Do I need prior cooking experience?

No, the class is designed for beginners and food enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian substitutes are offered but must be requested in advance.

Is parking available near the venue?

Yes, free street parking is available on Hastings Street after 6 pm, plus nearby parking lots.

Can I bring guests or gift the class?

Tickets can be gifted, and you can send someone in your place if you cannot attend.

What is the cancellation policy?

All cancellations receive credit for future classes, except within 72 hours of the class start time.

What dishes will we make?

You'll make fresh tortillas, salsas, tostadas with scallop and chili or jicama salad, ancho braised beef or mushroom substitutes, and guava cilantro rice.

Master Authentic Mexican Flavors in Burnaby’s Hands-On Cooking Class

Burnaby, British Columbia, offers an immersive culinary journey with the "Authentic Mexican Cuisine a Hands-on Cooking Class," an experience that brings the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexico directly to the Pacific Northwest. Located on East Hastings Street at the Gray Olive Cafeteria, this two-hour workshop invites food lovers and adventurous beginners alike to dive deep into Mexican gastronomy, crafting dishes that carry tradition, authenticity, and a hint of spice.

Led by a chef recently returned from Mexico, the class delivers a masterclass on genuine Mexican cooking. Participants roll up their sleeves to make fresh tortillas from scratch, blending textures and aromas that define Mexican staples. The journey continues with vibrant salsas crafted from fresh ingredients, paired with tostadas topped with scallop and chili or a refreshing shaved jicama salad with avocado ice.

A standout dish is the ancho braised beef, tender and rich with the smoky sweetness of dried ancho chilies, an ingredient that embodies the nuanced heat of Mexican cuisine. For vegetarians, substitutions like chestnut mushrooms with sweet onions and grated cojita cheese stand in to ensure every palate is delighted. The meal is rounded off with guava and cilantro rice, a fragrant and flavorful side that ties together this authentic feast.

This class is not only a cooking lesson but a cultural experience—participants learn about ingredient sourcing, regional cooking techniques, and personal stories from the chef’s travels, offering more than just a recipe, but a connection to the culture behind each bite. The hands-on format ensures every attendee gains practical skills to re-create these dishes back home, making it an ideal choice for visitors and locals seeking to expand their culinary horizons.

Burnaby itself, adjacent to Vancouver, is a convenient and welcoming city known for its diverse food scene and accessibility. This cooking class is a unique offering in an outdoor adventure travel lineup, blending cultural immersion with the practical joy of food crafting.

If you’re looking to explore authentic Mexican flavors beyond the typical hatch-green-chili fare or craving a hands-on experience that connects you to food’s rich stories, this class stands out. Free parking is available nearby after 6 pm, and the intimate setting ensures personalized attention in small groups.

For travelers staying nearby, Burnaby offers plentiful accommodations, and the class’s location makes it an easy add-on to any Vancouver or Fraser Valley itinerary. Whether you’re a skilled home cook or just curious, this class promises robust flavors, warm hospitality, and the thrill of crafting Mexican dishes from scratch.