New Delhi: Full-Day Cooking Class learn 8 dishes with Locals

If you’re passionate about food and eager to uncover authentic Indian flavors, this full-day cooking class in a local Delhi home might just be your perfect match. Hosted by a warm, knowledgeable couple, this experience offers more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a genuine peek into Indian family life, culture, and culinary secrets.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to prepare 7–8 traditional dishes with expert guidance. Second, the chance to taste around 12 different foods, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, which really showcase India’s culinary diversity. Third, the flexibility to customize your menu ensures you get a personalized experience tailored to your taste.

A possible consideration? The tour involves climbing three flights of stairs — not ideal for those with mobility issues. Nevertheless, if you’re comfortable with moderate activity, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. This experience appeals most to foodies, culture lovers, and those wanting an authentic, family-style introduction to Indian cuisine in Delhi.

Key Points

• Authentic Home-Cooked Experience: Learn family recipes from local hosts in a cozy setting.
• Highly Customizable Menu: Tailor dishes to your dietary preferences and tastes.
• In-Depth Learning: Cover 7–8 dishes, with an emphasis on technique and flavor enhancement.
• Tasting Opportunities: Sample around 12 traditional Indian foods, including snacks, sides, and desserts.
• Comprehensive Day: It’s a full 12-hour immersion, starting with breakfast and ending with a celebratory dinner.
• Personalized Guidance: The hosts are attentive, sharing tips, tricks, and stories for an enriching experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Authenticity and Cultural Insight in a Home Setting

This is one of those rare opportunities where you get to see how Indian cuisine is made behind closed doors — literally. The hosts, Malika and Arunag, have been hosting these workshops for years, and their dedication shines through. They aim to share recipes their family has passed down, along with stories that make each dish more meaningful.

Arriving around 10 AM, you’ll be greeted with a warm cup of chai or coffee and a traditional Indian sweet. This initial friendly chat sets the tone for a relaxed, engaging day. The hosts invest time in understanding your flavor preferences — whether you love spicy food, prefer vegetarian, or want to include non-veg dishes — and then craft a menu that fits.

What to Expect During the Day

Morning: Kitchen Time & Lunch

By around 10:30 AM, you’ll be rolling up your sleeves for your first cooking session. The focus is on hands-on learning, with hosts demonstrating techniques like how to perfect a masala or fry a perfect puri. You’ll prepare 7–8 dishes, which may include:

• A seasonal vegetable
• Potatoes (a staple in Indian meals)
• A paneer dish
• Dal Tadka or Makhni
• Zeera rice or Puri
• Raita (flavored yogurt)
• Pickles and relishes
• A traditional Indian dessert

If you prefer non-vegetarian, that can be arranged upon request for lunch. The hosts are flexible and eager to accommodate dietary needs, which many reviewers appreciate.

After cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy the authentic vegetarian thali — a beautifully presented platter featuring multiple dishes. The quality of the food is highlighted in reviews; one guest mentioned that the recipes were “authentic, easy to follow, and incredibly flavorful.”

Afternoon: Relax & Prepare for Dinner

Post-lunch, there’s a well-deserved break — about an hour — during which you can relax, take photos, or explore the nearby neighborhood. Then, it’s back to the kitchen for light prep work like marinating meat or frying onions for dinner.

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Evening: The Grand Finale – Indian Dinner

From 4:30 PM, you’ll indulge in a tea break with masala chai, pakoras, and street snacks like chaat, which are both delicious and offer a taste of local street food culture. Then, the highlight: a home-cooked Indian dinner that includes:

• A non-veg curry of your choice (e.g., Butter Chicken, Korma, Nihari)
• A seasonal vegetable dish
• Kebabs or Tikka
• Biryani, cooked homemade style
• Two types of bread
• A traditional Indian dessert

This meal is more than just a dinner — it’s the culmination of the day’s learning and an excellent way to see how flavors come together in Indian home cooking.

Practical Details & Value

The 12-hour duration means you get a thorough introduction to multiple facets of Indian cuisine. The experience is private — ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking an intimate setting. The cost of $112 per person might seem high compared to shorter classes, but reviews suggest it’s well worth it for the depth and authenticity offered.

The hosts provide written recipes and lifelong assistance, making it easy for you to recreate these dishes at home. Plus, the customized menu approach adds significant value — you won’t be stuck with a generic syllabus but will learn dishes you genuinely want to master.

Logistics & Accessibility

The meeting point is in a Delhi neighborhood, with coordinates provided, and your host will contact you after booking to advise on transportation options. Note that climbing three flights of stairs is necessary, so if mobility is a concern, plan accordingly.

Reviews & Authentic Experiences

Reviewers consistently describe the hosts as warm, knowledgeable, and engaging. One guest from Germany mentioned how Malika and Arunag made them feel like part of the family, and others appreciated how the recipes and tips made Indian cooking accessible. Several highlight that the class is more comprehensive and longer than typical offerings, giving ample time to learn, taste, and enjoy.

Many reviewers also mention the delicious food — from pakoras to biryani — and appreciate the chance to learn tips and tricks that elevate their home cooking. The personal stories shared during the day deepen the experience, turning it into a cultural exchange rather than just a cooking lesson.

The Sum Up

This full-day Indian cooking class in Delhi offers a truly genuine taste of home-cooked Indian food. The combination of expert guidance, customizable dishes, and warm hosts ensures you’ll leave with not only new recipes but also memories of a family-style meal and cultural insight.

It’s especially suited for those who love hands-on experiences, want to learn authentic recipes, and enjoy cultural storytelling. While the physical activity involved (climbing stairs, some light prep work) might be a minor consideration, the overall value far outweighs it for most food lovers.

If you’re looking for an immersive, heartfelt culinary adventure in Delhi, this tour provides a comprehensive, authentic window into Indian home cooking you won’t find in typical restaurant classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the class can be tailored to include vegetarian dishes, and lunch often features a traditional vegetarian thali unless you request non-veg options.

Can I customize the menu?
Absolutely. The hosts discuss your food preferences beforehand and craft a menu around your interests, whether you want specific dishes like Biryani or regional specialties.

How long does the experience last?
The workshop runs for approximately 12 hours, starting around 10 AM and ending with dinner in the evening, offering an in-depth culinary journey.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for cooking — you’ll be handling ingredients and possibly getting a little messy. An apron is optional but might be helpful.

Is the workshop accessible for people with mobility issues?
Not quite — guests need to climb three flights of stairs, so it’s better suited for those without mobility impairments.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should inform the hosts about?
Yes, it’s recommended to communicate any allergies or dietary preferences in advance, as the hosts are happy to accommodate.

Do I get to eat what I cook?
Definitely. You’ll enjoy a traditional Indian thali for lunch and a special dinner that you help prepare, making it a true feast.

What kind of dishes will I learn?
A typical day includes 7–8 dishes like vegetable curries, dal, rice, bread, and desserts, with options for non-veg dishes if requested.

Will I receive recipes after the class?
Yes, all recipes are provided in written form, along with tips and tricks shared during the session, ensuring you can recreate the dishes at home.

How do I get to the meeting point?
Your host will contact you after booking to give detailed directions and suggest transportation options based on your location.

This full-day cooking workshop in Delhi offers a rare chance to learn and taste the essence of Indian home cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, you’ll walk away with new skills, delicious recipes, and unforgettable memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: