Do I need prior cooking experience to join?

No prior experience is needed. The class is designed to guide beginners and offer insight for seasoned cooks.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, Chef Ansarys provides vegetarian fillings upon request—be sure to notify when booking.

Is the class suitable for children?

Children accompanied by adults are welcome, though the workshop is geared toward adults and teens.

How long is the class?

The class lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, including hands-on cooking and tasting.

Is parking available nearby?

Berkeley has several public parking options near the venue; check ahead for street or garage availability.

Can I bring food home?

Yes, you can take your empanadas home to enjoy later, but most participants prefer to eat together during the class.

Hands-On Puerto Rican Empanada Cooking Class in Berkeley with Chef Ansarys | Events | Food Tour

Set in the vibrant culinary scene of Berkeley, California, Latino Empanadas with Chef Ansarys offers an immersive, hands-on cooking class that transports participants to the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine. This unique experience invites food lovers to craft authentic Puerto Rican empanadas from the ground up, engaging in every step from dough preparation to folding and frying. Chef Ansarys, a master of traditional Caribbean flavors, leads each session with approachable expertise and an infectious passion for sharing his culture’s culinary secrets.

Berkeley’s lively food culture provides an ideal backdrop for this workshop. Known for its artisanal eateries and multicultural influences, the city is a hub for food adventurers eager to expand their repertoire beyond typical Californian fare. Amid this setting, Chef Ansarys’ class stands out for its focus on a specific, beloved dish from Puerto Rico—empanadas—which feature a crispy, golden exterior enveloping rich fillings like seasoned beef, chicken, or vegetarian options. Participants also learn to prepare traditional sauces that perfectly complement the empanadas, making this more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a flavorful story told through ingredients and technique.

The class is designed for all skill levels, from kitchen novices to seasoned home cooks. Each participant rolls up their sleeves to prepare the dough by hand, a tactile and rewarding process that brings the culinary tradition to life. Filling the empanadas involves balancing spices and textures unique to Puerto Rican cooking, allowing students to customize or stick to classic recipes. Finally, the empanadas are cooked to perfection and enjoyed together, creating a communal dining experience that blends learning with social engagement.

This cooking experience is more than food prep; it’s a celebration of Latino heritage in the San Francisco Bay Area. Chef Ansarys offers personal stories throughout the session, enriching the class with cultural context and background that deepen appreciation for the dish. It also connects travelers and locals alike to the broader Latino community, making it a meaningful stop within Berkeley’s eclectic culinary map.

Whether you’re looking to master empanadas for your next fiesta or simply want to try a fresh take on hands-on cultural cooking, Latino Empanadas with Chef Ansarys provides a memorable and delicious outing. Located in Berkeley, just a short drive from San Francisco, this class is perfect for foodies exploring Northern California’s diverse flavors. Book your spot and dive into a truly authentic Puerto Rican cooking adventure that combines skill-building, tradition, and community in every bite.

About Kitchen on Fire

Kitchen on Fire is a hands-on cooking school and event producer that offers a broad calendar of culinary workshops, multi-week series, camps, and virtual classes. The school presents technique-driven, chef-led experiences ranging from single-session workshops to 12-week fundamentals courses. Classes focus on regional cuisines, baking, pastry, vegetarian and seasonal cooking — examples include Italian pasta and breads, Indian and Burmese dishes, Middle Eastern street food, Mexican and Latin specialties, and classic bistro techniques.

Chef-led offerings feature named instructors and visiting chefs, with programs such as multi-week Basics of Cooking series, themed nights like A Night in Florence and A Night in Rome, specialized workshops including ricotta and doughnuts, and seasonal pie and baking classes. Kitchen on Fire also runs teen camps, school-break day camps, and virtual workshops to reach learners at different levels and schedules.

Instruction emphasizes hands-on practice, practical skills like knife work and recipe fundamentals, and communal dining of the dishes created during class. Many classes run three hours or longer; multi-week series provide progressive skill development. In addition to in-person workshops, the organization publishes virtual classes and instructional series led by its roster of chefs.

Kitchen on Fire’s program diversity — from single-session craft workshops to immersive multi-week courses and teen camps — reflects a commitment to accessible, skill-focused culinary education. The school’s transparent class descriptions, named instructors, and recurring series offer prospective students clear expectations and opportunities to build lasting cooking skills. Class sizes vary to prioritize engagement, hands-on practice, and personalized instructor feedback for students.