Brazil · FOOD
Key Facts
- —First class 3 September 2026 in Belo Horizonte
- —Location Le Cordon Bleu kitchen at UniBH, Avenida Professor Mário Werneck 1685, Bairro Buritis
- —Course name Cozinheiro do Amanhã (Cook of Tomorrow), 100 hours over about two months
- —Places 50, split into two intakes; two first classes open for registration
- —Allowance 18 reais per day (about US$3.50), no tuition fee
A free 100-hour culinary course opens in Belo Horizonte for people in vulnerable situations, with transport help and no tuition.
The Instituto Capim Santo is opening its first free cooking course in Belo Horizonte, starting 3 September 2026. This gastronomic training project targets people in vulnerable situations, offering a path into the culinary world without any cost.
What Is the Instituto Capim Santo?
The Instituto Capim Santo is a free gastronomic training project for people in vulnerable situations. It is not a commercial restaurant, but a social initiative founded by Brazilian chef Morena Leite.
Morena Leite also runs several restaurants, including Capim Santo in São Paulo. She has three venues at Inhotim, the contemporary art park in Brumadinho.
Therefore, the institute carries the weight of her culinary reputation.
Course Details and Dates
The course is called Cozinheiro do Amanhã, meaning Cook of Tomorrow. It runs 100 hours over about two months, starting with the first class on 3 September 2026.
Classes take place Monday to Friday, from 13:00 to 17:00. Meanwhile, the schedule is designed for daytime learners, so plan your week around those hours.
Where the Classes Happen
The classes are held in the Le Cordon Bleu kitchen at UniBH. The address is Avenida Professor Mário Werneck 1685, Bairro Buritis, in the west of the city.
This is a professional teaching kitchen, so you will train in a real culinary environment. Getting there is straightforward from most parts of Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais and Brazil’s third-largest metropolitan area.
However, check local bus routes or ride-share options, as Buritis is a residential neighbourhood.
Who Can Apply
There are 50 places, split into two intakes, and the two first classes are already open for registration. Selection is based on age, with a minimum of 18, plus family income, schooling, and level of need.
Because the project targets vulnerable people, priority goes to those with lower incomes and less educational access. In addition, you must meet the age requirement to be considered.
Costs and Allowance
There is no tuition fee, so the course is completely free. Moreover, students receive a transport allowance of 18 reais per day, about US$3.50, to help cover travel costs.
This allowance is a practical support, since classes run every weekday afternoon. As a result, you can focus on learning without worrying about daily transport expenses.
How to Enroll
Enrolment is online, but the registration URL has not been published yet. Therefore, keep an eye on the Instituto Capim Santo’s official channels for the link.
Since selection is based on your profile, have your documents ready, such as ID and proof of income. Meanwhile, act quickly, as the first two classes are already open for registration.
What This Means for Residents
For residents of Belo Horizonte, this is a rare chance to gain professional culinary skills at no cost. In fact, the course could open doors to jobs in restaurants or even starting your own food venture.
The project also brings a renowned chef’s name to the city, raising the profile of local gastronomic training. Overall, it is a meaningful opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Practical Tips for Applicants
First, confirm you meet the minimum age of 18 and gather income details before applying. Second, check the class times, 13:00 to 17:00, to ensure they fit your schedule.
If you are selected, plan your commute to Buritis, as the kitchen is in the west zone. After all, the daily allowance helps, but you still need a reliable route.
Instituto Capim Santo in Context
The Instituto Capim Santo is part of Grupo Capim Santo, founded by Morena Leite. Her restaurants at Inhotim include Restaurante Tamboril por Capim Santo, Comedoria Oiticica por Capim Santo, and Café das Flores por Capim Santo.
Inhotim, near Belo Horizonte, is a major art park, so the Capim Santo name is well known in the region. Therefore, this course carries a certain prestige, even though it is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Instituto Capim Santo course really free?
Yes, there is no tuition fee. In addition, students get a transport allowance of 18 reais per day, so the only cost is your time.
When does the first class start in Belo Horizonte?
The first class starts on 3 September 2026. The course runs 100 hours over about two months, with classes Monday to Friday from 13:00 to 17:00.
How many places are available?
There are 50 places, split into two intakes. The two first classes are already open for registration, so apply soon.
Where exactly are the classes held?
Classes are in the Le Cordon Bleu kitchen at UniBH, on Avenida Professor Mário Werneck 1685, in Bairro Buritis, west Belo Horizonte.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Brazilian press; Instituto Capim Santo.
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