Turin Market Tour and Cooking Class | I EAT Food Tours

A feast of edible colours. Turin markets and cooking class. I EAT. Food Tours

Hi, everyone and welcome to our culinary journey!
I’m Cecilia, and today I’m delighted to introduce my guest host, Abram, a talented Michelin-starred trained chef with a deep appreciation for local and seasonal ingredients. Together, we’ll dive into the vibrant world of the most famous Turin’s open air market –which also happens to be the largest of Europe – and explore the social and cultural significance of sourcing ingredients from small local producers.

Delighted with my cute basket of Joy – whom name is in fact: Joy!

Community Connections: The Heart of Market Culture

Joyous moments from our Turin Food Tours

Markets like Porta Palazzo serve as more than just places to buy food; they’re vibrant hubs of social interaction where communities come together to share stories, traditions, and culinary knowledge.

Porta Palazzo, Torino. Cheese tasting at the market.

Fresh fried seafood! yum!

By sourcing ingredients from local markets, we contribute to the economic vitality of our communities, supporting small-scale producers and preserving traditional farming practices. Hence. we play a significant role in the intricate economic dynamics.

Touring the market with Chef Abram, before cooking up some magic on a cooking class in Turin

Embracing local and seasonal ingredients not only enhances the flavor of our dishes but also reduces our carbon footprint by minimizing the distance food travels from farm to table. In the post modern era where we’re living, it’s a priority and each one responsibility to promote sustainability through a more conscious behavior which reduce the environmental impact.

Chef Abram’ Culinary Insights: Navigating Markets for Menu Creation

Chef Abram – former head chef and co-creator of the food format of the gorgeous Farmacia del Cambio in Turin.

Fresh local produce straight from the local open market. Ready to rock the kitchen with an online cooking class!

As a Michelin-starred trained chef with an extensive international background, Abram understands the importance of honoring culinary traditions. By sourcing ingredients from local markets, he pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of Turin and Italy as a whole. Embracing traditions to honour the Italian culinary excellence, without forgetting his very own personal creative touch of innovation.

Abram’s culinary creativity is sparked by the sights, smells, and sounds of Porta Palazzo Market, where each stall offers a unique array of ingredients waiting to be transformed into culinary masterpieces.

Porta Palazzo Market represents a  treasure trove of inspiration: it’s the largest open kitchen of Italy and it’s a sort of huge food Valhalla for chefs and food aficionados.

A boneless cut of veal from Piemonte, ready to be transformed into the iconic veal with tuna sauce dish – reinterpretated by chef Abram

A delightful risotto Carnaroli Aironi by chef Abram

Crafting Memorable Menus: The Art of Seasonal Pairings

By prioritizing local and seasonal ingredients in his menus, Abram creates dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also tell a story of the region’s bounty. From delicate spring vegetables to hearty winter stews, each dish reflects the essence of Piedmont’s culinary landscape.

Chef Abram prepared one of the most iconic Piedmont’s starter: Anchovies in a green sauce. All the ingredients sourced at Porta Palazzo open market in Turin

Tajarin Viola by Chef Abram. Don’t worry, be purple.

A Conversation with Abram: Why Markets Hold a Special Place in His Heart

Touring the largest open market of Europe with a Michelin star trained chef.

Cecilia: Abram, what draws you to shopping at the markets?

Abram: For me, shopping at the markets is not just about sourcing ingredients; it’s about connecting with the essence of food. Markets like Porta Palazzo offer a sensory experience unlike any other. The vibrant colors of fresh produce, the aroma of freshly baked bread, the chatter of vendors and shoppers—it all ignites my creativity and inspires me to create dishes that truly capture the spirit of Turin.

Your plate, your canva. Veggies recipe by Chef Abram.

Italian classic: vitello tonnato, veal with tuna sauce – reinterpretated by Chef Abram

Cecilia: How do you think shopping at markets influences your cooking style?

Abram: Shopping at markets allows me to stay connected to the seasons and to the local community. When I see what’s fresh and in season, it guides my menu planning and inspires me to create dishes that celebrate the best of what the region has to offer. Plus, interacting with local producers and artisans gives me a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and care that goes into each ingredient.

Eat the Rainbow!

Cecilia: What advice would you give to someone who’s never shopped at a market before?

Abram: My advice would be to approach it with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Take your time to explore each stall, talk to the vendors, and sample the different products. You never know what hidden gems you might discover or what new culinary inspirations might strike. And most importantly, enjoy the experience—shopping at the markets should be a joyous celebration of food and community.

And to Conclude…

Mercato Centrale, Torino. Porta Palazzo.

As our culinary journey through Turin’s markets draws to a close, we invite you to take the next step and join us for a truly immersive experience. Imagine wandering through the vibrant stalls of Porta Palazzo Market, sampling the freshest ingredients and soaking in the bustling atmosphere. Although it doesn’t stop here: the fun will go on over a lively, educational, delectable cooking class in a beautiful cooking studio nestled in the heart of the market!

Private Cooking Classes in Turin. I EAT Food Tours

With my gastro-insights and Abram’s culinary expertise, you will guide you through the creation of delicious dishes inspired by our market finds and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of local sourcing and discover the true essence of Italian cuisine.

Cheese and Wine Tasting in Turin. I EAT Food Tours

Bringing some goodies at the table 🙂

Team Bonding in Turin. Cooking with Chef Abram

Cooking Classes in Turin. Cooking with Chef Abram –  I EAT. Food Tours & Events

Laughter are brighter when the food is good… and your Maestro, too 🙂

But that’s not all—with my background in corporate training, I will ensure that your experience is not only delicious but also tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for a team-building event, a unique corporate outing, or simply a fun and memorable cooking class with friends, we’ll work with you to create an unforgettable experience. Try us!

So why wait? Come join us in Turin! Together, let’s explore, learn, and savour the flavours of Italy in a culinary experience like no other.

Buon appetito!

Thanks for reading and feel free to share it with those who may be curious to explore the city of Turin under a gastronomic lens.

Cecilia & Chef Abram

Looking forward to hosting you on our food adventures in Turin! Cecilia & Chef Abram