Discover the Essence of Cretan Gastronomy: A Culinary Adventure in Archanes Village

Immerse yourself in Cretan gastronomy through Traditional Cooking Classes in the picturesque village of Archanes, near ancient Knossos in Crete. Guided by seasoned local cooks, this 4-hour cooking class connects participants to the island’s culinary heritage through fresh, locally sourced ingredients — Cretan olive oil, aromatic herbs, vegetables, and meats.

PART 1 – THE TOUR

The cooking class begins with the most essential part: picking the products. Your cook welcomes you to the open kitchen area, then guides you through the streets of Archanes to visit local grocery stores and choose ingredients. Sensitive raw materials and meat are provided before processing, enriching your knowledge of local Cretan products.

PART 2 – THE CLASS

After gathering groceries, head to private open kitchens with a beautiful sea view. Your experienced cook guides you through every step of dish preparation, helping you create recipes that taste like those in every Cretan home.

WHAT YOU WILL COOK

With your private cook, prepare the following traditional Cretan recipes:

Cretan salad: Traditional Greek Salad with local ingredients

Cretan Dakos: Barley Rusk topped with fresh tomato, mizithra cheese, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and oregano

Tzatziki with local yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Gemista: Greek stuffed and baked vegetables

“Kolokithokeftedes”: Traditional Zucchini Frites with feta cheese

PART 3 – THE MEAL

Taste what you prepared! At the end of the cooking class, relax and converse about food accompanied by a glass or two of cool white, rose, or red local wine.

DEGUSTATION MENU Freshly baked bread and Pita Bread

Greek salad with barley Rusk, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, peppers, feta cheese, capers, and olives

Tzatziki with local yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Prepared by Guests)

Dakos: Barley Rusk topped with fresh tomato, mizithra cheese, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and oregano (Prepared by Guests)

“Dolmadakia”: Stuffed vine leaves filled with rice and local herbs

“Gemista”: Stuffed tomatoes and Green Peppers filled with rice, shredded vegetables, and herbs, baked in the oven with olive oil and fresh tomato (Prepared by Guests)

Desserts and fruits with plenty of cold Raki

Unlimited wine from Cretan producers

Cretan Gastronomy Cooking Class

• Archanes Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic Cretan recipes guided by experienced local cooks who have been cooking these dishes all their lives
• Cretan Gastronomy Depth: Delve into the rich tapestry of Cretan food culture — understanding the ingredients, techniques, and philosophy that make Cretan cuisine one of the Mediterranean’s greatest
• Traditional Meal: Sit down to the full traditional Cretan meal you’ve prepared in the beautiful setting of Archanes — one of Crete‘s most picturesque villages near ancient Knossos