Medellin: Empanada Cooking Class by Local Chef in Comuna 13

Medellín has plenty of food tours, but this one is interesting because you get your hands dirty making one of Colombia’s best-loved street snacks, empanadas, while walking through Comuna 13 from Metro Juan XXIII to the workshop. You learn the dough, build flavorful fillings, and cook them to golden perfection, then sit down to eat what you made with a refreshing drink.

Two things I especially like are the small group size, capped at 6 travelers, and the human touch from the chef and staff. In particular, Jheams comes across as genuinely welcoming, with a class that feels more like a friendly lesson than a scripted performance.

One possible drawback to plan for: it’s about 1 hour 30 minutes, so you’ll cover a lot quickly. Also, you do a short walk from the meeting point area, so comfortable shoes help.

Key highlights

• Pickup at Metro station Juan XXIII in San Javier, then a walk to the workshop
• Small group of max 6 travelers, so you actually get time to cook
• Hands-on empanada making, from dough to fillings to cooking
• Quick market stop for ingredients like yuca, then tips for Cartagena-style empanadas
• Soda/pop included, plus you eat your freshly made empanadas at the end
• English-friendly, and the vibe stays relaxed with friendly staff

From Metro Juan XXIII to Comuna 13, a local start you can navigate

I like starting this kind of experience at a real transit hub, and this one does that. You meet at Estación Metrocable Juan XXIII, with the listed meeting point address details in the San Javier area. From there, the plan is simple: you’ll connect with the host, then head out on foot toward the workshop place.

Why that matters: it removes the stress of trying to figure out a complicated meeting spot after you land. It also sets the tone. The short walk is part of the experience, not an afterthought. You’re moving like a local, heading into the neighborhood area where empanadas feel right at home.

Practical note for your day: arrive a few minutes early so you can confirm you’re at the correct side of the station area listed. Once the group is together, you’ll be guided onward.

Hands-on empanada cooking, dough to golden perfection

This is built as a working cooking class, not a tasting-only stop. The core promise is that you’ll make Colombian empanadas step by step: prepare the dough, create fillings, and cook them until they turn out golden.

What you’ll likely find helpful is the way the class breaks down the process into manageable actions. Even if you cook at home, making empanada dough and getting it to the right consistency can be new. The class gives you a guided path, so you’re not stuck guessing what “right” looks like.

And then there’s the best part, cooking. You’re not just watching someone else manage the pan. You’re there as the empanadas cook up, which is a big deal for street food style learning. The difference between good and great empanadas often comes down to timing and handling, and hands-on training is the way to understand that fast.

At the end, you sit down and enjoy the empanadas you made. That meal component is key. You’re eating something fresh and still connected to the effort you just did, instead of receiving food that was made off-site and warmed up.

The market walk and yuca, plus Cartagena-style instruction

One of the most memorable details is the short market stop. You’ll take a quick walk to pick up ingredients, including yuca, and then the chef teaches how to make Cartagena style empanadas.

Even with no prior cooking experience, a market stop changes how you think about the final dish. You see and source at least one of the key ingredients yourself, which makes the cooking lesson feel practical. You also get a clearer picture of how a specific regional style comes together, rather than treating all empanadas as one generic thing.

In the class, this Cartagena-style focus is part of the value. It’s not just “learn to fold and fry.” It’s also learning that Colombian street food can have distinct regional cues, and you get shown how those cues play out through ingredients like yuca.

The vibe with Jheams and why the staff attention matters

Cooking classes live or die by the instructor. Here, the staff reputation is a standout. Jheams is described as so welcoming, with a friendly, encouraging approach that makes it easy to ask questions while you work.

What I like about this kind of leadership is the tone it creates. When someone is truly welcoming, you worry less about slowing down or doing things wrong. You focus on learning the method. That matters because empanadas require a few small moves done consistently, especially when you’re learning dough handling and filling portions.

There’s also mention of a lovely view from the place where you cook and eat. That may not sound like a “food class feature,” but it helps your brain relax during the lesson. When you’re comfortable, you pay attention better, and you end up with a better result.

And because the group is limited to 6 travelers, it’s not a crowded classroom. You’re more likely to get personal attention and quick corrections when you need them.

What’s included at the table, soda plus fresh empanadas

This experience includes meals and soda/pop. You also get to sit down at the end to enjoy what you made, which keeps the whole session from feeling like a workshop you attend and then leave hungry.

Alcohol is not included. Extra drinks are available, but you’ll need to pay for them separately. That’s a good setup if you want a straightforward food class without drink costs creeping up.

For value, I like that the included meal is tied directly to your work. You’re not buying an entry ticket and then receiving a vague snack. You’re learning a whole mini craft, and then you eat the product while it feels newly made.

If you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to go easy on extra drinks anyway. This is more about cooking and eating a fresh street food style than about a long restaurant meal.

Price and value, why $21.45 can make sense here

The price is $21.45 per person, and for a hands-on cooking class, that’s the kind of figure that usually only works when the setup is efficient and the group stays small.

Here, the value is built from a few concrete pieces:

• Meals included and not just a sample tasting portion
• Soda/pop included, so you’re not automatically paying extra for basics
• Small group size (max 6), which usually means more attention
• English offered, so you’re not paying extra for translation

Another practical value point: this is booked about 12 days in advance on average, which often signals a steady demand. If you like planning ahead, you’ll usually have an easier time locking in a time that fits your Medellín schedule.

Also note group discounts are mentioned as a feature. If you’re traveling with a friend, pair up and check pricing, since this format can work well for two people who want an interactive lesson without it feeling too big.

Timing and English instruction for a smooth 1.5-hour session

This class runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. That length is ideal if you want something more meaningful than a quick snack, but you also don’t want to lose half a day.

Because it’s English-friendly, the teaching should be easier to follow. In a cooking class, understanding the key instructions matters. When you can follow along clearly, you’re more likely to nail the dough and folding steps instead of guessing.

The pacing is likely tight, so keep your expectations realistic. You won’t be mastering every step like a private chef workshop, but you will learn the method well enough to make decent empanadas and understand what you did that helped.

One more timing note: confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability. If you’re traveling during a busy period, it’s smart to book with enough lead time so you’re not stuck waiting for a final confirmation too close to your date.

Who this empanada class fits best in Medellín

I think this works best if you want food that’s hands-on, local, and practical. You’ll enjoy it if you like street food and you want to learn the “how,” not just the “what.”

It’s also a good pick if you like small-group settings. With max 6 travelers, you’re not going to feel lost in a crowd. You can ask questions while you’re actually cooking, which is where the learning happens.

If you’re traveling solo, this can be a comfortable way to meet people without forcing a long, social evening. And if you prefer clear instruction in English, this class is designed for that.

Service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation, so it’s easier to slot into a day without major hassle.

Should you book this Comuna 13 empanada class?

Yes, if your goal is a short, satisfying cooking experience with real instruction and a meal at the end. The biggest reasons to book are the small group size, the hands-on empanada process from dough to cooking, and the welcoming teaching style associated with Jheams.

I would only hesitate if you’re the type of traveler who needs a slow, long class with lots of downtime. This is efficient and fast, and it includes walking from the Metro station area to the workshop. If you’re okay with that, you’re set up for a fun, authentic food skill you can actually take home.

If you like low-risk plans, note that cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which gives you some flexibility if your Medellín schedule shifts.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Medellín empanada cooking class?

The class lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where do I meet for the experience?

You meet at Estación Metrocable Juan XXIII, in the San Javier area of Medellín. The listed meeting point includes the address details provided for Pilarica II, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.

What language is the class offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

How many travelers are in the group?

The activity has a maximum of 6 travelers.

What is included in the price?

Meals are included, and soda or pop is included as well.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and extra drinks are available for purchase.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.