Cooking Class, Lunch And Drinks

Cooking Class, Lunch and Drinks, rated 4.9 across 23 traveller reviews.

Overview

This three-hour class at Food House Mostar puts you in an apron and in front of the dough. You arrive to a welcome drink, rakija, local wine, or something non-alcoholic, plus a meze spread of smoked meats, fresh cheese and ajvar, before the cooking itself begins. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers make their own way to Rade Bitange 12.

The session covers three Bosnian classics made from scratch: burek, with dough stretched into paper-thin sheets by hand, dolma and japrak, vegetables and vine leaves stuffed with a seasoned rice and meat filling, and hurmasice, a syrup-soaked semolina sweet. The instructor works through each step and shares the tricks that make the recipes work in any home kitchen. No experience is needed, and the class is built so beginners finish confident. Vegetarian and vegan versions of the dishes are available when requested in advance.

When the cooking ends, everyone sits down to a three-course lunch of exactly what was prepared, with wine and rakija poured throughout. A recipe booklet to take home is included, so nothing depends on specialist equipment. Reviewers describe eating what they had just cooked as a real pleasure, and it suits solo travellers, couples and families alike, though active participation starts at age 12. The class runs in English.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrival and welcomeMeet at Food House Mostar on Rade Bitange 12 at least 15 minutes before the start. A welcome drink and a meze spread open the session.
2. Burek by handLearn the traditional technique for stretching dough into thin sheets, then layer and fill it to make Bosnia's best known pastry.
3. Dolma and japrakStuff vegetables and vine leaves with a seasoned rice and meat filling under the instructor's guidance.
4. Hurmasice dessertMix and shape this syrup-soaked semolina sweet that closes out Bosnian celebrations.
5. Three-course lunchSit down with the group and eat everything just cooked, with unlimited Bosnian wine and rakija alongside.
6. Recipe bookletReceive a recipe booklet covering the dishes from the class before heading off.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the class.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your own walk or taxi to Food House Mostar on Rade Bitange 12. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start. The cooking occasionally happens at a nearby venue such as Timber & Stone Tavern, but the meeting point stays the same and the instructor walks the group over.
• What to wear. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended by the operator. Aprons are provided, so your clothes stay reasonably protected during the dough work. One reviewer noted the Timber & Stone venue was cool inside, making the class a good escape from the heat.
• Skill level. The class is designed for complete beginners as well as experienced cooks. Reviewers who found the burek dough genuinely hard still succeeded with the instructor's help. Expect hands-on work rather than a demonstration.
• Food and drink. Everything you cook becomes your three-course lunch, so come hungry. Wine and rakija are unlimited during the class. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives exist but must be requested at least 24 hours ahead, along with any allergies.
• Group feel. The class works for solo travellers, couples and families, and reviewers who attended with family described it as an enjoyable activity to do together. The hands-on cooking is aimed at ages 12 and up, with younger children able to attend only as observers.
• Language. The class is conducted in English, and all instruction and guidance from the instructor is given in English.

Common issues. No transport is provided, so late arrival is on you, and the operator asks for a 15-minute buffer. Children under 12 can only attend as observers, with a parent fully responsible for them throughout, and this is a cooking class rather than childcare. Dietary needs must be flagged at least 24 hours in advance or the alternatives may not be available. The class is English-only, which one reviewer found limiting. Pets are not allowed and smoking is not permitted indoors.

Common Questions