Cooking class and dinner with Rekha family with full meals

Discovering Udaipur’s Flavors: Cooking with Rekha’s Family

Our review of the cooking class and dinner with Rekha’s family in Udaipur offers a glimpse into a truly local culinary experience. While we haven’t personally attended, feedback from travelers consistently highlights this tour as a standout for its authenticity, warmth, and value.

What makes this experience special? First, it’s the chance to learn vegetarian Indian dishes directly from a home cook—a rare, intimate insight into everyday Indian life. Second, the full meal served at the end isn’t just a treat; it’s a genuine taste of home. Lastly, the personalized approach and the opportunity for cultural exchange make it more than just a cooking class.

One potential downside? Since it’s a home-based experience, some travelers may prefer a more structured culinary setting, or may need to organize their own transportation, as hotel pickups aren’t included. But for those eager for an authentic, immersive experience, this is a real gem.

This tour suits foodies craving authentic home-style Indian cuisine, vegetarian travelers, and anyone interested in meeting local families and gaining a deeper understanding of everyday life in Udaipur.

Key Points

Authentic Home Experience: You’ll cook directly in a local family’s home, gaining insights into Indian daily life.
Vegetarian Focus: All dishes are meat-free, perfect for vegetarians or those exploring plant-based cuisine.
Personalized Learning: Private sessions ensure you get tailored tips and attention from your guide.
Cultural Connection: Meet the family, see their cows, and enjoy tea—these touches turn a cooking class into a memorable cultural experience.
Affordable Price: At around $14.40 per person, the value for such an authentic experience is impressive.
Convenient Inclusion: Transfers are provided from Udaipur’s city center, easing logistics.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Getting There and Setting Expectations

The tour begins at 4:00 pm, with a meeting point at Rekha’s family home on Kalaji Goraji Road in the Old City of Udaipur. The meeting logistics are straightforward, but travelers should note that hotel pickups are not included, so planning your transportation to the meeting point is essential. We found that the small group size—capped at 15—creates a warm, intimate atmosphere, ideal for engaging with your host and fellow participants.

What You’ll Do

Upon arrival, you’re greeted by your guide from India saying namaste Trips and taken into Rekha’s kitchen. The cooking session lasts approximately 3 hours, during which you’ll learn to prepare several vegetarian Indian dishes, including:

• Masala Chai (Indian Tea) – a staple morning or afternoon drink that’s fun to make.
• Potato, Onion, and Paneer Pakora – crispy, flavorful fritters perfect as snacks.
• Coriander or Mango Chutney – fresh, tangy accompaniments.
• Seasonal and Tomato Masala (curry) – rich, aromatic, and customizable.
• Vegetable Pulao – fragrant rice dish filled with vegetables and spices.
• Chapati and Paratha – the essential Indian breads, often a highlight for many.

You’ll be hands-on, chopping, mixing, and cooking side by side with Rekha or her family members. One thing that’s clear from reviews is the personalized attention—Laxman, one of the guides, actively took photos and videos throughout, so you can focus on cooking without stress.

The Meal and Cultural Touches

Once the dishes are ready, you sit down together to enjoy the meal you’ve helped prepare. The experience isn’t just about the food; it’s also about the setting. Guests mention enjoying the chance to visit the family cows and sip Indian chai, which adds layers of authenticity to the experience.

What’s especially appreciated is that the dishes are fully vegetarian—a significant plus for many travelers—and allrecipes are provided afterward, allowing you to recreate these dishes at home.

Reviews and Highlights

Multiple reviewers emphasize the quality of the host. Tracy G called Rekha an “amazing host,” praising her “experience and knowledge,” which translated into “the most delicious Indian food.” Iandorman remembers the experience as “something that will linger,” describing it as a privilege to learn in a local setting.

Elena S highlights how the guide Laxman took photos and videos, ensuring no detail was missed and that the focus remained on enjoying the process. Reinout M found it “gezellig” (cozy) and “educational,” appreciating the authentic, homemade, vegan dishes that made the experience feel genuine and heartfelt.

Practical Aspects

Price and Value

At $14.40 per person, this tour offers exceptional value. For the price, you get an intimate, hands-on cooking lesson that’s more meaningful than typical classroom-style classes. The inclusion of meals and bottled water adds to the sense of hospitality.

Duration and Group Size

The 3-hour duration strikes a good balance—enough time to cook multiple dishes, learn, and eat without feeling rushed. The small group size ensures personal attention and a comfortable atmosphere.

Accessibility and Logistics

Since transfers from Udaipur city are included, most travelers won’t need to worry about transportation if they meet at the designated spot. Still, those staying outside the city center will need to plan how to reach the meeting point.

Flexibility and Customization

The class is fully customizable, and Rekha’s family welcomes suggestions. This flexibility makes it a great fit for travelers with specific dietary needs or particular dishes they want to learn.

Authenticity and Why It Matters

This isn’t a staged cooking class in a touristy setting; it’s a real home visit. Guests frequently mention how they got a glimpse of typical Indian family life, such as visiting cows or sharing tea, which elevates the experience beyond just cooking.

The knowledge of the guides and Rekha’s own culinary expertise shine through, making each lesson both educational and enjoyable. Multiple reviews suggest that the warmth and friendliness of the family leave a lasting impression, making this a memorable cultural exchange.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Food enthusiasts who want to go beyond restaurant dishes and learn authentic Indian recipes will treasure this experience. It’s ideal for vegetarians and those interested in home-cooked meals.

It also appeals to travellers eager for culture, as it offers a glimpse into Indian family life and rural traditions without leaving Udaipur.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, affordable way to spend a few hours, this cooking class offers both education and connection with a local family.

The Sum Up

This cooking class and dinner with Rekha’s family in Udaipur is an excellent choice for those wanting a genuine taste of local life. The experience’s warmth, personalized focus, and authentic recipes make it stand out in a city full of touristy options.

Priced at just over $14, it’s hard to beat the value for a hands-on culinary adventure that also provides cultural insight. Travelers who love learning new skills, meeting locals, and enjoying hearty vegetarian food will find this experience truly rewarding.

While it’s not a guided tour with transport included, its intimate setting and authentic vibe make it a memorable highlight for anyone visiting Udaipur.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians? Yes, all dishes prepared are vegetarian, making it perfect for vegetarians or those exploring plant-based Indian cuisine.

Are transfers included? Transfers from Udaipur city are included, but hotel pickups are not. You’ll need to meet at the designated location.

How long does the class last? The cooking session lasts approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to prepare multiple dishes and enjoy the meal.

Can I request specific dishes? The class is fully customizable, and your suggestions are always welcome, allowing you to tailor the experience to your interests.

Is the experience suitable for beginners? Absolutely. The sessions are private and personalized, so beginners will find the guidance clear and supportive.

What should I eat beforehand? Since you’ll be eating what you cook, it’s best not to eat too much before the class to fully enjoy the meal.

Do I get recipes to take home? Yes, recipes are provided after the class for you to recreate your favorite dishes later.

Is there an age limit? The tour is suitable for most age groups, but children should be supervised during cooking.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, affordable way to connect with Indian culture through food, this cooking class with Rekha’s family offers a warm, flavorful, and memorable experience.