Meet
Paula
Born into a Goan family with roots in Goa, Mozambique, and Portugal, Paula is a true reflection of the cultural diversity woven into Portuguese cuisine. Her love for food began in childhood, inspired by her mother, a gifted home cook who often welcomed entire communities into their home. From traditional Portuguese dishes to Goan specialties like handmade samosas, Paula learned both the flavors and the hospitality that define her cooking today.
When her mother passed away, friends who missed her cooking turned to Paula, encouraging her to continue the family tradition. This led Paula into a second career in food, where she began recreating beloved Portuguese and Goan recipes. After training in cake design, she also discovered a passion for baking and opened her own cake studio, creating intricate cakes alongside her catering work.
Today, Paula welcomes guests into her Lisbon-area home to share authentic Portuguese meals with Goan influence. A true artist with food, she brings warmth, creativity, and cultural depth to every dish, helping travelers experience both Portuguese cuisine and everyday local life in a meaningful way.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal:
(1-6 guests)
Your culinary experience takes place in Almada, just a quick 7-minute ferry ride from downtown Lisbon. Paula will meet you at the ferry and guide you on a short walk through town to her home, where you’ll be welcomed with a glass of Portuguese wine from a historic 200-year-old Alentejo winery. (If you’re traveling south, Paula can even recommend a visit to this award-winning vineyard and underground cellar.)
Begin with appetizers that showcase both traditional Portuguese cuisine and Goan flavors shaped by Portugal’s history. Sample pataniscas de bacalhau (classic Portuguese cod fritters) alongside Goan gram flour fritters, while Paula shares the cultural stories behind each dish.
Then gather around Paula’s table for a family-style meal featuring a mix of Portuguese and Goan specialties. Depending on your preference, your menu might highlight Portuguese favorites, or a Goan-focused feast with dishes such as rich crab curry. The experience concludes with a sweet dessert and coffee or tea.
Cooking experience:
(1-6 guests)
Join Paula in her cozy Lisbon home for an intimate Portuguese cooking class with a Goan twist. In this hands-on Lisbon cooking experience, you’ll prepare 2–3 traditional dishes side by side, learning authentic Portuguese and Goan recipes. Start with appetizers like pataniscas de bacalhau (crispy Portuguese cod fritters) and Goan bojas (spiced gram flour fritters with onion and cumin). For the main course, choose from classics such as bacalhau à Brás (cod with shredded potatoes and egg), Amêijoas á Bulhão Pato (Portuguese-style clams in a garlic and herb sauce), or a flavorful Goan curry.
After cooking, gather at Paula’s dining table to enjoy your homemade meal paired with local flavors, ending with a sweet dessert like the iconic pastel de nata and coffee or tea. This Lisbon cooking class is ideal for food lovers, couples, and families with children who want an interactive and authentic culinary experience. Vegetarian options are available upon request. Learn the secrets of Portuguese and Goan cuisine while connecting with local culture in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
Market visit:
(1-6 guests)
Join Paula for a guided market tour in Lisbon and discover the flavors of a traditional neighborhood market. Paula will meet you at the ferry exit and walk with you 15–20 minutes to the local market she has visited since childhood. Many vendors still greet her by name, creating a warm, authentic experience. As you explore the vibrant stalls, Paula will introduce you to seasonal Portuguese ingredients and help you select fresh vegetables, meat, and fish for your cooking class. After 15–20 minutes at the market, you’ll return to Paula’s home to begin your hands-on Portuguese and Goan cooking class.
Market tours are available Tuesday through Saturday mornings.
Notes:
1. Please note that Paula shares her home with her family and has a cat. As this is a lived-in family home, guests should expect a casual, homey environment, and cat food may be present in the kitchen area.
2. Paula is happy to accommodate a vegetarian diet, if informed in advance.
3. If you are a group of 7 or more guests, email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com as Paula can host you in her friend's home.
Languages spoken:
English, Portuguese
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
Cooking with Paula is learning from your friend that has been hiding recipes from you. So much to learn from her. We never met this woman, but somehow we connected on so many different subjects and life in general. She has taught us a lot and also smarter ways to do things in the kitchen. She made cooking enjoyable. Less of a task and more of an enjoyment with the family. We brought our son with us and she was so kind that even our 9 month old bonded with her. Thank you so much for everything you have taught us. I can't wait to return home and introduce these new recipes to our friends and family.
-Best regards
The Hornbeak-Bokos.
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The Hornbeak-Bokos.
August 16, 2026
Loved our cooking class with Paula! She showed us around her town and the market which was so special! She is lovely and so fun!
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cam
August 10, 2026
Paula is the BEST! Wonderful chef, teacher, and friend! She was very accommodating of my vegetarian diet. She showed us around her village and the market with great care and love. This was so special. My mom and I had a lovely time!
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ariel
August 10, 2026
Paula met us promptly and off we went to the market. Back at her home we began the lesson and cooking. She is very "hands on" for us - just advisory.
The menu was well planned and the food was excellent, if I do say so myself :)
It was just the two of us and Paula - very comfortable.
Highly recommend!
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Adi
August 03, 2026
I really enjoyed my day with Paula, seeing the streets of Almada (specifically Cacilhas) and spending time cooking local dishes. It was great to learn about the history of the town and its evolution over the years she has lived there. Visiting a local food market, supermarket and butcher was a great way to become familiar with the ingredients for the dishes made and experience the place like a local! The day was filled with good conversation, useful kitchen hacks and flavoursome dishes. I cannot thank Paula enough for her hospitality and look forward to testing the dishes and using the tricks she taught me back home!
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tina
July 22, 2026
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