Jose is a passionate, native Valencian chef with over a decade of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in London and Valencia. After exploring cuisines from around the world, he returned to his roots to share the rich culinary traditions of Valencia. Jose’s specialty is rice dishes, a staple introduced to Valencia by the Arabs centuries ago. He loves showing guests the many ways Valencians have adapted rice into their cuisine. While paella is traditionally enjoyed with family and friends on Sundays, Jose believes every day is a Sunday and is eager to teach you how to prepare authentic Valencian paella during your experience. Jose’s goal is to create unforgettable gastronomic experiences that delight the senses, evoke emotions, and leave lasting memories. He looks forward to sharing traditional Valencian cooking techniques, teaching culinary tips, and learning about his guests’ cultures, making every cooking class a warm and immersive journey into Valencia’s food heritage.
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
Cooking experience: (2-6 guests) Meet your host, Chef Jose, a Michelin-star trained Valencian chef, at the entrance to the IVAM Museum. Begin your experience with a 10-minute guided walk through Valencia’s old town, past the Turia River before your immersive Valencia cooking class. Start your culinary journey with a traditional vermouth, Valencian beer, or soft drink, paired with a Gilda spherification, an innovative twist on this classic pintxo. Next, create a refreshing sangria with Jose and learn about the rich history, culture, and traditions behind Valencian rice dishes and paella. While paella is traditionally eaten with family and friends on Sundays, Jose believes every day is a Sunday and will teach you how to prepare authentic Valencian paella, a delicious combination of rice and meat. Alternatively, choose from three other traditional paella options: vegetarian paella, seafood paella, or paella with duck, asparagus, and mushrooms. While your paella cooks, enjoy hands-on tapas preparation, including skewering a classic Gilda and making two other traditional dishes from scratch. After cooking, sit down to enjoy the meal you helped prepare, followed by a creamy mousse dessert and cremaet, a must-try Valencian coffee-based drink. Take home a personalized recipe book from Chef Jose, featuring authentic paellas, tapas, and traditional Spanish drinks, so you can recreate the experience at home.
Notes:
1. Dietary Restrictions: Jose can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free diets. Please share your dietary preferences when making your booking.
2. Alternative Valencian Dishes: If you’d like to try something other than paella, let Jose know in advance. You can learn to cook arroz al horno (oven-baked rice with pork ribs, sausages, potatoes, and tomatoes) or arroz negro (black rice with seafood and squid ink).
3. Group Size & Timing: For groups of 2–3 guests, please book a lunch experience. Dinner experiences are available for groups of 4 or more.
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Jose's passion for Valencian cuisine is simply wonderful! It is a unique opportunity to learn to cook from a fun and native Valencian trained at the Michelin-starred restaurant El Poblet in Valencia.
AV, Traveling Spoon Ambassador
We had a great cooking experience and would definitely recommend- andrian March 17, 2026
José is a great chef, a patient teacher and a welcoming host. He is passionate about cooking traditional cuisine but also integrates new twists. His flavour combinations were incredible. We had a great time with him, learned a lot and enjoyed a superb meal. We look forward to trying out his recipes at home. Thank you José.- kid February 23, 2026
Chef Jose is not only an amazing chef, but he is personable, knowledgeable and so enthusiastic. We had an amazing time with him and learned a lot. Would highly recommend.- amy February 20, 2026
A fantastic experience learning the secrets of paella preparation from Jose. Very authentic, interesting, and delicious. Thank you so much for the many practical tips and the very entertaining and personal tapas and paella course! Highly recommended.- yvonne February 14, 2026
Our Day with Jose was amazing. The food and the day was perfect. I highly would recommend!- leon February 10, 2026
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