In the hilltop village of Chirche, South Tenerife, what looks like a tiny family home is actually one of the most honest, hands-on food experiences on the island: Casa Carmen
We stepped into a cosy courtyard kitchen with mountains in the background and a long stone counter ready to go. Everything was set up aprons on, tools out, ingredients lined up, so we got straight to it. On the menu: mojo rojo, mojo verde, and papas arrugadas. The papas had been prepared ahead (it’s a slow, demanding process) using only locally grown potatoes from nearby farmers, and everything was served with fresh baguette and refreshing drinks.
We split into two teams Red vs Green mojo and finished with a friendly taste-off. Staying true to tradition, we made everything by hand in a wooden mortar. It’s slower than a blender, but the texture and flavour are worth it. During the tasting we also had a lovely talk about local cuisine and Tenerife, full of interesting stories, tips, and little island secrets.In the hilltop village of Chirche, South Tenerife, what looks like a tiny family home is actually one of the most honest, hands-on food experiences on the island.
Casa Carmen is a hidden gem in Chirche
Casa Carmen is a family-run Canarian cooking class tucked away in the hilltop village of Chirche (South Tenerife). In a cosy courtyard kitchen with mountain views, you’ll learn to make the island’s icons: mojo rojo and mojo verde and pair them with papas arrugadas. It’s a hands-on, home-style experience that feels authentic from the first minute.
It’s a hands-on culinary workshop and tasting, led by Chef Ave a fantastic cook with Erik sharing engaging stories about ingredient origins and local food traditions. Held in a truly historic village, with old terraced fields and traditional threshing areas, you’ll discover new flavours and leave with simple, practical tips you can use at home
What sets Casa Carmen apart is its focus on tradition, local ingredients, and slow food done right. You cook from scratch (mortar & pestle), and the papas arrugadas are prepared with locally grown potatoes from nearby farmers. Everything is set up and ready, so you can jump straight into cooking without any fuss.
Where Time Slows
Casa Carmen doesn’t shout for attention; once you’re there, you get it. The pestle taps the mortar, the mountains sit quiet, and everything slows down. Whether you’re grinding mojo by hand or sharing papas at the table, it anchors you in the moment. No fuss, just real cooking, real stories, and easy island calm.
Thank-you to Erik for the captivating stories and to Chef Ave for her calm, expert guidance (and flawless flavours). If you’re anywhere near South Tenerife, put Casa Carmen in Chirche on your list, book ahead, arrive hungry, and be ready to make mojo the old-fashioned way. We loved it and highly recommend the experience.
Canary Green’s tips to enjoying sustainable tourism in Canary Islands
Visiting Canary Islands on holiday doesn’t give you free rein to leave your values and principles at home. We encourage travellers to seek out sustainable options and keep up with environmental practices while travelling. Our top tips for a relaxed and wholesome stay include:
- Consider green transport options. Are you able to take a ferry to the island instead of flying? While you are here is a car necessary? Investigate public transport links or choose green options such as electric cars, green-hydrogen cars or e-bikes.
- Choose destinations that value sustainability and choose green alternatives such as solar power, recycling and energy-efficient architecture. This extends to places that value workers’ rights and the impact on the local community.
- Bring your own water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
- Make use of the recycling when out and about and don’t just throw your rubbish in the nearest bin.
- Take advantage of local knowledge and immerse yourself in the culture through campaigns such as #Ilovecanarias and #meatfreemondaycanarias.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy your time in the Canary Islands.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
Do you want us to find you more sustainable choices? Please support us and donate today!
- John Beckley; Founder of Canary Green non profit
- Canary Green non profit:
- Photographers & Videomakers:
Karolína Lišková, Barbora Kučerová, Nataliia Tataurova, Luca Buiatti
- Environmental chemist & Sustainable Tourism Consultant: Luca Buiatti
- Social Media Coordinator: Nataliia Tataurova
- Account Manager: Barbora Kučerová
- Project Manager: Karolína Lišková
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