipes, Goan and Portuguese, that her mother’s friends loved so much. After taking a course in cake design, Paula also started baking and found another passion in creating art from cakes. She opened her own cake studio has been baking and doing catering for friends since then. Paula is a true artist with food, and she welcomes you into her home to share a Portuguese meal with international influence that will help you to truly understand Portuguese-Goan culture and local life.

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 experience will take place in Almada, just a short 7-minute ferry ride from downtown Lisbon. Paula will meet you at the ferry and take you on a lovely 10-minute walk through the center of town to her apartment, located just a few meters from the ferry. Start your meal with a welcome drink of some Portuguese wines that come from a 200-year old winery in the Alentejo region of the country’s south (If you are traveling to the south and are interested in visiting the vineyard and its award-winning underground winery let Paula know and she can provide recommendations!). Enjoy some appetizers which will highlight traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as Goan dishes influenced by the area’s Portuguese history. You might try pataniscas de bacalhau, a very traditional Portuguese cod fritter, along with Goan gram flour fritters, while Paula describes the dishes’ intertwined history. Then sit down to a family-style meal that you will enjoy with Paula. Your meal will include Portuguese and Portuguese-influenced Goan dishes. If you prefer a traditional Portuguese meal, or a full Goan-centered meal with dishes like Goan crab curry, please let Paula know when you make your booking. End your meal with a sweet dessert and coffee or tea.

Cooking experience: (1-6 guests) Join Paula for a Lisbon cooking class where you will learn to make 2-3 Portuguese and Portuguese-Goan dishes. Learn to make two appetizers side-by-side such as pataniscas de bacalhau, traditional Portuguese cod fritters, and Goan bojas, gram flour fritters made with onion and cumin seeds. Then go on to make a main dish, where you can select between a Portuguese or Goan main dish, such as bacalhau a braz, a traditional Portuguese dish of cod with shredded potatoes and egg, or a Goan curry. After cooking sit down together at Paula’s dining table. End your meal with a sweet dessert and coffee or tea. Paula is excited to share her culture through food and offer an authentic/traditional cooking class in Lisbon. She can also accommodate vegetarian diet in her Goan cooking class in Lisbon.

Market visit: (1-6 guests) Join Paula for a market tour of a traditional neighborhood market. Paula will meet you by the exit of the ferrry and then walk 15-20 minutes to the neighborhood’s main market. Paula has been visiting the market for her entire life, First going as a young girl with her mother to help carry groceries home. Many of the vendors still recognize Paula from when she was a girl! Paula will point out some typical Portuguese ingredients and you will collect some of the vegetables, meat and fish that you will use during your cooking experience. Stay at the market about 15-20 minutes before heading home to Paula’s apartment to begin your cooking lesson. Please note the market tour is available Tuesday through Saturday mornings.

Languages spoken: English, Portuguese

Traveler reviews

4.93 (43)
The hostess was fabulous full of practical cooking tips and patient instructions on how to cook our meal of clams, fish in curry sauce, salad and patel de nata - all delicious for a nice noon meal. The bonus was to meet a very nice hostess to learn about her life and living in Portugal.
- Dream_7 February 18, 2024
Spending time with Paula and learning about the goan Cusine was a very memorable experience. I definitely enjoyed the company and making the pastel de nata was great
- DIana_P January 31, 2024
A brilliant experience. My partner and I spent an evening cooking and eating with Paula. We learnt so much about the cuisine and about Paula. The food was delicious and the evening was a very enjoyable. We recommend this to anyone who wants a truly authentic experience.
- 933theodoram September 05, 2023
It was a wonderful day with Paula. Would book it again and again. She was super friendly and funny and responded to all of our requests and questions. (translated by Google)
- Voyager49446449989 August 15, 2023
Excellent communication from the start. Paula was welcoming and personal in her approach, suggesting options to suit our tastes. We learned a lot as amateur cooks from our guided, hands on experience and very much appreciated her useful tips. Paula provided a relaxed, ‘at home’ atmosphere, making for easy conversation. Thanks, Paula, for a memorable holiday experience.
- Reviewed by Getaway598600 August 11, 2023
It was absolutely amazing. The food was great of course but the best part is that the host, Paulinha, made us feel at home. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who may be interested.
- R9082 June 25, 2023
Fantastic experience. In addition to learning new dishes, we had a lot of fun and the food is excellent. Paula is a very communicative and cheerful person with a lot of patience to explain all the details. I strongly advise you to try it out. (Google translated)
- DOC059 June 02, 2023
I really enjoyed the experience. I learned how to cook a lot of food. The food was great and the Paula is super friendly, super friendly.
- Connection June 02, 2023
Paula met us at the ferry. We enjoyed our waterfront walk to the markets where we given some of the history of Almada. We shopped and then went to her home and prepared lunch. She explained how to prepare foods with precision and passion. We shared a delicious lunch of Sukkem Clams, Goan Fish Curry with Basmati Rice and Pasteis De Nata. Paula cooks from her heart and her senses.
- Collette May 15, 2023
What a beautiful day with a lovely hostess! She was knowledgeable and so fun! We enjoyed her company as much as the cooking! Awesome class! Don’t miss this opportunity for a beautiful day! We LOVE Paula! ❤️
- Debbie F May 13, 2023
Paula’s cooking class was great. We like to cook and learned new tips and specific Portuguese recipes. Truly enjoyed meeting her, preparing and eating a meal in her home. It was a nice ending to a fabulous week in Portugal. It’s more than a cooking class…you will discover her way of life too.
- Wendy May 07, 2023
Paulinha was absolutely amazing the the food was delicious! I enjoyed hearing her stories about her family and learning more about Portugal. Best Pastel de Nata in the city!
- Briana April 21, 2023
What a perfect evening. We took the short ferry ride from Cais do Sodre in Lisbon across the Tagus River to Cacihas. We arrived a bit early and took advantage of seeing the Man of War and submarine on display nearby plus a brief walk through the town. Paula met us at the fountain about 50 m from the ferry terminal at the agreed time. She asked about what types of food we liked to eat and if there were any food allergies (dairy in our case). Our menu consisted of traditional Portuguese and Goan cooking. Paula picked up a few ingredients at her local market and off we went to her place. We worked under Paula’s guidance in her apartment-sized and very well equipped kitchen to prepare octopus salad (Portuguese), onion bhajis Goan style, Portuguese pork with potatoes and clams. The wine was plentiful and dessert consisted of a delicious custard made of sugar syrup and egg yolks. Paula was the perfect guide, teacher, and host. In additional to learning some new cooking techniques and recipes, we learned about the culture in Cacihas. We would highly recommend Paula for groups of 2-6 who are seeking an authentic cooking experience.
- Jeff S April 02, 2023
What a perfect evening. We took the short ferry ride from Cais do Sodre in Lisbon across the Tagus River to Cacihas. We arrived a bit early and took advantage of seeing the Man of War and submarine on display nearby plus a brief walk through the town. Paula met us at the fountain about 50 m from the ferry terminal at the agreed time. She asked about what types of food we liked to eat and if there were any food allergies (dairy in our case). Our menu consisted of traditional Portuguese and Goan cooking. Paula picked up a few ingredients at her local market and off we went to her place. We worked under Paula’s guidance in her apartment-sized and very well equipped kitchen to prepare octopus salad (Portuguese), onion bhajis Goan style, Portuguese pork with potatoes and clams. The wine was plentiful and dessert consisted of a delicious custard made of sugar syrup and egg yolks. Paula was the perfect guide, teacher, and host. In additional to learning some new cooking techniques and recipes, we learned about the culture in Cacihas. We would highly recommend Paula for groups of 2-6 who are seeking an authentic cooking experience.
- Jeff S April 01, 2023
Paula was a lovely and very knowledgable host. We made fish curry, bhajis, fried fish, and halwa and they all came out really delicious. She met us straight outside the ferry and took us on a market tour, we got to see a lot of the neighborhood and beautiful views of Lisbon across the river on the way. Paula was a great teacher and taught us a lot not only about the food we made, but also about wine, Goa, and Portuguese cooking as a whole. The whole experience was very casual and warm. Would definitely book again when family comes to visit.
- 411laiat March 23, 2023
Our day with Paula was so fun and memorable. My husband and I thought this would be a nice addition to our honeymoon itinerary since we'd be cooking together for the rest of our lives and the day was perfect. We loved learning about her tips, techniques, and spice blends in the kitchen! We had a lovely, customized meal, but most of all enjoyed walking around Almada, visiting the shops and chatting with the locals - all of whom where friendly with our host. It was so easy to get there from Time Out Market in Lisbon- just a quick ferry ride with nice views. You're sure to have a bom dia with Paula!
- 145libbyf March 14, 2023
Our day with Paula was so fun and memorable. My husband and I thought this would be a nice addition to our honeymoon itinerary since we'd be cooking together for the rest of our lives and the day was perfect. We loved learning about her tips, techniques, and spice blends in the kitchen! We had a lovely, customized meal, but most of all enjoyed walking around Almada, visiting the shops and chatting with the locals - all of whom where friendly with our host. It was so easy to get there from Time Out Market in Lisbon- just a quick ferry ride with nice views. You're sure to have a bom dia with Paula!
- 154libbyf March 14, 2023
Honestly a really great experience. Great food, great technique and great conversation. This is the day I learned how to cut an onion properly lol
- Nico273 February 22, 2023
This was such a fun experience!! Paula is such a warm amd knowledgeable chef with a passion for food
- nancyb January 29, 2023
While it was absolutely pouring rain, Paula lit up our spirits and taught us a lot about Lisbon, cooking and life. She is a regular celebrity it her community with everyone from market owners to folks in the street stopping to say hello. Our food turned out well and we enjoyed the day.
- Dan_F October 23, 2022
Actually spending time with Paulinha! She was such a delight. Sharing stories of her life in Portugal and the role food played in the lives of her family and friends. If I lived in Portugal she would certainly be among my circle of friends. Thank you for a wonderful day visiting the market, preparing the delicious food (and wine)!!
- Sandra_G October 16, 2022
Such a wonderful experience! Paula provided such a local and customized experience. The market tour of local places to shop was so nice. Cooking with her was so relaxed and informative. It was personakized and a nice change in pace. Gained so much cultural and historical knowledge while eating and drinking well. This experience is highly recommended!
- Alex_D October 04, 2022
Our host Paula was excellent and the experience was great. Lovely food and good company. A great way to spend the day. Thoroughly recommend.
- Karen B September 25, 2022
Excellent experience with great stories of the place, people, and Paula’s family. Great food as well.
- chris_r September 23, 2022
Paula is a lovely person who really brings you into her life, not to mention her kitchen! Class is informal and truly private, like a meal with a new friend - I admittedly prefer a more structured class with written recipes, guidance as you do the cooking, and a focus on the history and nuances of the food. The highlight was a trip out to have a drink with Paula’s neighbors afterwards - a true locals experience with the kindest imaginable crew!
- tastefortravel September 10, 2022
Paula is a warm and knowledgeable host who makes you feel at home in her neighborhood from the moment she meets you at the ferry. My husband and I spent the afternoon cooking and talking in Paula’s kitchen, learning about Portuguese food and traditional techniques. We thoroughly enjoyed the day, and highly recommend this experience. We feel we’ve gained a wonderful friend in Paula!
- Passen July 15, 2022
I came to find some cultural cooking tips, walk through the fish market, and enjoy a tasty meal. I left having found a friend - and much more cooking knowledge than I can digest, for now. Our day was an unexpected adventure that let me experience a day in the life of a Portuguese resident - to feel, for a delightfully fleeting moment, that I was part of this community. Paula is a great communicator before (and after) the event which helps her tailor it to her audience. It's a very informal experience that feels like you're cooking with a long lost Aunt.
- Jen_D July 11, 2022
Paula met us at the ferry, took us for a delightful walk along the waterfront and through the old town, then brought us to the market and shops where she purchased all the fresh ingredients to make our lunch. Her instructions and guidance in the kitchen resulted in an authentic and delicious meal. She then walked us back through another part of town to the ferry. We are so glad we decided to spend a day of our visit to Lisbon with Paula. We can’t wait to make some of the dishes for our families and friends.
- Audrey May 31, 2022
First we had to follow and shop at the local market. Then home to Paulina for cooking. A very nice day. (Translated by Google)
- Mrit May 30, 2022
Paula was wonderful, the food was great, and we learned so much about cooking, food, and Portuguese culture. If this is available, book it, it will be your favorite memory.
- Steve_L February 24, 2022
I wanted to do something different and fun while I was in Lisbon. This was my fifth trip so I had done most of the tourist things. Paulinho's cooking class was just fantastic. She is very organized and considerate as to what you want to make. I cannot recommend this class enough. Do not let the ferry ride(10 min) deter you. It is very easy and your subway pass works on this as well.
- Shelley January 16, 2022
This was probably the highlight of our entire 2 week vacation in Portugal. Paulinha was an excellent host-she prepared some recipes for us that were easy to follow but also represented a new challenge for us. She is a good teacher who balances helping you learn with making the day stress-free. After the cooking class she took us on a brief tour of the city and up to a spectacular vantage point where we could look down on the river over Lisbon. I really strongly recommend this experience. It was truly a great way to learn about the place we were visiting, eat some delicious food and get a sense of the cultures that make up Portugal.
- Caroline and Max January 08, 2022
Paulina met us at the ferry station, and we walked together through a very scenic route to her studio, stopping at the market on the way, and getting to know eachother. At the studio we cooked more than 3 dishes following her precise instructions, and then ate what we prepared, which was very tasety. The whole event took much longer than planned, without even noticing… Paulina is an extremely welcoming and interesting host - we reccomend this experience to those who are interested in people and food combined. We loved it.
- Ronit B November 28, 2021
This was a wonderful experience! We made arroz con mariscos and an orange swiss cake roll, both of which were delicious. Paula is a great teacher and she took the time to show us around the city afterwards on a little tour which was magical. Highly recommend.
- Max H October 08, 2021
SO MUCH FUN! Paulinha was a wonderful host and we had a blast spending the afternoon with her! You feel as though you’ve been friends for years as she takes you around her neighborhood to get ingredients and then back to her cute bakeshop to prep the meal. My husband and I loved feeling right at home with Paula as she taught us traditional cooking techniques and introduced us to some seafood we’ve never had before like ray and shark! All was enjoyed over a glass (or two) of wine or beer! It felt like we were hanging out with an old friend. After lunch, she walked us along the river giving us a unique and beautiful view of Lisbon from Almada. We loved learning about the neighborhood as much as learning about the delicious meals! We absolutely recommend this experience for an authentic afternoon in a quaint, Portuguese neighborhood! Thank you so much, Paula!
- sbinkly October 07, 2021
Amazing class. I learned so much about Portuguese home cooking, culture, and history. A really great instructor. I highly recommend for anyone that has the time and would like to learn more about Portuguese cuisine
- william_c September 30, 2021
We love cooking classes when we are in a new city, but the experience is completely dependent upon how good the host/hostess is. Paula was THE BEST! She took the time to show us around her town and was greeted by MANY friends while we were walking the streets. But the magic truly happened when we got to her kitchen and she treated us like family. The food, fun and laughter was something that will always make Lisbon special! If you ever get to Lisbon, DO NOT miss a chance to spend time in the kitchen with Paula!
- sammX September 04, 2021
OMG, That was one of the most amazing gastronomic experiences in my travels. Paula is a very kind and talented host, her explanations about how to prepare some dishes are as memorable as the best samosa I ever eat in my life. In these apocalypses times, Paula experience is must do in Lisbon, I would say 100xtimes better than eating in a normal restaurant.
- murilom June 30, 2020
Interesting and relaxing. Paula is a dedicated host. The market visit could have been longer with more explaination, but appart from that we really enjoyed both the food we cooked (especially the pasteis de nata) and the discussions we had. Don't hesitate in telling her what specialty you would like to prepare, she can adapt her recipes!
- JeanneR355 March 15, 2020
Great Cooking Experience and Meal! Paula hosted my family in her kitchen for a wonderful cooking experience and meal. We learned a lot about the Portuguese culture and foods. Paula was welcoming, friendly, generous and even made my dad a special lemon cake for his birthday. Thanks for a fantastic experience!
- Stefani February 24, 2020
Paula hosted my family in her kitchen for a wonderful cooking experience and meal. We learned a lot about the Portuguese culture and foods. Paula was welcoming, friendly, generous and even made my dad a special lemon cake for his birthday. Thanks for a fantastic experience!
- Stefanie February 24, 2020
A Sure Holiday Highlight! We (three friends) loved the concept of Traveling Spoon and our experience with Paulinha was even better than we could anticipate. She met us near the ferry and took us on a scenic walk to her culinary shop, explaining the history of her town and Lisbon and sharing her story with us. When you walk with Paulinha through her neighborhood, you quickly recognize that she is known, liked and respected. After arriving at her shop (too cute), she provided us some options for appetizers and wine then we set about preparing a mix of Portuguese and Goan dishes with her. She explained everything in a way that left us feeling as if we could prepare each item afterwards in our own homes. The results were delicious and, combined with the local wines and great conversation, this was our top holiday experience among the many others we had in Lisbon. I would definitely book this experience again and highly recommend it to others!
- Pariszmyspot December 13, 2019
A trip highlight and perfect for families. Paulinha was a wonderful host and our visit and cooking experience was the highlight of our Lisbon visit. We started with a market visit and then proceeded to Paulinha's cooking studio to learn how to make Portuguese and Goan dishes--all delicious! Our day was filled with stories about local customs, visits to nearby spots with gorgeous views and some of the best food I'd ever had. We will take this experience home with us and cannot wait to share the recipes and stories with family and friends. Would highly recommend Paulinha as a host, especially to families with children as she is very used to teaching kids about cooking. Even the experience of taking the ferry from Lisbon across the water was wonderful, a great way to see a different view of the city.
- Kate December 12, 2019
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Paula

$40-$98 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
In-Home Meal
$56 $48 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
$82 $68 $60
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$98 $86 $76
Alcohol
$12 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$56 $48 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
$82 $68 $60
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$98 $86 $76
Alcohol
$12 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
1:00pm-3:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
10:30am-1:30pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
10:00am-2:00pm

Meet Paula

Born to a Goan family who has lived in Goa, Mozambique and Portugal, Paula is a true reflection of the cultural diversity embedded in Portuguese cuisine. Paula’s love of food and cooking started from a young age, and food brought her family together early and often. Her mother, an artist in the kitchen, would constantly invite people into their homes (Paula remembers when she was at school she would come home on a Saturday to find her mother had invited the entire teaching staff over for a meal). Paula’s family cooked internationally – one night they might eat traditional Portuguese homecooking while the next night her mother would make Goan samosas from scratch, teaching Paula the proper technique to make the dough and fold the samosas correctly. When Paula’s mother passed away a few years ago, her mother’s friends began coming to Paula, saying how much they missed her mother’s cooking. It was this that started Paula on her second career, in food. She began by cooking the family recipes, Goan and Portuguese, that her mother’s friends loved so much. After taking a course in cake design, Paula also started baking and found another passion in creating art from cakes. She opened her own cake studio has been baking and doing catering for friends since then. Paula is a true artist with food, and she welcomes you into her home to share a Portuguese meal with international influence that will help you to truly understand Portuguese-Goan culture and local life.

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 experience will take place in Almada, just a short 7-minute ferry ride from downtown Lisbon. Paula will meet you at the ferry and take you on a lovely 10-minute walk through the center of town to her apartment, located just a few meters from the ferry. Start your meal with a welcome drink of some Portuguese wines that come from a 200-year old winery in the Alentejo region of the country’s south (If you are traveling to the south and are interested in visiting the vineyard and its award-winning underground winery let Paula know and she can provide recommendations!). Enjoy some appetizers which will highlight traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as Goan dishes influenced by the area’s Portuguese history. You might try pataniscas de bacalhau, a very traditional Portuguese cod fritter, along with Goan gram flour fritters, while Paula describes the dishes’ intertwined history. Then sit down to a family-style meal that you will enjoy with Paula. Your meal will include Portuguese and Portuguese-influenced Goan dishes. If you prefer a traditional Portuguese meal, or a full Goan-centered meal with dishes like Goan crab curry, please let Paula know when you make your booking. End your meal with a sweet dessert and coffee or tea.

Cooking experience: (1-6 guests) Join Paula for a Lisbon cooking class where you will learn to make 2-3 Portuguese and Portuguese-Goan dishes. Learn to make two appetizers side-by-side such as pataniscas de bacalhau, traditional Portuguese cod fritters, and Goan bojas, gram flour fritters made with onion and cumin seeds. Then go on to make a main dish, where you can select between a Portuguese or Goan main dish, such as bacalhau a braz, a traditional Portuguese dish of cod with shredded potatoes and egg, or a Goan curry. After cooking sit down together at Paula’s dining table. End your meal with a sweet dessert and coffee or tea. Paula is excited to share her culture through food and offer an authentic/traditional cooking class in Lisbon. She can also accommodate vegetarian diet in her Goan cooking class in Lisbon.

Market visit: (1-6 guests) Join Paula for a market tour of a traditional neighborhood market. Paula will meet you by the exit of the ferrry and then walk 15-20 minutes to the neighborhood’s main market. Paula has been visiting the market for her entire life, First going as a young girl with her mother to help carry groceries home. Many of the vendors still recognize Paula from when she was a girl! Paula will point out some typical Portuguese ingredients and you will collect some of the vegetables, meat and fish that you will use during your cooking experience. Stay at the market about 15-20 minutes before heading home to Paula’s apartment to begin your cooking lesson. Please note the market tour is available Tuesday through Saturday mornings.

Languages spoken: English, Portuguese

Traveler reviews

4.93 (43)
The hostess was fabulous full of practical cooking tips and patient instructions on how to cook our meal of clams, fish in curry sauce, salad and patel de nata - all delicious for a nice noon meal. The bonus was to meet a very nice hostess to learn about her life and living in Portugal.
- Dream_7 February 18, 2024
Spending time with Paula and learning about the goan Cusine was a very memorable experience. I definitely enjoyed the company and making the pastel de nata was great
- DIana_P January 31, 2024
A brilliant experience. My partner and I spent an evening cooking and eating with Paula. We learnt so much about the cuisine and about Paula. The food was delicious and the evening was a very enjoyable. We recommend this to anyone who wants a truly authentic experience.
- 933theodoram September 05, 2023
It was a wonderful day with Paula. Would book it again and again. She was super friendly and funny and responded to all of our requests and questions. (translated by Google)
- Voyager49446449989 August 15, 2023
Excellent communication from the start. Paula was welcoming and personal in her approach, suggesting options to suit our tastes. We learned a lot as amateur cooks from our guided, hands on experience and very much appreciated her useful tips. Paula provided a relaxed, ‘at home’ atmosphere, making for easy conversation. Thanks, Paula, for a memorable holiday experience.
- Reviewed by Getaway598600 August 11, 2023
It was absolutely amazing. The food was great of course but the best part is that the host, Paulinha, made us feel at home. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who may be interested.
- R9082 June 25, 2023
Fantastic experience. In addition to learning new dishes, we had a lot of fun and the food is excellent. Paula is a very communicative and cheerful person with a lot of patience to explain all the details. I strongly advise you to try it out. (Google translated)
- DOC059 June 02, 2023
I really enjoyed the experience. I learned how to cook a lot of food. The food was great and the Paula is super friendly, super friendly.
- Connection June 02, 2023
Paula met us at the ferry. We enjoyed our waterfront walk to the markets where we given some of the history of Almada. We shopped and then went to her home and prepared lunch. She explained how to prepare foods with precision and passion. We shared a delicious lunch of Sukkem Clams, Goan Fish Curry with Basmati Rice and Pasteis De Nata. Paula cooks from her heart and her senses.
- Collette May 15, 2023
What a beautiful day with a lovely hostess! She was knowledgeable and so fun! We enjoyed her company as much as the cooking! Awesome class! Don’t miss this opportunity for a beautiful day! We LOVE Paula! ❤️
- Debbie F May 13, 2023
Paula’s cooking class was great. We like to cook and learned new tips and specific Portuguese recipes. Truly enjoyed meeting her, preparing and eating a meal in her home. It was a nice ending to a fabulous week in Portugal. It’s more than a cooking class…you will discover her way of life too.
- Wendy May 07, 2023
Paulinha was absolutely amazing the the food was delicious! I enjoyed hearing her stories about her family and learning more about Portugal. Best Pastel de Nata in the city!
- Briana April 21, 2023
What a perfect evening. We took the short ferry ride from Cais do Sodre in Lisbon across the Tagus River to Cacihas. We arrived a bit early and took advantage of seeing the Man of War and submarine on display nearby plus a brief walk through the town. Paula met us at the fountain about 50 m from the ferry terminal at the agreed time. She asked about what types of food we liked to eat and if there were any food allergies (dairy in our case). Our menu consisted of traditional Portuguese and Goan cooking. Paula picked up a few ingredients at her local market and off we went to her place. We worked under Paula’s guidance in her apartment-sized and very well equipped kitchen to prepare octopus salad (Portuguese), onion bhajis Goan style, Portuguese pork with potatoes and clams. The wine was plentiful and dessert consisted of a delicious custard made of sugar syrup and egg yolks. Paula was the perfect guide, teacher, and host. In additional to learning some new cooking techniques and recipes, we learned about the culture in Cacihas. We would highly recommend Paula for groups of 2-6 who are seeking an authentic cooking experience.
- Jeff S April 02, 2023
What a perfect evening. We took the short ferry ride from Cais do Sodre in Lisbon across the Tagus River to Cacihas. We arrived a bit early and took advantage of seeing the Man of War and submarine on display nearby plus a brief walk through the town. Paula met us at the fountain about 50 m from the ferry terminal at the agreed time. She asked about what types of food we liked to eat and if there were any food allergies (dairy in our case). Our menu consisted of traditional Portuguese and Goan cooking. Paula picked up a few ingredients at her local market and off we went to her place. We worked under Paula’s guidance in her apartment-sized and very well equipped kitchen to prepare octopus salad (Portuguese), onion bhajis Goan style, Portuguese pork with potatoes and clams. The wine was plentiful and dessert consisted of a delicious custard made of sugar syrup and egg yolks. Paula was the perfect guide, teacher, and host. In additional to learning some new cooking techniques and recipes, we learned about the culture in Cacihas. We would highly recommend Paula for groups of 2-6 who are seeking an authentic cooking experience.
- Jeff S April 01, 2023
Paula was a lovely and very knowledgable host. We made fish curry, bhajis, fried fish, and halwa and they all came out really delicious. She met us straight outside the ferry and took us on a market tour, we got to see a lot of the neighborhood and beautiful views of Lisbon across the river on the way. Paula was a great teacher and taught us a lot not only about the food we made, but also about wine, Goa, and Portuguese cooking as a whole. The whole experience was very casual and warm. Would definitely book again when family comes to visit.
- 411laiat March 23, 2023
Our day with Paula was so fun and memorable. My husband and I thought this would be a nice addition to our honeymoon itinerary since we'd be cooking together for the rest of our lives and the day was perfect. We loved learning about her tips, techniques, and spice blends in the kitchen! We had a lovely, customized meal, but most of all enjoyed walking around Almada, visiting the shops and chatting with the locals - all of whom where friendly with our host. It was so easy to get there from Time Out Market in Lisbon- just a quick ferry ride with nice views. You're sure to have a bom dia with Paula!
- 145libbyf March 14, 2023
Our day with Paula was so fun and memorable. My husband and I thought this would be a nice addition to our honeymoon itinerary since we'd be cooking together for the rest of our lives and the day was perfect. We loved learning about her tips, techniques, and spice blends in the kitchen! We had a lovely, customized meal, but most of all enjoyed walking around Almada, visiting the shops and chatting with the locals - all of whom where friendly with our host. It was so easy to get there from Time Out Market in Lisbon- just a quick ferry ride with nice views. You're sure to have a bom dia with Paula!
- 154libbyf March 14, 2023
Honestly a really great experience. Great food, great technique and great conversation. This is the day I learned how to cut an onion properly lol
- Nico273 February 22, 2023
This was such a fun experience!! Paula is such a warm amd knowledgeable chef with a passion for food
- nancyb January 29, 2023
While it was absolutely pouring rain, Paula lit up our spirits and taught us a lot about Lisbon, cooking and life. She is a regular celebrity it her community with everyone from market owners to folks in the street stopping to say hello. Our food turned out well and we enjoyed the day.
- Dan_F October 23, 2022
Actually spending time with Paulinha! She was such a delight. Sharing stories of her life in Portugal and the role food played in the lives of her family and friends. If I lived in Portugal she would certainly be among my circle of friends. Thank you for a wonderful day visiting the market, preparing the delicious food (and wine)!!
- Sandra_G October 16, 2022
Such a wonderful experience! Paula provided such a local and customized experience. The market tour of local places to shop was so nice. Cooking with her was so relaxed and informative. It was personakized and a nice change in pace. Gained so much cultural and historical knowledge while eating and drinking well. This experience is highly recommended!
- Alex_D October 04, 2022
Our host Paula was excellent and the experience was great. Lovely food and good company. A great way to spend the day. Thoroughly recommend.
- Karen B September 25, 2022
Excellent experience with great stories of the place, people, and Paula’s family. Great food as well.
- chris_r September 23, 2022
Paula is a lovely person who really brings you into her life, not to mention her kitchen! Class is informal and truly private, like a meal with a new friend - I admittedly prefer a more structured class with written recipes, guidance as you do the cooking, and a focus on the history and nuances of the food. The highlight was a trip out to have a drink with Paula’s neighbors afterwards - a true locals experience with the kindest imaginable crew!
- tastefortravel September 10, 2022
Paula is a warm and knowledgeable host who makes you feel at home in her neighborhood from the moment she meets you at the ferry. My husband and I spent the afternoon cooking and talking in Paula’s kitchen, learning about Portuguese food and traditional techniques. We thoroughly enjoyed the day, and highly recommend this experience. We feel we’ve gained a wonderful friend in Paula!
- Passen July 15, 2022
I came to find some cultural cooking tips, walk through the fish market, and enjoy a tasty meal. I left having found a friend - and much more cooking knowledge than I can digest, for now. Our day was an unexpected adventure that let me experience a day in the life of a Portuguese resident - to feel, for a delightfully fleeting moment, that I was part of this community. Paula is a great communicator before (and after) the event which helps her tailor it to her audience. It's a very informal experience that feels like you're cooking with a long lost Aunt.
- Jen_D July 11, 2022
Paula met us at the ferry, took us for a delightful walk along the waterfront and through the old town, then brought us to the market and shops where she purchased all the fresh ingredients to make our lunch. Her instructions and guidance in the kitchen resulted in an authentic and delicious meal. She then walked us back through another part of town to the ferry. We are so glad we decided to spend a day of our visit to Lisbon with Paula. We can’t wait to make some of the dishes for our families and friends.
- Audrey May 31, 2022
First we had to follow and shop at the local market. Then home to Paulina for cooking. A very nice day. (Translated by Google)
- Mrit May 30, 2022
Paula was wonderful, the food was great, and we learned so much about cooking, food, and Portuguese culture. If this is available, book it, it will be your favorite memory.
- Steve_L February 24, 2022
I wanted to do something different and fun while I was in Lisbon. This was my fifth trip so I had done most of the tourist things. Paulinho's cooking class was just fantastic. She is very organized and considerate as to what you want to make. I cannot recommend this class enough. Do not let the ferry ride(10 min) deter you. It is very easy and your subway pass works on this as well.
- Shelley January 16, 2022
This was probably the highlight of our entire 2 week vacation in Portugal. Paulinha was an excellent host-she prepared some recipes for us that were easy to follow but also represented a new challenge for us. She is a good teacher who balances helping you learn with making the day stress-free. After the cooking class she took us on a brief tour of the city and up to a spectacular vantage point where we could look down on the river over Lisbon. I really strongly recommend this experience. It was truly a great way to learn about the place we were visiting, eat some delicious food and get a sense of the cultures that make up Portugal.
- Caroline and Max January 08, 2022
Paulina met us at the ferry station, and we walked together through a very scenic route to her studio, stopping at the market on the way, and getting to know eachother. At the studio we cooked more than 3 dishes following her precise instructions, and then ate what we prepared, which was very tasety. The whole event took much longer than planned, without even noticing… Paulina is an extremely welcoming and interesting host - we reccomend this experience to those who are interested in people and food combined. We loved it.
- Ronit B November 28, 2021
This was a wonderful experience! We made arroz con mariscos and an orange swiss cake roll, both of which were delicious. Paula is a great teacher and she took the time to show us around the city afterwards on a little tour which was magical. Highly recommend.
- Max H October 08, 2021
SO MUCH FUN! Paulinha was a wonderful host and we had a blast spending the afternoon with her! You feel as though you’ve been friends for years as she takes you around her neighborhood to get ingredients and then back to her cute bakeshop to prep the meal. My husband and I loved feeling right at home with Paula as she taught us traditional cooking techniques and introduced us to some seafood we’ve never had before like ray and shark! All was enjoyed over a glass (or two) of wine or beer! It felt like we were hanging out with an old friend. After lunch, she walked us along the river giving us a unique and beautiful view of Lisbon from Almada. We loved learning about the neighborhood as much as learning about the delicious meals! We absolutely recommend this experience for an authentic afternoon in a quaint, Portuguese neighborhood! Thank you so much, Paula!
- sbinkly October 07, 2021
Amazing class. I learned so much about Portuguese home cooking, culture, and history. A really great instructor. I highly recommend for anyone that has the time and would like to learn more about Portuguese cuisine
- william_c September 30, 2021
We love cooking classes when we are in a new city, but the experience is completely dependent upon how good the host/hostess is. Paula was THE BEST! She took the time to show us around her town and was greeted by MANY friends while we were walking the streets. But the magic truly happened when we got to her kitchen and she treated us like family. The food, fun and laughter was something that will always make Lisbon special! If you ever get to Lisbon, DO NOT miss a chance to spend time in the kitchen with Paula!
- sammX September 04, 2021
OMG, That was one of the most amazing gastronomic experiences in my travels. Paula is a very kind and talented host, her explanations about how to prepare some dishes are as memorable as the best samosa I ever eat in my life. In these apocalypses times, Paula experience is must do in Lisbon, I would say 100xtimes better than eating in a normal restaurant.
- murilom June 30, 2020
Interesting and relaxing. Paula is a dedicated host. The market visit could have been longer with more explaination, but appart from that we really enjoyed both the food we cooked (especially the pasteis de nata) and the discussions we had. Don't hesitate in telling her what specialty you would like to prepare, she can adapt her recipes!
- JeanneR355 March 15, 2020
Great Cooking Experience and Meal! Paula hosted my family in her kitchen for a wonderful cooking experience and meal. We learned a lot about the Portuguese culture and foods. Paula was welcoming, friendly, generous and even made my dad a special lemon cake for his birthday. Thanks for a fantastic experience!
- Stefani February 24, 2020
Paula hosted my family in her kitchen for a wonderful cooking experience and meal. We learned a lot about the Portuguese culture and foods. Paula was welcoming, friendly, generous and even made my dad a special lemon cake for his birthday. Thanks for a fantastic experience!
- Stefanie February 24, 2020
A Sure Holiday Highlight! We (three friends) loved the concept of Traveling Spoon and our experience with Paulinha was even better than we could anticipate. She met us near the ferry and took us on a scenic walk to her culinary shop, explaining the history of her town and Lisbon and sharing her story with us. When you walk with Paulinha through her neighborhood, you quickly recognize that she is known, liked and respected. After arriving at her shop (too cute), she provided us some options for appetizers and wine then we set about preparing a mix of Portuguese and Goan dishes with her. She explained everything in a way that left us feeling as if we could prepare each item afterwards in our own homes. The results were delicious and, combined with the local wines and great conversation, this was our top holiday experience among the many others we had in Lisbon. I would definitely book this experience again and highly recommend it to others!
- Pariszmyspot December 13, 2019
A trip highlight and perfect for families. Paulinha was a wonderful host and our visit and cooking experience was the highlight of our Lisbon visit. We started with a market visit and then proceeded to Paulinha's cooking studio to learn how to make Portuguese and Goan dishes--all delicious! Our day was filled with stories about local customs, visits to nearby spots with gorgeous views and some of the best food I'd ever had. We will take this experience home with us and cannot wait to share the recipes and stories with family and friends. Would highly recommend Paulinha as a host, especially to families with children as she is very used to teaching kids about cooking. Even the experience of taking the ferry from Lisbon across the water was wonderful, a great way to see a different view of the city.
- Kate December 12, 2019
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
In-Home Meal
$56 $48 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
$82 $68 $60
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$98 $86 $76
Alcohol
$12 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$56 $48 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
$82 $68 $60
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$98 $86 $76
Alcohol
$12 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
1:00pm-3:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
10:30am-1:30pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
10:00am-2:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can’t make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host’s profile doesn’t work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host’s family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the “Notes” section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.