Top 15 Cooking Class in India — A Complete Guide with Schedule and Menus

Different types of cooking class

There are many types of cooking classes that you may want to choose from.

The first type is where you may visit a local market to buy fresh produce and take it to your host's home to cook. In this cooking class, you will experience local family cuisine made together with your host.

A visit to the local market with your host helps you to discover regional produce and spices before returning home to the kitchen. Your host's kitchen will already be prepared with the necessary tools to make some local dishes, such as paneer makhanwala and rajma.

A visit to the local market

Another type is an interactive cooking workshop. These classes are led by local chefs who will teach some common Indian dishes such as chutneys, curries, and parathas. Classes range from a few hours to a whole day. This is depended upon the complexity of the dishes you make.

Finally, there is a cooking vacation, where classes are held at a farm. This culinary class is perfect for those desiring a peaceful and laidback vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You will stay for about 3-4 days and enjoy daily cooking classes, as well the company of your host.

Common Indian dishes such as chutneys and curries

Recipes and menus

Within each class, you will be taught how to make different Indian cuisines. Usually, a cooking class will teach you the fundamental of Indian cooking, to Indian street food, a full course meal, or a couple of Indian delicacies.

Recipes and menus will depend on the class you attend. Some classes will consist of meat, while others will be vegetarian. Cooking styles are depended upon the regions.

If you are in Kerala, you will be cooking Keralan dishes such as Kerala Prawn Curry and Kerala Style Beef Fry. If you are in Rajasthan, you will be cooking Badam ka Halwa and Methi Bajra Puri.

Dishes are depended upon the regions

A popular schedule

A cooking class in a local home will usually follow this schedule:

• Meet at the appointed time and place.
• Visit a local market to source ingredients. The guide will explain the local produce of fresh meat, fruits, vegetables, and spices.
• Head back to the kitchen and start your culinary training.
• Enjoy the dishes with your host.

Number of people

Cooking classes can either be private or in groups. The average cooking class can accommodate 2-7 people per class. A larger group can be accommodated on request. We recommend you book a few days in advance.

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Top 15 cooking classes in India

Joining a cooking class is the best way to learn about Indian cuisines and how to cook them properly. With the abundance of classes available, you may get confused on deciding which one to choose. Here, we will introduce to you the best cooking classes in India.

1. Saffron Palate, Delhi

Saffron Palate is dedicated to introducing to its customers a slice of Indian Culture by providing them with an authentic Indian home and kitchen experience. The classes explore the culinary flavors of India.

The classes here focus on cooking street food such as aloo tiki and kebab, a full course meal, or simply a couple of staple Indian delicacies such as samosas and butter chicken. You may also request market walks and fully customized classes.

Address: Block R - 21, First Floor, Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India

Contact number: +91 99713 89993

2. Tastesutra, Delhi

Tastesutra offers a range of traditional Indian cooking classes you can sign up for, from tea treats to 5-course meals. You can also ask them for special packages if you are coming with your own group.

Tastesutra focuses on introducing clients to Indian cuisines by using corporate team building activities to create a very creative and engaging experience, building harmony in a diverse group of friends, co-workers or even relatives.

Address: Lajpat Nagar Metro Station, A-20, First Floor, Lajpat Nagar-II, (Near, Block A, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110024, India

Contact number: +91 98115 98116

3. Varq Tutorials at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi

The Taj Mahal Hotel is a luxury hotel and an iconic landmark in the bustling city of Delhi. This elegant hotel with alluring interiors and award-winning restaurants is one of the best places to try delicious Indian dishes and attend a cooking class.

The sophisticated Varq Tutorial cooking class is hosted by Grand Master Chef Hemant Oberoi. Guests will be invited to join the class and learn the methods of preparing some of the chef's specialized recipes.

Participants will learn about basic Indian ingredients along with how to use Indian spices to create aromas and keep a balance of the five senses. Once the food is prepared, you will also learn how to beautifully plate the dish.

Then, once everything is finished you can enjoy your meal with the chef. Together, you will dine on the three-course meal while the chef shares some of his cooking stories. This cooking class is conducted in the Varq Restaurant and takes around five to six hours over one day.

Address: Number One Mansingh Road, New Delhi, 110011, India

Contact number: +91-011-66513151

4. Cook with Chef Lokesh, Jaipur

A demonstration on how to cook Northern Indian food by Chef Lokesh Mathur, a professional hotel chef with decades of hotel and teaching experience.

You can decide to take a crash course or longer courses. The classes will be held at the chef's house and the meal you have made during the classes can be enjoyed with his family. You can also choose which dishes you wish to learn in advance.

Address: 33 Gyan Vihar | Nirman Nagar, Jaipur 302019, India

Contact number: + 9928097288

5. Shashi's Cooking Class, Udaipur

These classes are hosted by Shashi, her son, and her daughter-in-law. Shashi has a great reputation as being a very friendly and lively teacher. The basic cooking lessons are conducted in 4-5 hour classes a day.

In the classes, you will learn how to prepare Indian dishes such as masala chai, pakoras, parathas, chutneys, vegetable curry, vegetable pulao, and paneer. Shashi will teach you to prepare these mouthwatering dishes within minutes.

Address: 18, Gangaur Ghat Marg, Behind Jagdish Temple, Old City, Silawatwari, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India

Contact number: +91 99293 03511

6. Culinary Sojourn with the Leela Palace, Udaipur

The Leela Palace Udaipur's culinary sojourn offers an immersive gastronomic experience of Rajasthani cuisine. This luxury palace provides different levels of cooking courses from a 4-5 hour quick operation to a three-day full itinerary where guests can work closely with the hotel's chef.

The three-day itinerary starts with a discussion with an Ayurveda specialist who will suggest a healthy diet and specific food for you based on your personal Ayurvedic doshas.

You will then enjoy a wellness-inspired lunch, a refreshing glass of rose-flavored beverage, and a tea ceremony where you can taste a wide range of Indian tea blends. The first day will end with a Maharaja-like dining experience in an open kitchen, where the cooks prepare signature dishes right in front of you.

The second day begins with a lavish breakfast buffet after a yoga session. The chef will then share his ideas on the concept of "farm to table" and show you around the local market, where vegetable and fruit sellers sell all kinds of fresh produce. You will also have a chance to sample some street food and observe the hustle and bustle of the local alleys.

The afternoon is occupied by a relaxing spa experience and a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola where you can try canapes and chai. Then, guests can unwind with a selection of fine brewed liquors at the plush Library Bar.

In the evening, you will be served secret dishes that's recipes were once only prepared in the royal kitchens. Enjoy this luxurious meal in the hotel's Amrut Mahal palace while overlooking the lake.

On the third day, you will spend the morning learning how to make Masala chai, a spiced tea beverage, by mixing black tea with milk, Indian spices, and herbs. The chef will share cooking tips and recipes with you before your departure.

Address: The Leela Palace Udaipur Lake Pichola, PO Box No. 125, Udaipur 313 001, Rajasthan

Contact number: +91 (294) 670 1234

7. Spice Paradise, Jodhpur

Spice Paradise is a spice shop that is run by a kindhearted couple whose masala chai is well-known throughout Jodhpur. Aside from running a spice shop, they also hold cooking classes at their kitchen.

In the classes, you will be taught the uses of spices in creating mouthwatering dishes. They will also teach you how to make some Indian dishes using the natural and pure spices available in their stores such as biryani and chapatti.

Address: Clock Tower Rd, Rawaton Ka Bass, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001, India

Contact number: +91 94609 57995

8. Raas, Jodhpur

Raas is one of Rajasthan's most striking hotels. The luxury heritage resort in the city of Jodhpur offers cherished memories of dining in addition to the luxurious stay. The ingredients used for the food are grown at the hotel's own garden as well as fresh produce such as seasonal vegetables, salads, and herbs.

The cookery class in Raas is hosted by the resident chefs who will guide you through the Mughlai and Rajasthani cuisine. You will be taught about the ingredients and techniques involved, and they will assist you to prepare your own 4-course dinner.

Address: Tunwar ji ka Jhalra, Makrana Mohalla, Gulab Sagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001

Contact number: reservations@raasjodhpur.com, +91-291 2636455

9. Rita's Gourmet, Goa

The passionate Rita conducts her famous cooking classes at her leafy garden gazebo. The classes can range from a 2-hour session to a comprehensive 5-day workshop. She also offers a 3-day culinary and heritage tour, certified culinary courses, and cooking classes for children.

In the classes, the students are introduced to basic ingredients, taught a variety of cuisines like Spanish, Portuguese, Goan, Indian, as well as making desserts.

Address: 256, Behind Material Organisation, Adjacent to Joggers' Park, Jairamnagar, Dabolim, Mormugao, Goa 403801, India

Contact number: +91 75074 52225

10. Siolim Cooking School, Goa

The Siolim Cooking School is located across the street from the Siolim House, a beautifully restored heritage conservation building. Set amongst lush green trees, this cooking class is held inside a traditional Goan Portuguese house facing an open garden where organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs are grown.

The school provides a wide range of cooking class options. You can choose classes that include a local market visit, a raw ingredients workshop, a spice and herb lecture, a boutique hotel stay, a cooking experience, and a food tour. Participants can select courses and tailor the menus to fit their own preferences. Each guest gets their own individual stove when taking the class.

For many, the most exciting part of the class is the visit to the market to buy fresh ingredients like vegetables, prawns, and fish. Once that is complete, guests will learn to use Indian spices such as coriander, cumin seeds, dried coconut, and mixed masalas to create exotic flavors.

At the end of the class, guests can share their handmade dishes after discussing their cooking methods and views on Goan food. Led by the local cooks, most courses last three to four hours and the cost starts at around 2,500 Rupees.

Address: Aguada-Siolim road, Waddi, Siolim, Goa

Contact number: +91 8322 272 138

11. Aakriti Eco Homestay, Nilgiri Mountains, Tamil Nadu

Aakriti Homestay is located in the middle of the famous Nilgiri Tea Gardens. It is run by a professional chef and nutritionist Renu and her baking-enthusiast husband Ravi. They offer themed cooking holidays featuring vegetarian items from all over India.

Firstly, you will be taken to visit the farm, where you can pick organic fruits and vegetables. You will then be involved in a half-day cooking demonstration. The classes range from 1-5 days.

Address: Mallenahalli Old Post Office Near Devaramma Temple, Mallenahalli, Karnataka 577137, India

Contact number: www.ecohomestay.com, +91 99863 91912

12. Cooking Masala, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Cooking Masala provides a platform to understand Indian culture by cooking dishes with fresh ingredients and aromatic earthy spices. This cooking class serves up superb vegetarian cuisine, which helps in preventing heart disease and reducing the risk of cancer.

Cooking Masala focuses on giving clients a rooftop cooking experience where you can cook your own food with the help of a local chef. The chef is often praised by guests for his passion for cooking and willingness to share his depth of knowledge and recipes.

During the course, you will learn the principles of Indian cooking and even taste organic spices grown on a nearby farm.

A wide range of cooking menus are available here from northern cuisine to Rajasthani food. South Indian food is also a popular option with delicious sauces made from coconut, garlic, and chilies.

You can also take part in a street food cooking class where you can learn to make delicacies such as Paani Puri, Aloo Chat, Dahi Bhalle, Royal Kachori, and Samosas with Chutney.

Both group and private classes are available

Address: Flat No.8, Geetanjali Kunj. Near Anand Prakash Ashram Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Contact number: +91 7055 565 071

13. Nimmy Paul's Cooking School, Kochi, Kerala

Nimmy is a well-renowned professional cookery instructor and consultant. Students are able to learn a variety of traditional Syrian Christian food of Kerala in her cooking classes.

There is no fixed schedule for the classes. They are conducted according to what students want to learn. The duration of the classes can range from 3-hours to a full day.

Address: Beach Road, Kattiparambu, Kattiparambu, Mundamveli, Kochi, Kerala 682507, India

Contact number: +91 94474 34812

14. Nimi's Lip Smacking Classes, Munnar, Kerala

Nimi is an award-winning cookbook seller and culinary teacher. She has a passion for promoting authentic Keralan cuisine and thus opened up her very own cooking school in Munnar to share her exquisite cooking skills and recipes.

The menu of this course consists of traditional Kerala food which creatively uses rice, lentils, coconut, and spices. Over the class, you will learn how to use a variety of spices to infuse your dish with delicious aromas. One of the most famous dishes to lean to make is the appam, a steamed rice pancake that often contains jaggery and coconut milk and is served with vegetable stew.

If you are looking for a healthier option the sadya, a festive meal eaten during Onam and served on a banana leaf, is ideal.

The course options range from 3 hours to a full day and depend on the recipes you'd like to learn. You will also have a chance to get a free signed copy of Nimi's cookbook.

Address: SN Sadanam, next to the Government tourist information centre, A.M road , Old Munnar, Kerala

Contact number: +91 9447 330 773

15. Philipkutty's Farm, Backwaters, Kerala

The Philipkutty's Farm in Kottayam is one of Kerala's best vacation properties. For this, you will be staying in an architecturally designed waterfront villa on an island along the Kerala backwaters.

The daily cooking classes will teach you how to prepare Kerala cuisine with a predominant Christian and backwater influence, passed down from generation to generation. The recipes are made with fresh produce from the farm. You are recommended to stay at the farm for at least 3-4 days..

Address: Pallivathukal, Ambika Market P.O, Vechoor, Kottayam District, Kottayam, Kerala 686144, India

Contact number: +91 4829 275 130