Discover the Best Mexican Cooking Classes in New York City
If you’re a New York City resident searching for a Mexican cooking class, you’re in luck. The city offers an abundance of classes and workshops focused on Mexican cuisine. There are opportunities for all skill levels, from hands-on classes in professional kitchens to intimate gatherings led by experienced Mexican chefs. Beginners can learn the basics and gradually progress to more advanced techniques while receiving guidance from experts passionate about sharing their culinary knowledge.
Below, we’ll explore some of the best Mexican classes that New York has to offer. These classes often cover various aspects of Mexican cooking, including traditional techniques, regional specialties, and the cultural significance of different dishes.
Why You Should Learn Mexican Cooking in NYC
New York City is an excellent place for anyone to learn Mexican cooking due to its vibrant culinary scene and diverse population. The city is home to a variety of authentic Mexican restaurants, specialty grocery stores, cooking classes, and cultural events that provide an immersive experience for those interested in exploring the flavors and techniques of Mexican cuisine.
One of the main advantages of learning Mexican cooking in New York City is the availability of high-quality ingredients. The city boasts numerous Mexican markets and grocery stores where aspiring cooks can find a wide range of authentic spices, peppers, fresh produce, and other essential ingredients necessary for traditional Mexican dishes. These specialized stores make it easy for beginners to source ingredients and replicate the flavors and aromas commonly found in Mexican cuisine.
The city's diverse population also contributes to the authenticity and richness of its Mexican culinary scene. New York City is home to a large Mexican community, resulting in a wide range of restaurants that span different regional cuisines. This diversity allows beginners to explore and taste the distinct flavors of various Mexican regions, such as Oaxaca, Puebla, or Yucatán, without leaving the city. By dining at these establishments, aspiring cooks can gain inspiration, observe cooking techniques, and deepen their understanding of Mexican cuisine.
In-Person Mexican Cooking Classes & Schools in NYC
There are several options for in-person Mexican cooking classes in New York City. In-person instruction allows for individualized attention and personalized guidance. The instructor can provide real-time feedback, correct techniques, and offer tailored tips and suggestions based on your specific needs, skill level, and preferences. Participating in a live cooking class also allows you to connect with the instructor and fellow learners who share a common interest in Mexican cuisine. You can engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and even build new friendships, enhancing the overall learning experience.
At The Brooklyn Kitchen in Williamsburg, students can participate in their Tacos: Recipes and Provocations class. Aside from learning to make masa, salsas, and a variety of taco fillings, students will learn about the history of tacos. This course also covers more modern taco creations, like pastrami with a mustard sauce. Additionally, participants will discuss different grains and flavors to make their homemade taco shells.
The Brooklyn Kitchen also offers a class that is simply called Mexican. Here, participants will learn a variety of dishes and create a non-alcoholic spicy margarita as well. The menu fluctuates depending on the seasonal availability of ingredients, but past dishes include guacamole, birria, and shrimp aguachile, which is a type of spicy shrimp ceviche that has been marinated in a mixture of chili peppers and lime juice.
At Taste Buds Kitchen in Chelsea, there is a Mexican Fiesta program available. The menu starts with scratch-made corn tortillas that will hold two different fillings— carne asada and crispy fish. Students will also make a lime crema and pico de gallo to accompany their tacos, as well as Mexican street corn (commonly known as elote) and guacamole. Students are also encouraged to bring their own drinks for an even more enjoyable experience.
For couples looking for a unique date night experience, the Mucho Mexicano Couples Cooking course at Appetite for Seduction is an excellent option. The price to register is $160.50 per person, not per couple. This price includes one bottle of wine for each couple and an apron for each person to take home with them. Students will create a decadent and romantic three-course dinner during the four-hour class. The menu includes guacamole, chicken tacos with charred pineapple salsa, and Mexican chocolate ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
Virtual Mexican Cooking Classes & Schools
If the in-person classes aren’t available or don’t match what you’re looking for, there’s no need to worry—you can check out the array of online Mexican cooking classes instead. Online classes take place in real time, just like in-person ones, so you won’t be sacrificing any of the support and interaction you’d get with a live instructor. Virtual classes also eliminate the need for an additional commute, making them more accessible and affordable. However, virtual classes typically require students to purchase their own materials and equipment.
The League of Kitchens offers a beginner-friendly class called Mexican Cooking Online with Angie. Angie is a cooking instructor who grew up cooking in restaurants near the US/Mexico border with her family. This course is two and a half hours long and guides students through several dishes from start to finish. During the class, students will make the following items from scratch: corn tortillas, salsa verde, steak tacos, and guacamole. At the end of the class, students will enjoy their creations together via a virtual dinner party. Here, they can share stories, exchange recipes, and get to know each other better.
Some virtual classes also focus on one dish instead of a general overview of Mexican cooking. The Chopping Block at Lincoln Square offers a two-hour Virtual Taqueria Workshop for beginner cooks. Participants in this course will learn a range of foundational skills, including making tortillas from scratch, choosing and braising poultry, and pickling vegetables. To accompany their chicken tacos, students will also make Elotes, a traditional roasted street corn dish flavored with mayonnaise, lime, and cheese.
There is also a Virtual Crispy Chicken Tortas course at the same school. In this class, students will learn to pound chicken evenly before breading and pan-frying it. They will also learn more about traditional Mexican techniques to season and roast vegetables. Both classes at The Chopping Block require students to purchase their own materials and have the ingredients prepped and portioned ahead of time to help keep the pace of the class running smoothly.
Private Group Mexican Cooking Classes in NYC
A private Mexican cooking class for a small group is a fun and unique way to bring a group of coworkers or friends together. These classes promise entertainment and fun. They are an opportunity to laugh, socialize, and create lasting memories with others while engaging in a hands-on activity. Sharing and enjoying dishes everyone helped create can also be incredibly rewarding, boosting morale and creating a positive and celebratory atmosphere amongst peers.
CourseHorse offers plenty of unique group experiences that can be customized to your needs. One class is their Guacamole and Margaritas Workshop. In this class, students are taught the step-by-step process to create authentic guacamole using fresh avocados and other bright ingredients, like cilantro, lime, and onion. Students will also learn the basics of making a perfectly balanced margarita. You can also contact CourseHorse directly if you’re looking for a specific class that is not currently available.
CourseHorse provides numerous benefits to students who book courses there. First, their virtual classes are compatible with multiple browsers and teleconferencing platforms, so students can participate regardless of which device they have at home. Groups can also change their size after booking without any added fees. This means you don’t have to worry if someone cancels or people decide to join after your reservation has been made.