The Madeiran Cooking Class with Funchal Market Visit, led by Chef Filipe, is a five-hour combined market tour and hands-on cooking lesson in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, Portugal. The operator is Eat & Walkabout, a food-tour company that can be reached through eatandwalkabout.com. The experience includes a return minivan transfer from a Funchal city-centre hotel or apartment, or from the cruise port, which makes it practical for cruise passengers as well as hotel guests. Groups range from two to ten guests.
The first part is a visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores, the Farmers' Market on Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot, 9060-157 Funchal. A local food guide leads the group through the stalls of fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers, explaining which ingredients are typical of the island and how they are used in Madeiran kitchens. Ingredients for the lesson are chosen from the market. The group then travels by minivan to the kitchen, where the chef teaches a hands-on three-course cooking class. The menu includes poncha, the island's sugar-cane spirit cocktail with honey and lemon, and typically features regional recipes such as dishes with local fish or meats and a traditional dessert, so the class covers both savoury and sweet cooking. Guests prepare the dishes themselves rather than watching a demonstration.
The price covers the return minivan transfer, the market visit with the food guide, the three-course cooking class, a lunch of the dishes prepared served with Madeiran wines, an apron and PDF recipes, and local taxes. Gratuities and personal purchases at the market are not included. The class is taught in English, and the pace is unhurried, with time to taste and to ask questions. Dietary requirements and allergies should be reported at booking so that the chef can adjust ingredients. The apron and recipes allow guests to repeat the dishes at home. The experience suits food lovers who want more than a tasting, and it is a strong option on a day when a long, relaxed lunch fits the itinerary.
| Duration | About 5 hours (2–10 guests) |
|---|---|
| Address | Pickup from a Funchal city-centre hotel or apartment, or the cruise port; market visit at Mercado dos Lavradores, Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot, 9060-157 Funchal |
What is included
- return minivan transfer from hotel or port
- Farmers' Market visit with a local food guide
- hands-on three-course cooking class including poncha
- lunch with Madeiran wines
- apron and PDF recipes
- local taxes
Good to know
- Operator
- Eat & Walkabout (eatandwalkabout.com; phone +34 644 675 350)
Location
Pickup from a Funchal city-centre hotel or apartment, or the cruise port; market visit at Mercado dos Lavradores, Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot, 9060-157 Funchal
Highlights
- Guided visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores with a local food guide
- Hands-on three-course cooking class including poncha
- Lunch of the prepared dishes served with Madeiran wines
- Return minivan transfer from a city-centre hotel, apartment or the cruise port
- Apron and PDF recipes to take home
Tips for visiting
- Arrive hungry; the class ends with a full lunch with wine.
- Report allergies and dietary needs when booking so the chef can adapt the menu.
- Wear closed shoes and clothes that can handle kitchen splashes; an apron is provided.
- Cruise passengers should confirm pickup timing against the ship's departure.
- Photograph the market early, when the stalls are at their liveliest.
When to visit
A morning start suits the market, which is liveliest before midday; the class is available year-round, and cruise days are popular.
Accessibility
The market has stairs and uneven floors, and the kitchen setting requires standing for parts of the class. Mobility needs should be discussed with the operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is transport included?
Yes. A return minivan transfer is included from a Funchal city-centre hotel or apartment, or from the cruise port.
What will be cooked?
Guests prepare a three-course meal that includes poncha, using ingredients from the market.
How long does the experience last?
It lasts about five hours, including the market visit, class and lunch.
Do guests receive recipes?
Yes. An apron and PDF recipes are included.
Ready to book
Madeiran Cooking Class with Funchal Market Visit (Chef Filipe)
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