Private Cooking Class In Puerto Vallarta In Chef Manu's Home

Manu is an excellent chef and guide for our experience! We learned a lot about the authentic way to make enchiladas and ceviche, which was incredible. We also learned some really helpful cooking techniques to keep flavors but avoid some of the heat from chilis. Overall, it was fun, inspirational, educational, and tasty!

What a great way to spend a day in Mexico! We met Chef Manu at the local market, where he walked us through the fish market, helped us choose fresh fruits and veggies, and even stopped at a local tortilla factory for freshly made tortillas. Chef Manu was fun, engaging, and gave us just the right mix of hands-on cooking, local culture, and wonderful food! Having a private experience with just our group of four longtime friends made it even better. We prepared fresh ceviche and enchiladas, and everything was absolutely delicious! So fresh and full of flavor! Chef Manu is the real deal! If you're looking for something a little different that gives you a chance to experience the local culture, this is a fantastic way to spend your day in Puerto Vallarta. Highly recommend!

Manu is a fabulous chef and very knowledgeable about local flavours! We learned so many new shills that I can’t wait to try out when we get home💕. It was especially nice that he had all the recipes sent to us, so that we didn’t have to spend time writing them out. Lots more time to watch and ask questions. Truly a great class🥰

chef manu is great. we learned about new ingredients and new techniques. the market tour was authentic and his food very tasty. highly recommend this experience!

It’s a ‘can’t miss’ tour. Being guided through the Mercado and seeing Chef Manu carefully select the ingredients for your meal and explain the various differences in products he was picking for your meal just made it so personal an experience. When arriving at his home you feel less like a guest and more like a friend. And he cooks an amazing meal! Very willing to take the time to answer questions and even teach skills! We have been slicing fresh peppers wrong our whole lives! Glad to be set straight! We all stopped talking when the food was served and that is the absolute best review you can give because you’re just too busy eating. Can’t recommend enough how wonderful we found this and have now decided it will always be included in our future trips to PV.

Loved it!!!! Great experience and delicious dinner !!!

There are many reasons Manu has so many EXCELLENT reviews. The experience is indeed EXCELLENT. I suggest the option of going to the Market with Manu. Very interesting and informative. I have been on more than 100 food tours and classes and this is definitely one of the BEST

Manu was absolutely stellar. Provided wonderful convo, allowed us to ask questions regarding knives, pans etc. Trad recipe to take home and try. HIGHLY REC!!!

What an unbelievable cooking experience with Manu. Starting with a visit to the local market where WE chose what was on the menu and then selected the freshest ingredients including freshly made tortillas. Everywhere we went he was greeted like a friend…Back at his home he cooked and instructed us on techniques and ingredients with obvious love and a generous willingness to share his knowledge for his cuisine. The food was next level and was made better with his warmth and hospitality which made this a cooking class like no other!

Chef Manu is amazing!! He made some delicious authentic dishes. Introduced us to new flavours. Restaurants are nice, but a personalized one on one is next level.

We had a wonderful experience. We learned a lot and the food was amazing! I highly recommend this cooking class.

I am vegetarian and my husband is not and Chef Manu tailored to both of us. We started at the most intimate market where Chef Manu knew all the vendors and walked us through all the options of food there was. He asked about our likes, dislikes, food aversions and we came up with a coconut ceviche for me, a sea bass ceviche for my husband, and an oyster mushroom dish as well (in addition to two types of salsas). I expressed interest in a particular coconut dessert as well and Chef Manu went out of his way to another street food vendor and found it for me! We then were welcomed into his home where my husband and I learned so many valuable cooking skills and techniques. The food was AMAZING and we are still dreaming about how great it was. We definitely recommend this experience with the market tour.

We had a delicious meal that Manu prepared from scratch with consisting of sea bass, shrimp, and various sauces. He was very accommodating in making a non-seafood dish (gorditas) for my daughters. Manu is very personal, a good conversationalist, and an experienced chef. I would highly recommend this activity. It was one of the highlights of our stay in Puerto Vallarta!

Outstanding cooking lesson - this was our third event with Manu. He is equally charming, intelligent and patient and is always open to our suggestions and food preferences to prepare an amazing meal. It's not hands on - it's all demonstration but we always come away with awesome recipes having had a delicious meal.

Chef Manu was fantastic. He is an easygoing guy so his teaching style is very casual and relaxed. We learned a lot about cooking local style and the food was amazing. Highly recommended!

Chef Manu was friendly, funny, informative, and an excellent host and chef. We went to the market and he explained the food options, kinds of fish, local vegetables that were in season, and we tasted some homemade tortillas! Then we went back to his house for the class and tasting. We had a great time and learned a ton. Next time We are in Puerto we are taking this class again!

Such a great experience! The blend of spices, peppers and other fresh ingredients made it a fantastic experience. Locally fresh caught fish and shrimp were so delicious. Chef Manu has fantastic knife skills too!

The most fantastic food. I feel confident I can go home and recreate this. Manu is very knowledgeable and a great host The fish was so fresh and the chilies perfect for flavor

What a fantastic experience! Manu was so personable and knowledgeable and fun. I thought I knew Mexican cooking, but I learned so so much.

My wife and I had the absolute pleasure of joining Manuel Zuloaga’s authentic Mexican cooking class during our stay in Puerto Vallarta, and it ended up being one of the top things we did on our entire trip! Manuel was warm, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. He went above and beyond to accommodate our dietary needs—we’re both vegetarian and prefer mild to medium spice—and every dish was thoughtfully adjusted without sacrificing any of the rich, traditional flavors. The experience was intimate, personal, and truly immersive. We learned so much about the ingredients, history, and techniques behind Mexican cuisine, all while enjoying delicious food we helped create. Manuel’s passion for sharing his culture through food shines through every part of the class. If you’re looking for something unique, personal, and authentically local, this cooking class is a must. Highly recommended!

Chef Manu took us to his favorite market, where he selected the fish, chiles and vegetables he would use. It was so instructive! He took us to his home, where we sat in his kitchen, drinking his local beer, while he walked us through his versions to of ceviche and shrimp with chiles. We learned new ways of using familiar ingredients, and he introduced us to some new ones. This was the highlight of our time in PV. Thank you Chef Manu!

I have to say, I was skeptical about doing an activity that was outside my ‘neighborhood’. BUT I was so happy to have been hosted by Manu! He was courteous, friendly and just a nice and knowledgeable food artist. He was patient and answered all of our questions and he was effective when explaining what he was doing. He inspired me to want to try his recipes. Honestly, I was so impressed with him and I highly recommend taking his ‘tour’. He exceeded my expectations and I would do another session with him without any hesitation. Please join him! A total joy.

When in PV go with Manu and let him then cook for you. Great fun, delicious delightful food. I learned cooking ideas as well

Fantastic! Manu is a talented chef and shares his expertise with a fun and personalized experience. Delicious food and authentic market shopping. A wonderful afternoon for our family!

This was the most excellent cooking class and the second year we have cooked with Manu and not the last. One of the big highlights of our trip to PV. We are making it an annual event. Manu is fun, welcoming, full of cooking tips and skills that are easy to do at home, and an excellent, gifted chef. The first year we made ceviche and red enchiladas, this year gorditas with salsa chile morita, fresh guacamole and the freshest shrimp with Al Ajillo sauce. So delicious! It was the best meal we had in PV and made with care and heart. Plus, Manu recommended some great restaurants for us to try that were secret gems in PV. Each one was delicious! I would highly recommend spending an afternoon or morning cooking with Manu! The best part is partaking in the great food he cooks.

This cooking class was the best experience of our time in Puerto Vallarta. It was definitely a big highlight and our second time cooking with Manu! We plan on making it an annual event. Manu is such a great personality, fun, talented chef and a joy to learn cooking techniques from. I highly recommend his class for the most delicious meal you will have during your Puerto Vallarta stay. Plus, he gives you written recipes so you can make the dishes at home. His ceviche recipe was a big hit with my family! Plus his restaurant recommendations were over the top great. If you are a foodie, don’t miss spending some time with Manu sharing his extraordinary culinary skills.

Chef Manu is so talented and has a charming way about him. We talked, he demonstrated, we laughed and ate the delicious food he made while we watched. His dog Max makes the day complete.

My wife and I spent a wonderful 3-4 hours with Manu yesterday, and will make this an annual event each year from now on. It was an excellent learning (and dining) experience, with a very knowledgeable and personable chef, Manu. Our afternoon began meeting Manu in the impressive 5th of Diciembre market. There is a smaller market near our hotel by the Rio Cuale, but the selection of produce, fish, cheeses, and just about every chile imaginable in this market is far more robust than "ours," and worth the nice walk to it. Manu taught us how to select the perfect poblanos, habaneros, aguacates (avocados), and fish - the latter from about 30 different varieties available. Following our shopping lesson, he drove us to his home where he prepared the most delicious guacamole, which provided the bed upon which the yellowtail tuna ceviche was served. He showed us also how to make red enchiladas, one of my wife's favorite dishes (she's having a leftover for breakfast as I write this!). One of the best aspects of this adventure was the learning. Manu taught me several simple improvements on my culinary [knife] skills which will make all of my own nascent food preparations easier - and more attractive in the serving (and taste). There were no 'stupid questions,' of which we were able to offer several. All-in-all, it was a great experience. When in the market, Manu asked us what two dishes we would like to learn - of ANY. Almost too great a task for us to decide. He helped guide our thoughts, but we could have made anything that the bountiful market sold. My wife and I are already arguing about which dish we'll have him teach us next time (likely pulpo, since my wife always wins the arguments). Spend some time with Manu, you won't be disappointed! ATBster

Great experience. Very personal host learned new cooking skills and excellent receipes. Well worth the time Would recommend it to everyone who enjoys cooking and food.

Having a private, in home, authentic cooking class with Manu was simply amazing. Manu is very knowledgeable when it comes to explaining different peppers and how to use them, and balancing flavors with acidity. I was introduced to dishes I thought I could never handle gastronomically. Trust this chef ! Bonus: he even sends you the recipes. All around great experience.

Manu was friendly, fun, and engaging. We ate delicious food, learned how to prepare local dishes and techniques to use when we return home. We laughed a ton and made a new friend in the process!

Manuel and his family were all so welcoming! It was a warm and inviting home, and he made us feel instantly at ease. He has such a warm and genuine personality. AND his food was amazing! He took the time to explain what he was cooking, answered every question we had, and taught us a lot about the dishes he made. We will DEFINITELY go back again next year when we return for our next holiday!

We had a wonderful time today with Manu on the private cooking and market excursion. Our day started at our a cool local market where we selected our fresh catch of the day, produce, chicken, cheeses and watched corn tortillas as they were freshly made. Then we headed back to Manu’s kitchen where he taught us how to prepare ceviche on tostadas as well as a chicken and poblano & cheese enchiladas. The lesson was only eclipsed by the outstanding flavors of the dishes. Outstanding excursion! Manu is a fantastic, creative chef with a real gift for teaching thru showing. Can’t recommend this outing highly enough!!

Manu was a most charming host, He taught us two amazing mexican dishes which are very different than the tex-mex we're used to. Little Max the puppy was wonderful! Would recommend this class to all visitors interested in an authentic food experience.

This was one of the best private chef experiences we have ever had. As a professional chef I was so impressed and learned so much. Great food great information ingredients and chef Manu is so knowledgeable and knows his craft really well. Thank you chef please come to DC. Chef Patrick

So recommend. We had the best time! Couldn’t ask for a better host and the dinner was phenomenal. Definitely taking all the recipes and tips Manuel gave us and bringing them back home to us in Toronto

Manuel was an incredible host and his food was superb. We were a group of 4 from Toronto, Canada. Highly recommend visiting Manuel’s lovely home, it was the highlight of our vacation and a unique experience. Can’t wait to try and recreate his recipes. Meeting his super friendly and adorable dog Max was also an added bonus! His house is really close to the hotel zone so a quick cab ride or Uber

Chef Manu is absolutely amazing!!! He will cater the menu to your tastes and is both an incredible chef and host. DO THIS TOUR!

, Manu was a wonderful host and chef and the food was absolutely delicious. We all loved the entire experience and Manu , Max and the family were just lovely and very accommodating.

Had a great time with Chef Manuel. He taught us how to make chicken enchiladas and ceviche. He even taught us how to property cut onions and peppers. It was a great time.

One of our favorite experiences in Puerto Vallarta. Chef Manuel is a great instructor and creates some incredible dishes for you to enjoy with local ingredients. He’s very knowledgeable about food and explains a lot about how the different ingredients create balance and flavor. I highly recommend everyone enjoy this experience while in PV, both locals and travelors.

We met st the fish market to learn about various fish. Then we went to Chef Manuel home for cooking lesson. Overall great experience and I feel like I can recreate the recipes at my home now too.

Amazing experience. Manu was a fantastic chef and the food was delicious. Felt very comfortable and had many laughs and stories to share. Highly recommended!!!

A great immersion into the culture here in PV! A fun market experience, with Manu asking us plenty of questions so we could have a fabulous meal. An intimate visit to his home while we were the only guests! He is friendly, instructive, and a great chef! We had a wonderful time.

Private class for 3 Canadians who were amazed by Manu's culinary skills and flavourful creations. We will be back next year for sure ! !

Wow! What a great experience from the very start! Manuel took us to his go-to fresh food market where we bought freshly butchered pork and beef, fresh vegetables and dried chiles, cheese, and freshly made tortillas made with the best corn in PV, delicious hot and fresh from the tortilla press! His home is in a quaint and colorful neighborhood and his doggy Max was a hit! He showed us how to make a salsa verde, salsa roja and -- our absolute favorite -- AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS! We learned how to make carne asada and pork al pastor. Delicious, vibrant, fresh and the flavors were WOW! We can't wait to entertain family and friends with our new culinary knowledge!

This was the most enjoyable and educational cooking class I have ever taken anywhere. Manual exudes passion for his craft and is an excellent host, educator and entertainer. His instruction will forever change my cooking. And the food he served us was the best I have ever eaten in Mexico. He taught us simple techniques that make all the difference.

Extraordinary experience - Manu was the perfect host. He was so attentive from shopping in the local market and choosing our dinner to going back to his house to prep and make the meal. Manu was incredibly sensitive to our food issues and preferences. The food was so good - and the tastes were so much more subtle than what we've been used to in USA Mexican restaurants. Clearly what we've tasted till now falls far short of "real" Mexican food. A must for a total Puerta Vallarta experience. I can't recommended this tour enough.

This was the best cooking class I’ve ever experienced! Manu is an amazing tour guide and chef with extensive knowledge of Puerto Vallarta’s history and culinary traditions. I throughly enjoyed picking up fresh fish and vegetables from the market and watching him prepare the dishes in his home. I learned so much about the food and cooking techniques that will help me level-up my cooking game. And his restaurant recommendations were spot on. Highly recommend taking a class with Manu!