Kochkurs & Heilpflanzen Garten Manuel Antonio

This was one of our favorite experiences in Costa Rica. Sergio and Ellie were wonderful hosts and made the entire class feel warm, welcoming, and personal from start to finish. Before we even started cooking, we were taken on a tour of the garden where we learned about the herbs and ingredients used in traditional Costa Rican cooking. We even spotted some wildlife along the way, which made the experience feel even more special. The class itself focused on making a traditional casado. (Of note, a pescatarian version was also prepared for my boyfriend, as he does not eat meat). Most of the preparation involved chopping vegetables, but what I found most interesting were the seasonings and techniques, which were quite different from what I’m used to. Everything was explained clearly, and we received a PDF of the recipes afterward so we can recreate the meal at home. The setting was incredible—an open-air kitchen that feels like it’s part of the jungle, with beautiful views all around. The group was small and intimate, which allowed for great conversation. We work in healthcare, and somehow the discussion naturally evolved into fascinating conversations about mental health and cultural differences between Costa Rica and the United States. And of course, Sergio deserves special mention. He is absolutely hilarious. His humor, storytelling, and energy made the class just as entertaining as it was educational. If you’re looking for an authentic, intimate experience that combines food, culture, nature, and great conversation, I can’t recommend this class enough. It felt less like a cooking class and more like spending an evening with friends while learning something new.

Overall great experience and would recommend! Food was quite good and the host was very personable. Only downside was that I made a note upon booking that I am pescatarian, and they only had chicken. Would like better accommodations for dietary restrictions. Great class!

One of the best ways to learn about a country is to cook it's favorite food. Of course you need a great teacher and Sergio and his cooking assistant, Elizabeth, were all of that. In an attractive kitchen set in the middle of a forest where many of the ingredients were grown, they not only showed us how to prepare several traditional dishes but gave the history and cultural context. The result was delicious food and a deeper understanding of Costa Rica.

My wife and I and a friend had a great time in the cooking class learning how to make Casado and then eating it. Was very tasty. Sergio and Ellie did a nice job. We also experienced the chocolate tour and a coffee demonstration with explanations of the climate factors related to the growing of the coffee and cacao beans. Very interesting and informative. Tasting samples of what was made during the demonstration added to the experience. Sergio is very knowledgeable, personable and a good story teller.

Such an enjoyable day cooking with Sergio. We prepared a typical Cost Rican meal - Casada. Sergio explained what each part of the meal consisted of as we chopped and prepared the ingredients. The highlight was eating the meal we prepared!

Great experience with the very talented and knowledgeable Sergio learning to cook Costa Rican Casado and walking around the property learning about the plants. Amazing activity. Highly recommend.

Sergio was beyond knowledgable in everything spices, plants, harvesting, cooking and made our experience amazing!!! We highly recommend this tour for everyone young and old.

The best cooking class ever! Sergio was fluent in English and so fun to be with. The food was delicious and we helped on most parts of the cooking. The walking tour of the property to see the plants was an added bonus. I would highly recommend this tour for all ages.

Sergrio & Ely were FANTASTIC!!! The food was amazing and the service was great. We went as a family and he gave us a tour of the plantation and the medicinal plants. Making the food was super fun. Even the dessert was amazing. 100% recommend.

The whole experience was a delight. Starting with a surprisingly interesting kitchen garden tour that highlighted culinary and medicinal herbs. The class itself was participatory in just the right way and Sergio, our teacher and his assistant Ellie were friendly, informed and fun. We made a “traditional” Casado that was delicious. The brand new open air kitchen was a magical venue. It felt like we were cooking in a magnificent tree house. My only suggestion would be to swap out the plastic cutting boards for wooden ones and cut out the consumption of micro plastics.