Authentic Flavors
& Lasting Memories
A Hands-on Culinary Experience
Our Story
Heaven Hills Kitchen was created from my love of cooking, Puerto Rican culture, and sharing the island I call home with visitors from around the world.
For me, food has always been about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, preserving traditions, and creating memories around the table. Puerto Rican cuisine reflects the island’s rich history and culture, with recipes and techniques passed down through generations.
I created Heaven Hills Kitchen to share that experience in a personal and hands-on way. Rather than simply enjoying a Puerto Rican meal at a restaurant, guests step into the kitchen, learn about the ingredients and traditions behind the dishes, and prepare the meal together.
My goal is for every guest to leave with new cooking skills, a deeper appreciation for Puerto Rico, and memories of an experience they can take home with them—including a few recipes to recreate and share with their own family and friends.
Cook. Learn. Enjoy. Bring the flavors of Puerto Rico home.
The Experience
About the Class
Your experience begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to Puerto Rican cuisine, its history, ingredients, and cultural influences. We’ll review the day’s menu and the schedule.
We begin at the bar, where you’ll learn to prepare a Puerto Rican-inspired cocktail using tropical flavors and local ingredients. Choose from Mojitos, Piña Coladas or Sangria.
A non-alcoholic version is available for guests who prefer one.
Next, we move into the kitchen to prepare our first course, the appetizer.
You’ll get hands-on experience preparing a traditional Puerto Rican appetizer while learning about the ingredients, techniques, and history behind the dish.
Choose from favorites such as Empanadillas (shrimp or beef), Bacalaítos, Queso Frito, Shrimp Ceviche or Wings.
Working together, we’ll prepare a traditional entrée while learning about the seasonings and cooking methods that give Puerto Rican food its distinctive flavor.
You may choose from Churrasco, Garlic Shrimp, Chuleta Kan-Kan, Whole Fried Snapper, Mahi-Mahi or Pastelón.
Next, we move onto the side dish.
The options include Mofongo, Rice & Beans, Granos (bean salad), Tostones or Majado de Malanga (mashed root vegetable).
This is a fully interactive experience—you won’t simply watch a demonstration. You’ll be chopping, seasoning, mixing, cooking, tasting, and learning alongside your host.
You’ll learn techniques that can easily be recreated in your own kitchen long after your trip to Puerto Rico. We will even discuss ways to use tools and ingredients that you may be more familiar with, or already have in your kitchen.
It wouldn’t be a Puerto Rican festivity without dessert!
Depending on the dessert you selected, we will focus more on important techniques and tips that you can apply at home. We offer Tres Leches Cake, Flan and Tembleque, a holiday favorite!
Once the cooking is complete, the aprons come off and everyone gathers around the table.
Relax and enjoy the multi-course Puerto Rican meal you helped prepare, from the first bite to dessert.
This final part of the experience is intentionally unhurried. Share food, conversation, and stories with your fellow guests while enjoying the dishes you created together.
At Heaven Hills Kitchen, we believe some of the best memories in Puerto Rico are made around the table.You’ll leave with more than a full stomach—you’ll take home new cooking skills, recipes, an understanding of Puerto Rican ingredients and culinary traditions, and the confidence to recreate a little taste of the island at home.
No previous cooking experience is necessary. All ingredients and cooking equipment are provided, and we welcome couples, families, friends, and small groups looking for a fun and authentic way to experience Puerto Rican culture.
Come hungry and ready to cook!
Our Blog
Gallery
Our Partner Sites
Visit Isla Vacation to see our inventory of homes available for your next Puerto Rican Vacation! We offer upscale homes & 5 star service in Condado San Juan, Río Grande, Ceiba & Rincón.
Guests of Isla Vacation receive a 10% discount on all Cooking Class reservations!
Visit Tour de Puerto Rico for our recommended activities while visiting the island! Learn about our favorite restaurants, tours and more!
