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Learn new skills, cook with authentic ingredients and gain an insight into traditional Greek cuisine on this private, half-day cookery course at a traditional taverna in Milos. With the aid of a local chef, you’ll choose ingredients, learn Greek cooking techniques and get hands-on as you put together an array of local meze before sitting down to enjoy the dishes yourself.

You’ll come away with a better understanding of the importance of food and family dining in Greek culture as well as a varied selection of skills to put into action at home to recreate the atmosphere of a Greek kitchen.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the local taverna where the class takes place. Here, you’ll meet local chef Vasilis who will be your teacher and cook for the half-day private class.

For much of the year, the class begins in the gardens adjacent to the restaurant where you’ll pick fresh produce to use in the dishes you’ll make. Later in the year, when the harvest has finished, you’ll head straight to the kitchen to begin preparing the meal. Throughout the year, however, the emphasis on locally produced, seasonal ingredients is always maintained.

Back inside the restaurant’s kitchen, Vasilis will begin by explaining the basics of Greek cuisine, as well as some of the ingredients and recipes specific to the island. You’ll learn about the dishes traditional to Milos and begin to prepare the produce for a collection of between 10 and 15 meze dishes.

Vasilis will explain each step as you go, and guide you through the creation of traditional dishes such as crispy tomato fritters, grilled stuffed peppers or cool, tangy tzatziki. The menu will vary depending on what’s in season, but you’ll get a good overview of traditional ingredients and their many uses, as well as the techniques used to bring out the best in each tomato, olive or wedge of cheese.

You’ll be introduced to local oils and herbs, get stuck in chopping vegetables, stirring sauces and preparing meat and fish, and learn how to perfectly season your dish.

The whole class is very hands-on, but there’s plenty of time to sit down in the restaurant before their main service begins and dig in to the dishes you’ve prepared. The meal is served meze style, meaning everyone shares from many family-style dishes, all served at the same time.

With such a variety of dishes and tastes, and local wine and bread to accompany it, it’s a feast of a meal and one you’re sure to remember when you put your new skills to use back home.

After the class you’ll be returned to your hotel.