Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Taste the flavors of the Caribbean!
Explore the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean during a hands-on cooking class with Chef Helmi Smeulders, known from her appearances on the Caribbean Cook-Out Show, Top Chef and 24Kitchen. Discover the secrets of Caribbean cuisine and learn how to use exotic ingredients like tamarind, funchi and lionfish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this class is the perfect opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire. And best of all, at the end, you get to enjoy the dishes you’ve cooked together!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
What To Expect
Explore the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean during a hands-on cooking class with Chef Helmi Smeulders, known from her appearances on the Caribbean Cook-Out Show, Top Chef and 24Kitchen. Discover the secrets of Caribbean cuisine and learn how to use exotic ingredients like tamarind, funchi and lionfish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this class is the perfect opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire. And best of all, at the end, you get to enjoy the dishes you’ve cooked together! Helmi will introduce you to a variety of Caribbean fruits and vegetables, demonstrating how they are prepared on the spot for you to taste. She'll also share some of her best tips and tricks, such as the easiest way to clean a mango. In addition, she'll provide a complete overview of the invasive lionfish, covering everything from hunting and filleting to preparing it. Then it's time to pick up the pots and pans. In pairs, you'll prepare the dishes on the menu, with Helmi and her assistant available to offer guidance and support. Once the cooking is complete, you'll gather at the communal table outside sharing a delicious home-cooked meal, accompanied by well-deserved glass of wine.
Sample Menu
main
Lionfish Ceviche
main
Jerk Chicken
main
Corn Tortillas
main
Sweet Potato Salad
main
Green Papaya Salad
main
Funchi Fries
dessert
Papaya Cake with Lime Cream
Options
Curaçao Cooking Class
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
We end the class with a delicious homecooked lunch with various Caribbean dishes that we prepared during class.
Coffee and/or Tea
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
54 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Book it asap!
Yvette J,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I would highly recommend this excursion. This was one of my first excursions and it set the tone for understanding a bit more of history of the Curaçao food history . Hilma also gave us some insight on some other wonderful food restaurants and tourists places. I don’t think it hurt that I celebrated my birthday with the cook and another participant. One tip you will have fun cooking and learning so much about yourself after the class! Book it 💕
Never was able to appear...
Tina H,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Never was able to appear due to island time, left when docked but bus left so took a taxi but was unfamiliar with area. Spent 350 dollars for excursion plus taxi and received absolutely nothing! A horrible experience with Viator. Very disappointed 😞
Highlight of our trip!
endrelunde,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience, and really the highlight of our visit to Curacao. Helmi and her team were such amazing hosts, and the food we all helped prepare was excellent! Highly recommended!
Wonderful Experience!
lorrip104,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you love food and are going to Curacao, this cooking class will be a highlight of your trip. Helmi creates a congenial atmosphere that weaves delightful island info with her own experiences. Her recipes are accessible to all levels of cooking skill yet combine subtleties of flavors. After much fun ccoking, we all sat down together to enjoy a delicious meal that we prepared.
Cooking class review
sfenell75,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time. Learned about local ingredients, met new people and had a delicious meal. Loved meeting Helmi and her staff. Would recommend this class.
A great unique cooking experience.
Annemarie V,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the cooking workshop. The location is very cozy. We had a nice mixed group. First we got an explanation from Helmi about a local fruit and herbs. And the lime fish. Then we started working on the actual delicious recipes. After 1.5 hours of cooking, we sat at a full table with all our homemade dishes! Nice wine and homemade iced tea. Thanks Helmi for this top morning, we wouldn't have missed this for the world
Awesome experience in Curacao
Navigate43139363750,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was fantastic, the chef was amazing, the experience overall was better than 10 out of 10. I would recommend this experience to everyone that comes on the island.
Just a wonderful experience in learning something new that tastes good.
David S,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00THIS was a fun day!!! Had so much fun making new foods that I hadn’t made before and tasting new foods I didn’t have a chance to try. My wife who doesn’t cook at all had the best time actually making food. I would fully recommend this to anyone whether they be just foodie eaters but especially to those who like me like the challenge of cooking something new. Helmi is a wonderful host and she will entertain you and teach you something new.
Entertainment and Cooking Experiences
600genevas,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent entertainment with knowledge of fresh fruits and vegetables and how to prepare the dishes of the Caribbean. She was patient and encouraging. Chef had helpers to assist the guests in preparing foods and did much with each guest. All questions were answered no matter the level of experience of the one who asked. Nothing was silly or unimportant to the Chef. She was also accommodating to the disabled guest. I want that book!
Beautiful Curacao food in a wonderful setting. Not to be missed.
joyces589,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fabulous morning spent cooking local Caribbean cuisine with Helmi in her kitchen in Williamstead, Curacao. Our group cooked beautiful recipes of Helmi and then shared a banquet of food together for lunch. The Hospitality and grace of Helmi and her staff made this truly a memory making experience on this island. New friends have been made and I have a beautiful set of recipes to make at home.
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Operated by Helmi Smeulders - Caribbean Chef