Although a traditional Valencian paella is made with chicken and rabbit, did you know there's an authentic vegetable recipe too, which is 100% vegan?
Valencia is a true Mediterranean garden and a wealth of vegetables are grown in the region, meaning there are plenty of fresh vegetarian ingredients available to make a delicious paella de verduras.
This is not an invented vegan version of the dish, it's an original recipe also sometimes also called a arroz viudo — or "widowed rice".
The vegan dish is full of flavour and made in a similar way to its carnivorous relatives, but without any meat, seafood, dairy, eggs or animal-derived materials. It is also gluten-free and doesn't contain any colours or preservatives.
The main ingredient, rice, is of course completely plant-based, as is the olive oil, which is used to fry the ingredients before adding the rice and vegetable stock.
• Easy to get to location near one of the city's top markets
• Market visit included when open
• Full lunch/dinner with local wine included
• No minimum group size
• Choice of 11am, 1pm or 6pm start.
From Monday to Saturday, on the 11am and 1pm classes, you'll begin with a visit to one of the city's top food markets, where you will go to various stalls and select the elements required to prepare a mouth-watering paella, including some secret ingredients that will give your dish that authentic Valencian taste.
A testimony to the importance of gastronomy in Valencia, you will easily lose yourself in the atmosphere, smells, colours and life of this vibrant market.
After a welcome drink, it's all hands on deck as we head to the kitchen and start the paella cooking class proper. You'll get down to business with your chef guiding you through the steps of the perfect vegan paella recipe.
Along with having a plenty of laughs with your chef and other students, you'll be learning some real Spanish chefs' tricks that are sure to impress next time you cook for friends at home.
This is a wonderful social activity, with everyone having fun in the kitchen and when you finish your rice masterpiece, the proof is in the tasting! Be your own judge as you enjoy the delicious dish you proudly cooked. Who knows, maybe you'll convert some meat-eaters to your vegan version too?
Note: You will cook a 100% vegan paella in your own workspace and have a vegan meal, but other participants in the kitchen may be cooking and eating meals with meat and/or seafood. Other participants may also shop for meat and/or seafood products in the market.
If you or anyone else in your group prefers a meat or seafood paella, check out our Market Visit and Paella Class or Evening Paella Class too!
Customer Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★"Culture, food, and fun. Big thumbs up!"
"So fantastic, so fun, so good food."
"An absolute joy to work with. We appreciate the knowledge, expertise, and sense of humor."
"Excellent! Wonderful and we highly recommend then."
"Awesome experience. Really enjoyed it"
"Highly recommend, it was very informative, professional, fun, and tasty!"
Approx. 2-3 hours (depending if market is included or not)
11am, 1pm or 6pm*
Class times may vary by 30-60 minutes on some dates, contact us before booking if you need to check.
Adults (12 years and over): €79
Children (4-11 years): €59
None
English and Spanish
What's Included:
Market visit*, cooking class with professional chef, cooking facilities and equipment, and all ingredients. Full vegan meal with starter, vegan paella, dessert, soft drinks and wine at the conclusion of your cooking class.
*the market is closed and so not included on Sundays, public holidays and for 6pm classes.
What's Not Included:
Transport to/from the meeting point, additional food or drinks.
Other Information:
The tour goes ahead rain or shine. It is your responsibility to check the weather and bring suitable clothing.
Local Service Provider Information:
Complete service provider information, including directions and local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your E-ticket.
Important:
Reservation subject to our reservation policy here.
Depending on availability, the meeting point is centrally located in the city, close to the bull ring, Old Town or Alameda.
The location and detailed directions will be confirmed on your E-ticket.
Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
The market is closed and so not included on Sundays, public holidays and for 6pm classes.
There is a minimum of 2 people.
Please inform us of any additional special dietary requirements or food allergies by replying to the confirmation email after booking, and you should also remind your guide on the day.
You will cook a 100% vegan paella in your own workspace and have a vegan meal, but other participants in the kitchen may be cooking and eating meals with meat and/or seafood. Other participants may also shop for meat and/or seafood products in the market.
There will be at least one vegan starter/tapas option, but the other dishes served will not be vegan.
All the drinks should also be vegan, but there may occasionally be exceptions due to product availablity.
Photos are illustrative only, the actual food and drink may vary.
Children are the responsibility of their parents/guardians at all times. Children under 12 cannot participate in the cooking for safety reasons, but they may watch in the kitchen and also particpate in the market visit and meal. Smaller children may get bored and need to be kept occupied by one of their parents/guardians in a quieter part of the school while the rest of the adults cook.
What's Included:
Market visit*, cooking class with professional chef, cooking facilities and equipment, and all ingredients. Full vegan meal with starter, vegan paella, dessert, soft drinks and wine at the conclusion of your cooking class.
*the market is closed and so not included on Sundays, public holidays and for 6pm classes.
What's Not Included:
Transport to/from the meeting point, additional food or drinks.
Other Information:
The tour goes ahead rain or shine. It is your responsibility to check the weather and bring suitable clothing.
Local Service Provider Information:
Complete service provider information, including directions and local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your E-ticket.
Important:
Reservation subject to our reservation policy here.
Depending on availability, the meeting point is centrally located in the city, close to the bull ring, Old Town or Alameda.
The location and detailed directions will be confirmed on your E-ticket.
Adults (12 years and over): €79
Children (4-11 years): €59
Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
The market is closed and so not included on Sundays, public holidays and for 6pm classes.
There is a minimum of 2 people.
Please inform us of any additional special dietary requirements or food allergies by replying to the confirmation email after booking, and you should also remind your guide on the day.
You will cook a 100% vegan paella in your own workspace and have a vegan meal, but other participants in the kitchen may be cooking and eating meals with meat and/or seafood. Other participants may also shop for meat and/or seafood products in the market.
There will be at least one vegan starter/tapas option, but the other dishes served will not be vegan.
All the drinks should also be vegan, but there may occasionally be exceptions due to product availablity.
Photos are illustrative only, the actual food and drink may vary.
Children are the responsibility of their parents/guardians at all times. Children under 12 cannot participate in the cooking for safety reasons, but they may watch in the kitchen and also particpate in the market visit and meal. Smaller children may get bored and need to be kept occupied by one of their parents/guardians in a quieter part of the school while the rest of the adults cook.
