Seasonal Mediterranean Cooking Workshop

Mediterranean Vegetarian Cooking Workshops in the Algarve

This spring, join us in the Algarve for Mediterranean vegetarian cooking workshops at Figs on the Funcho. These hands-on, small-group sessions are relaxed, practical, and flavour-led, so you can confidently recreate the dishes at home or on holiday.

About these workshops

Across the season, we offer four themed Mediterranean vegetarian cooking workshops inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle and the Middle Eastern influences popularised by chefs such as Yotam Ottolenghi, Sami Tamimi, and Ixta Belfrage. Each workshop has its own character, which means you can choose the theme that suits you best.

You will cook with fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Afterwards, you will share a long lunch under the carob trees with a glass of Portuguese wine. As a result, the day feels both unhurried and memorable.

We also cook with the everyday principles behind the Mediterranean diet: seasonal produce, legumes, grains, herbs, olive oil, and balanced plates. However, we keep everything approachable—this is about flavour and confidence, not cheffy complication.

If you would like to turn your workshop into a longer stay, you can also explore our Algarve cooking holidays.

Our spring workshop themes

Eastern Mediterranean Travel Classics

Fresh meze, vibrant salads, and comforting dishes inspired by the Levant. These recipes work beautifully for shared tables and holiday kitchens.

Comforting Vegetarian Travel Food

Nourishing, make-ahead vegetarian dishes using simple pantry ingredients. They suit relaxed evenings, and leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Portuguese Comfort & Pantry Cooking

Honest, local home cooking inspired by Portuguese traditions. Expect seasonal flavours and recipes that travel well from your notebook to your own kitchen.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Global Plates

Bold, colourful dishes with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. We focus on spices, flavour layering, and modern vegetarian cooking that still feels doable.

Each Mediterranean vegetarian cooking workshop includes six carefully chosen dishes, balancing lighter plates, satisfying mains, and a thoughtful dessert.

Your experience highlights

• Cook Mediterranean and Middle Eastern–inspired vegetarian dishes in the Algarve, guided step by step with travel-friendly recipes.
• Learn simple principles for balanced, flavourful cooking, using seasonal produce and pantry staples.
• Discover food stories along the way—from Portugal’s spice routes to the global influences shaping modern Mediterranean cooking.
• Finally, share your meal over a relaxed lunch beneath the carob trees, finishing with a light Mediterranean dessert.

About your hosts

Your hosts, Graham and Cheryl, are passionate food lovers. Over time, they have shaped their love of seasonal produce into meaningful culinary experiences in the Algarve.

At Figs on the Funcho, every menu centres on vegetarian and plant-forward cooking. Their inspiration comes from chefs such as Yotam Ottolenghi, Ixta Belfrage, and Sami Tamimi. Their approach is simple: celebrate flavour, freshness, and generosity.

They use ingredients from Algarve markets and gardens whenever possible, so the cooking reflects the region as well as subtle Middle Eastern influences. Guests often say these Mediterranean vegetarian cooking workshops in the Algarve feel calm, personal, and genuinely welcoming.

Want to stay a little longer? Take a look at our cooking holidays in the Algarve for multi-day experiences with the same relaxed, flavour-led approach.

FAQs

Are these Mediterranean vegetarian cooking workshops suitable for beginners?

Yes. These Mediterranean vegetarian cooking workshops suit all levels, including beginners. We guide you step by step, and the recipes stay practical and repeatable.

What is included in the workshop experience?

Each workshop includes hands-on cooking, all ingredients, friendly guidance, and a shared lunch featuring the dishes you prepare. In addition, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions as you cook.

Can I turn the workshop into an overnight stay?

Yes. Many guests combine a workshop with a longer visit. You can explore our cooking holidays if you would like to stay with us in the Algarve.