Caribbean Cooking Class in Aruba
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Aruba
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Learn to cook some authentic Caribbean cuisine in this small-group, intimate cooking class in Aruba. Besides learning about food prep and cooking techniques, you also experience life in your chef’s home, which is a special environment usually reserved just for family. Enjoy a fun, energetic cooking experience, followed by dining on your meal.
- Easy to find meeting spot in Aruba to keep things easy
- Mocktails and all your ingredients are provided so no paying extra
- Let your guide know if you have allergies or dietary restrictions
- Make a few new friends in this intimate small-group setting (max 10)
Sample Menu
Starter
At least one drink
Starter
At least one starter
Main
At least one main with a side dish
At least one main with a side dish
What's Included
- DinnerAll the ingredients for the cooking class plus meal at the end of class.
- Utensils, pots, pans
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Chef and StewardNoord Bona Vista 36, Noord, Aruba
Directions using *Google Maps: Address 1. “Chef and Steward” on Google Maps 2. Bona Vista 36 Noord What to look out for It is a row of colorful Cunucu houses on Rte3 that tour buses usually stop
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Barb_A
I'm so glad we took this class, as it was one of my favorite excursions ever! Kari welcomed a small, intimate group (6 participants) into her home where together we prepared 5 dishes and a fresh juice. Kari encouraged us to taste the spices and savor the aromas as she explained the techniques we used and shared stories about the island culture. In the end we all sat down to share a delicious meal and camaraderie among new found friends. An unforgettable evening.
Reviews
4.8
based on 47 reviews
Barb_A, Nov 2025
I'm so glad we took this class, as it was one of my favorite excursions ever! Kari welcomed a small, intimate group (6 participants) into her home where together we prepared 5 dishes and a fresh juice. Kari encouraged us to taste the spices and savor the aromas as she explained the techniques we used and shared stories about the island culture. In the end we all sat down to share a delicious meal and camaraderie among new found friends. An unforgettable evening.
Dr_M, Sep 2025
Kari is a fantastic host, who provides a knowledgeable & interactive learning experience. We were with 3 other people & enjoyed the camaraderie & sharing of stories. We had a fantastic time.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
It was absolutely lovely hosting you guys and a great way to start the new season after a long break. The best part is always the way you guys come as strangers and leave as friends. And the fact that you learn new things about our food and culture- thats EXTRA!
Peter_G, Aug 2025
She was a no show and I still don’t have my money back. Feels like a total scam. Not nice on vacation.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Peter, I am terribly sorry about that mix up. An unfortunate error? Certainly! Scam? NEVER... and my reviews affirm that.
Due to an emergency need for urgent travel, I had previously asked Viator to cancel all of my bookings up to Aug 20 because I was traveling to take care of my father. My father was ill (fighting for his life) so I had to be out of the country. I have just returned to Aruba and was traveling when you were reaching out to me- hence why you didn't get an immediate response. Again, my apologies.
I have already gotten proof that Viator issued you guys a full refund upon my request -since they are the ones who took your booking.
tommy_j, Oct 2024
It was my 25th wedding anniversary and I'll try to surprise my wife with a dinner. We got there early at right before 6:00 we had to wait 25 minutes for the other couples to show up and they was rude very nasty and then everything from there was bad the lady really never changed her gloves they just kept going back and forth by time we actually sat down the E it was almost nine 9:00 she stopped doing what she was doing to feed her son it was just a real bad experience and if I had a way out of there I would have left. Was not what I was expecting I was expecting more of a personal not really one-on-one but a really big atmosphere for a group kitchen was really small I thought we was going to be cooking like some real like Caribbean and when I noticed that we was cooking out a pressure cooker I was like done with this and this is really what's not what I was thinking and not worth my money at all.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Tommy, I am not surprised that you wrote this. Why? Because your failed attempt to get a refund under a false allegation that was refuted by others in attendance and ultimately refused by customer service on this site.
This highly contradictory, inflammatory and erroneous "revenge review" is your last retort.
Ironically the same people who attended that same experience wrote a 5 star review just before yours.
I go out of my way to make my guests have a great experience. My home is a house of peace, love and joy. I have been blessed to have received many gracious guests over the years...many of whom have become friends, repeat guests or have referred my experience to others because they found such great value in our precious time together.
It was your 25th anniversary so I provided a bottle of bubbly for a homemade Caribbean mimosa as well as another alternative spirit to convert that drink into a cocktail. I also sourced Colossal shrimps-which you challenged? :D
My menu is 100% "real Caribbean." And yes, Caribbean people use pressure cookers too! I've had one since I was 18 in university! It's the only reason we can cook and serve 5 authentic dishes that would normally take up to 2 days of prep/cooking in just 2 hours!
I wish you both well.
Michel_A, Oct 2024
Enjoyed meeting others and our talented host.Learned new skills for preparing food. And enjoyed a memorable dinner. Many thanks.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thanks so much for joining us and let me know how you make out with the coconut rice and that drink recipe I shared with you.
Joann_P, Sep 2024
Kari welcomed us into her home to enjoy good food, good company, good conversation and good feelings. What a lovely evening to share with family and friends. I recommend it to all.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
It was my honour to serve your party of four! What a beautiful family you are! My son still thinks that you guys were the perfect guests to host on his birthday because of how many great experiences you shared!
Calvin_P, Aug 2024
The company was outstanding, the food was magnificent, and the chef professional and down to Earth. In a short time, we made a meal and sat at the table like Family. Will definitely do it again and again.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
What a lovely time we had hosting you and your lovely wife. Grateful to have been able to serve people who have spent their entire lives educating little ones and helping them find their purpose in lite and living up to their potential. Hope to see you again soon!
Deirdre_F, Aug 2024
The food was very good. The experience was nice. My only reservation would be not to have a sick child in house. That was the only turn off. I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to season and cook Caribbean food
Response from Host, Nov 2024
I'm happy you had a great time, enjoyed great food, and learnt how to cook and prep Caribbean food.
My young son's allergies were acting up and I'm sorry that bothered you. He wasn't feeling his usual self so he didn't join dinner that evening. He came out for cuddles with me at the end of the evening because he wasn't feeling well. Let me assure you that had it been something contagious, I would definitely have cancelled the class.
Cristina_M, May 2024
We enjoyed the hospitality, the cooking class and the meal! We wanted to try something different while on the island and this was great experience!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
So glad that you chose us so we had the privilege to meet and cook with you. Hope to see you again soon!
Mark_F, May 2024
What a unique experience! To be welcomed into Chef Kari’s home and treated like family was a great way to spend our evening in Aruba. Delicious food, exceptional company, great adventure.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Mark, I took my time to design and craft this experience so it would do exactly the things you mentioned. It was a joy to host you. Hope to see you again soon!
William_C, Mar 2024
I was so lucky to have this experience. Yes I learned some cooking skills and had some wonderful food, five stars all around. Kari really knows her stuff and is a very good cook. But that’s not why you should go. I went to spend an evening with a very special person, in her home, and learn more about the real Aruba. We were also very lucky since there were only three of us. We had dinner at the table with Kari and her son Elijah and visited as though we were old friends. It was a special experience.
Stephen_E, Feb 2024
Kari was a wonderful host and became a new friend. We had a party of 10 and she delighted all of us with her conversation, music, dancing and of course delicious food. Caribbean cuisine was a little out of the box for most of us but I can guarantee that, with the help of Kari's instructions, we will be adding it to our menus. We will be visiting again next time we are in Aruba.
Farland_P, Feb 2024
Kari is a wonderful teacher and a gracious host! She provides detailed instructions on cooking techniques and shared insights from her travels around the world. At the end of the class, the food we made was fantastic!
Azwade_R, Dec 2023
An excellent course. Our instructor was so sweet and shared very personal stories. It felt like having dinner with family rather a an awkward class. Very accommodating.
Deeana_T, Oct 2023
She’s very sweet and knowledgeable. She makes you feel like family all throughout the session. She’s a very lovely lady. I highly recommend her class.
Amy_L, Sep 2023
My sister and I had such a wonderful time cooking with Kari. She generously shared her home, her culinary skills and her welcoming spirit with us. We loved all the delicious food we created and the hospitality with Kari and fellow travelers to Aruba! Don't hesitate to book a fun culinary experience during your stay in Aruba!
Tracie_T, Jul 2023
We had a wonderful time at Chef Stewards house. She graciously welcomed us and the others. We learned a bit of history about Aruba, Caribbean food and we all learned some new cooking skills. The food was delicious. We will definitely return.
Sabrina_L, Jun 2023
This was a great time.
Kari not only showed us how to cook the menu, but offered a deeper and richer understanding of the culture behind the cuisine. Flexible, professional, and very engaging.
Reach out to her prior to your appointment to discuss particulars and tastes.
Bring a big appetite.
Paula_S, Jun 2023
Kari was a very warm, personable, and welcoming host. The entire experience reminded me of my mother’s home, who I enjoy traditional Sunday dinners with. The menu was absolutely tasty. All of the flavors danced on my palate. I am also of Caribbean heritage and it was awesome to learn techniques in food prep that I did not know of before. We had a very intimate group and Kari not only gave us pleasing food to our stomachs, but also uplifting and encouraging food for our souls. We shared, we laughed, and we ate to our heart’s content. If you enjoy good food & good company in a warm and welcoming home with a generous host, this is the experience for you. Aruba is one of my favorite vacation places so as long as I find myself here, I’ll most definitely book Kari’s cooking class again.
Teri_S, Jun 2023
Sharing cooking experiences, education in culture. Instructor/chef was very knowledgeable. Will be back!
Genamarie_R, Jun 2023
Cooking, company and conversation! We had an amazing time cheffin’ it up with Kari. She is an overall great vibe and energy and really wants you to learn about the flavors and techniques she’s using. Be ready for some conversation! We vibed and connected with the entire group so well. Highly recommend!!! Two suggestions - I used Apple Maps by copying the address from Viator and we accurately got to the right address BUT with Google maps or Waze, other folks had some issues finding the right address. Secondly, if you are taking a taxi there, try to get the company info/phone number so you can easily request another taxi when leaving. Overall, an amazing addition to our vacation in Aruba!
Lori_F, Apr 2023
This is a must do on your visit to Aruba. Kari was awesome. She gave us a history of the food we were making and it was totally hands on. We made fried plantains, a wonderful pumpkin side dish, curried chickpeas, and Caribbean chicken. We bought a bottle of wine to enjoy with our dinner. It was a very informative, relaxed, delicious dinner and we absolutely would do it again the next time in Aruba.
Andrea_K, Apr 2023
The confirmation email stated that the specific location would be in the ticket. There was zero information about location in the ticket, so Viator should do a better job on that. Kari was friendly and welcoming. The dinner "music" was mostly religious talk, which I respect, but is not a great accompaniment to dinner. My expectation based on the description and price was that the evening would be a bit more professional. The food (ginger tamarind drink, jerk chicken wings, smashed potatoes with amaranth, and green plantains with tomato salsa) was tasty, but rather minimal. I realize that this was Kari's home and we really appreciated her opening her home to visitors, but a few simple things would have made the experience better (in my opinion): 1) give us a sheet of paper with her accomplishments so that we could appreciate her talent/experience, 2) make the recipes available at dinner (or at least provide the URL at that time) versus me having to contact her days later to ask yet again, 3) have the dinner table set before guests arrive, 4) have something for dessert (there was none), even if it is just some store-bought chocolates with Caribbean spices (to stay with the Caribbean food theme). This was an OK, simple evening, but not something I would recommend to others.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Andrea, my home is a home of joy, peace and love and I come in peace.
I’m still in shock at this review- because after hundreds of people have taken my cooking class across multiple platforms including direct bookings, I have 200 reviews and ZERO reviews of three stars and ZERO times has anyone ever stated that they would not do the class again nor recommend to others.
Let me address your very detailed review as quickly as possible:
1. Thanks for highlighting that the food was tasty! And thanks for the tip you gave me at the end of the evening. Also thanks for highlighting that it was so good, you had to remind me to send you the link for the recipes for the FREE e-book that I promised you (that I actually sell on my site). Thank you for writing me that you actually wanted to make my jerk chicken wings that same weekend. Of course then, it is my surprise that having stated the experience was “OK,” food “was tasty”, that I was “friendly and welcoming” the overall experience was “an OK, simple evening” its shocking that you would say its not something you would recommend to others. Especially after you took so many photos of your experience!
2. It’s unfortunate that my playlist bothered you that evening. I usually play a wide selection of music in my other classes. The playlist that evening was what I had on before you arrived. Perhaps my spirit sensed the need to keep a more peaceful and worshipful tone that evening. I’m now seeing why 🙂
FYI the music was Caribbean and African Christian worship music in multiple languages and musical genres and nevertheless, still culturally appropriate. Caribbean people are very religious and it’s woven into our cultural fabric. We pray and sing in schools, in calypso and soca fetes, in the dancehall and even while reveling half naked in the streets during carnival! The Lord’s Prayer is done in calypso, reggae and so many other Caribbean genres because it’s a spiritual anchor for us. It’s a good thing to come into a house thats filled with love, peace and acceptance of all, no matter what. My clients are diverse and I hug everyone and receive them with love because this experience is a joy for me and a gift to be able to share with people from all backgrounds and beliefs from all over the world. But yes, if it bothered you, it would have been a quick and simple fix to change the playlist.
3. What made the evening not professional? Me not printing a bio and handing to you and your friend to justify my accomplishments, talents and experience and right to host an experience even though this was published in the listing? Why was the brief overview of the same in my verbal introduction in the class not enough?
4. I actually pay $200 MONTHLY to host the FREE resources I provide to my guests so they can access all the recipes, tools, and stay in touch. Of course, as I expressed during the class, the link is available anytime and you should remind me to send it because I cannot send it automatically to those who book on Viator because the site is not configured that way. It is automated for those who book me directly and those who book via other platforms. You could have gone to the URL during the class.
5. Because there were only TWO of you who booked that evening (you and your friend), I decided to show you how to actually professionally plate the dishes complete with the use of professional plating rings that chefs use in restaurants. This made for a stunning presentation, which was indeed minimal on the plate. But did you forget that we also served family style AS WELL? So there was a small buffet of each dish placed in the Centre of the table for all to eat to your content? I made 3lbs of potato for the Dutch stampot for TWO people. In fact, I still have leftovers in my freezer from that class that my son has been eating. There were leftovers of everything on the table, yet you now write that the SEVEN things you had for the class was “minimal?” Did you forget that I also offered you to take some of the leftovers with you but you were traveling the next day so opted out?
6. How could I have set the table for two people when the food was being cooked in the class? Or did you not realise it was a class and not a dinner event?
7. I don’t serve dessert for my class because with a family style setting, people are usually FULL. If there is a special celebration, I may have cake for a group or a bottle of bubbly!
The beginning of a thing is the end of a thing. Just like in the class where you came through the front door complaining about the address not being on the ticket (when every other guest has managed to find the directions because they are listed outright in the listing), you started here complaining and end with an equally negative note. That’s rather unfortunate.
I am still clueless as to what is the real core of the issue you had… but I do sincerely wish you well, and more than anything else, I wish you peace and lots of blessings.
I hope you enjoyed the jar of my special spice blend that I GIFTED you!
Be well,
Kari Heron
RONALD_W, Mar 2023
Chef Kari is amazing!! She fed our mind, soul and bodies. The food was soooo good. I am definitely adding this experience to my must repeat list (10/10)!
Pam_S, Feb 2023
Chef Kari is the ultimate cook and host! We so enjoyed the hands on prepping, cooking, eating, visiting and learning with Kari & her family.
Taylor_s, Jan 2023
Kari was in incredible host. You could be a beginner or a master chef and still enjoy this class. She caters to everyone’s dietary restrictions, whether your meat, lover, fish, lover, or veggie lover! Options for everyone and everything tasted phenomenal. 8 strangers that prepared and ate together sharing life travel experiences as well as sharing their culture. Something that really stood out to me as a love for everyone as humans as we embraced culture and uniqueness around the table. Her son was also a bright light in the experience- he was too, very knowledgeable about food and it shows passion in the upbringing of their home. Loved the experience and would recommend 20/10. My parents and I have never done something like this together and it was a great way to enjoy the night. Thank you Kari and Elijah for blessing us with your presence.
Chrystal_M, Oct 2022
This was an amazing experience. Chef Kari infused her love of food, family, music, and love to help us create a truly delicious meal. We were very hands on—cutting, dicing, smashing, seasoning, stirring, searing, and of course eating! Loved every moment. We left with knowledge and a true friend. We will visit Chef and Steward again!!
From $150.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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